In all honesty, Corn Whiskey is my least favorite whiskey spirit. I am reminded of “underage” punches or drinks made with “Everclear” and all night binge escapades! Even then, I did not care for the drink and kept clear, but I have aged, and I am now exploring whiskey to appreciate it instead of for the effect, so I can not ignore this style anymore. While I have had previous experiences with corn whiskey (see my post about the 2012 Colorado Distillers Festival), this is my first time focusing on it specifically for a tasting session. So let us see if my opinion of this whiskey has changed! And might I add, I chose this particular entry because of the packaging! Moonshiners be praised!
picture take from www.liquorama.net
Whiskey: Platte Valley
Complexity: Easy
Type: 100% Straight Corn Whiskey; selected and bottled by McCormick Distilling Co. Weston, MO; distilled in Kentucky; 40% ABV; aged 3 years; Batch 226; bottled on April 2, 2012
Appearance: definite Chardonnay in color with medium moving tears which are just as thick
Aroma: simple, straight forward, and young. When nosing this I think state fair. Butter-butter-butter. Yes butter is heavy in this drink. As I let the whiskey permeate my nose other elements begin to show themselves. Sweetness starts to take character and mixes with the butter giving a prevalent butterscotch aroma. The softer sweet smells also bring out genuine corn and corn stock aromas. Inescapable is the alcohol and soon it makes a play for my attention giving me medical rubbing pads and a surprising vinegar smell. And then its done, ending very quickly.
Taste: I am first taken with the mouth feel. The oiliness comes through in a big way. Mind you, it is not like the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac but it is the first thing I notice. As time is spent, flavors become clear and the simple, straight froward and young all are revisited in the mouth. Taking center stage is the flavor of corn. Butter, which was so prevalent in the nose, has backed away and now mixes with corn giving a nice fresh buttered corn on the cob savoriness. This whiskey has a sweet element to it not turning too acerbic and to my surprise popcorn does not show through! This very much stays fresh kernel and never goes to the popped kind.
With Water: the only noticeable difference is that the buttered corn flavor is brought out more. I know, usually this part is longer, but water did not do much for this one.
Finish: disappointingly short. I mean really short. Heavy corn, a bit warming, and then it is gone. I almost feel like I am letting the reader down by not coming up with anything more to say, but if I said any more, I would not be telling the truth.
Verdict: Never Again
I am glade for this experience. It has changed my opinion of straight corn whiskey and I now believe there could be an example of this spirit I will appreciate, but it is not this one. The most attractive aspect to this sample is the packaging, and it is a great display item. I will also admit this could be a good mixer, and at its price-point it could actually do well in that capacity, but my blog is about sipping whiskeys and this one falls way short. If you are looking for something to put on the shelf, then by all means, grab a bottle but do not expect a great time finishing it off!
friendlywhiskey.com 
good review, i tried this today and generally agree
Finishing up my bottle.. agree especially with the last line… Never again
disagree, I’ve never been much for American whiskers more of a single malt switch guy, but there is something about the smoothness of this “shine” with a cold beer that has changed my mind on the “corn”iness of the south.
That’s and interesting combo, what beer do you like to have with it? I’d like to try that!
can I buy this in Australia any one ??
I’ve contacted a couple friends in Australia and they haven’t seen it but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. I’m still inquiring and if I find anything out I’ll post it up ASAP!
thank you so much
all so I was looking at there rum range thank you again
shane
hi wa just wondering if you had any luck as yet cheers
I have and I haven’t. I spoke with a distributer here and I got referenced to their website. The website only listed distribution into the United States, nothing about outside the country. As of yet, I haven’t sent the company a request for distribution information.
Thank you so much for all the trouble you are going to for us
Shane and Mel
Ok, here’s what I have. Response from the company was to speak to my local distributer to see if we could get into my state…not exactly the response I was expecting. After a follow up email I was referenced again to talk with my local distributer. After talking with a distributer they had no knowledge about getting this whiskey into New Zealand or Australia. So, I wish I had an answer for you, but at this time I don’t. Now I’m very curious, if you guy see some show up please let me know.
I’ve had this whiskey and I generally agree with your review. I’ve had lots of corn whiskeys, some of them good but most of them aren’t good at all. The best one I had was a clear corn whiskey and it was made with smoked corn. It was incredible! The only bad part was that it was only distributed in ONE state.
That being said. I made my own version of smoked corn whiskey and after many different attempts I distilled an awesome smoked corn whiskey that people absolutely love. Something about the smoked corn makes it very smooth. If you ever come by a smoked corn whiskey, definitely give it a try.
thanks but I would love to buy a bottle or two just for the name sake do you know where I would be able to grab a couple of bottles A
cheers
Loved it. Next to some 190 proof (illegal) made in Selmer, TN, ( yeah that Selmer) it is just what I expect. Pure, clean, smooth.
I am wondering if I can buy a jug bottle of McCormick corn whiskey and have it shipped to Queensland Australia does anyone know of anyone that does this thanks cheers All
I’ve seen a bunch of the bottles for sale on EBay. Since they do not have alcohol in them shipping is really easy and shouldn’t be too expensive if they are coming from the US to Australia.
Thanks there old mate I am trying to grab a couple of full bottles or jugs as I am keen to give it a go to see what it taste like A cheers mate thanks heaps for the reply