Old 55 Distillery Single Barrel Cask Strength Sweet Corn Bourbon Whiskey Review.

    

    Old 55 Distillery is a small craft operation tucked away in Newtown, Indiana, just south of Lafayette, and they’ve built a name for themselves by doing something very few dare to try, making bourbon with 100% sweet corn. I’ve crossed paths with a few of their spirits before and have always respected the level of care they bring to the table: all distilling, aging, and bottling is done in-house, with a heavy emphasis on local grains. Their Bottled-in-Bond Sweet Corn Bourbon is the bottle most people around here know, but this release, a single barrel, cask strength version, was something I’d only ever seen at the Market District in Carmel, Indiana. 

    Sweet corn isn’t just a novelty for Old 55, it’s an expensive, labor-intensive choice. A bushel of the common yellow dent corn runs about $4 (2020 prices), but the sweet corn they use costs over $1,000 for roughly the same weight. Even more challenging, the yields are smaller. From a 2,000-pound mash, they only get about 20 gallons of whiskey. It takes them seven weeks to distill and fill just nine barrels. That kind of production scale, coupled with the grain cost, makes the bottle’s high price tag easier to understand, even if it’s still a stretch for most wallet

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/bZATY-ZgLF8.

Age Statement: N/A.

ABV: 62.4%. (Single Barrel & Barrel Proof).

Mash bill: 100% Indiana Sweet Corn.

Area of Distillation: Newton, Indiana.

Appearance: Golden Mahogany.


On the nose:

    The first impression is unabashedly warm, with the cask strength ABV making itself known. Sweet, buttery corn leads the way, grilled and rich, without a hint of youthfulness. Maple candy sweetness folds into caramel, dark brown sugar, and gentle barrel char. There’s a waxy, almost oily density to the aroma, layered with subtle floral notes. Despite the warmth, it’s refined and well-integrated, suggesting a maturity beyond its years.

Taste:

    The texture is remarkable, thick, oily, and mouth-coating. Sweet corn butteriness melds with ribbons of caramel and brown sugar, underscored by a robust char. A faint tartness, like green apple, flits through, along with cinnamon stick spice and a light peppery kick. Hints of sweet, earthy tobacco give it depth, while a savory, almost bacon-like char note adds intrigue. The ABV heat is well-behaved after the first sip, letting the flavors shine.

Finish:

    Medium in length, with maple sweetness lingering alongside charred oak and spice. While I wish it held on just a touch longer, it leaves a memorable impression, like the echo of a big breakfast with pancakes, bacon, and maple syrup.

Final Thoughts: 

    Old 55’s single barrel cask strength sweet corn bourbon is a statement piece—both in flavor and in price. The $300 tag is steep, but understanding the immense cost and labor that go into producing it lends a measure of respect. The craftsmanship, oil-rich texture, and unique grain character make it one of the most distinct craft bourbons I’ve had. I’d love to know its exact age and to see what more time in the barrel could do, but as it stands, it’s a beautifully executed release. It's testament to what Indiana can produce when it decides to break the mold.

Rating: -A (Amazing).

Cost: $299.99 for 700ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/bZATY-ZgLF8.

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