Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon Whiskey Review.


    There’s something about Whiskey Acres that’s really grabbed me in 2024. Maybe it’s their dedication to true grain-to-glass craft, or maybe it’s that they keep dropping bottles like this—bold, unusual, and somehow still grounded. Based in DeKalb, Illinois, Whiskey Acres isn’t just distilling and aging their own spirits, they’re growing the grain themselves. That kind of vertical integration is rare, and it shows in the spirits. This particular release, their Blue Popcorn Bourbon, is one of their annual limited runs. And yes, it’s made with actual blue popcorn, just because it’s bourbon doesn’t mean the corn has to be conventional. 
  
    I've had just one other release using "popcorn grade corn" from Journeyman distillery, and it ended up taking the top bourbon of 2022 for me with how amazing it was. Now, for them it was just using standard popcorn...well corn. So I am really interested to see how the blue popcorn changes things up!


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/vaUncYsyGis

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:
    It’s an antique shop in the best way, well-kept wood, a bit of shellac, maybe a cedar chest in the corner. Underneath that, there’s this wave of warm sweetness: caramel apple rolled in crushed nuts, toffee shards, and a touch of buttered sweet corn. There’s even a note that’s almost rye-like, sharp, spicy, herbal, even though there's no rye in the mash. A beautiful balance of old-wood warmth and unexpected sweetness.


Taste:
    It starts bright and sweet, green apple tartness and a rush of caramel, like biting into a candy-coated apple at a fall festival. Then comes the spice: cinnamon stick, a little clove, and this lovely peppery warmth that keeps the sip lively. That waxiness from the barley gives it texture, a kind of cling that lets the toffee and fruit notes hang on. There’s some herbal depth too, almost like cedar smoke or a wood-burning kit. Sweet, spiced, and just a bit earthy.


Finish:
    Long, warming, and layered. The apple and toffee combo keeps going, blending with soft oak and spice. It has this homemade caramel note, dark, rich, and just shy of burnt, that really ties everything together. The finish lingers with a lovely sweetness and a dry, woody snap at the very end.


Final Thoughts: 
    This is a whiskey that knows exactly what it wants to be, bold, craft-forward, and unforgettable. Blue popcorn may sound like a novelty, but the result is anything but. It’s sweet, complex, and full of character, easily one of my favorite pours from Whiskey Acres so far. If you’re into craft whiskey or looking for something truly off the beaten path, this bottle’s a must-try. It doesn’t drink like a four-year-old. In fact, it drinks like a promise of what’s to come. Give this a few more years in the barrel and we might be looking at something even more exceptional, but even now, it’s a standout.


Rating: A- (Amazing).

Cost: $69.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/vaUncYsyGis

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

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