Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Whiskey Acres has quietly become one of the most exciting craft distilleries in the Midwest. Based in Illinois, they are true estate distillers, growing, harvesting, distilling, aging, and bottling their own grain. That level of control shows up in the glass, and their Blue Popcorn Bourbon might be one of the most unique expressions in their lineup.
This yearly release swaps traditional yellow dent corn for blue popcorn, immediately setting it apart on the shelf. It’s a bold move for a four-year bourbon, and I went into this one genuinely curious how that grain choice would shape the final product.
Using popcorn as the primary corn source isn’t common, but it is perfectly legal within bourbon guidelines. The result is a mash bill that promises sweetness but also something deeper and more textured. As an estate distillery, Whiskey Acres controls every stage of production, and that farm-to-glass approach gives this release an authenticity that few brands can match.
Age Statement: +4 Years.
ABV: 48.5%.
Mash bill: 75% blue popcorn, 15% soft red winter wheat, and 10% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Dekalb, Illinois.
Appearance: Dark amber.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The nose is layered and immediately expressive. Antique furniture and polished wood lead the way, like stepping into a well-kept cedar chest. There’s a sweet grain presence underneath it all, followed by caramel apple, toffee bits, and buttered corn. A mix of red and green apple adds brightness, while cinnamon stick and clove provide a spice note that almost tricks you into thinking there’s rye in the mash bill. Sweet vanilla and deep caramel round it out beautifully.
Taste:
The sweetness arrives first, carried by tart green apple and red apple notes. Caramel and toffee build mid-palate, with a waxy texture from the barley adding body. Cinnamon, clove, and a light herbal spice develop alongside a gentle pepperiness. The mouthfeel is oily and coating, giving the bourbon a substantial, clingy presence that lingers long after each sip.
Finish:
Long and satisfying. Apple sweetness, baking spice, and caramelized sugar remain, supported by soft oak and a subtle warmth. It drinks well above four years of age, with impressive depth for its maturity.
Final Thoughts:
This is a standout craft bourbon. The blue popcorn isn’t just a novelty; it genuinely shifts the profile into something sweeter, fruit-forward, and layered with spice. At $60–$70, it drinks above its price point and feels like a premium, experience-driven bottle rather than just another shelf bourbon.
This is the kind of release that defines what craft whiskey can be when executed properly. It doesn’t taste young. It doesn’t feel experimental for the sake of it. It feels intentional.
Rating: A- (Amazing).
Cost: $69.99 for 750ml.
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