Apis Mercantile x High Wire Distilling Co.
Jimmy Red Corn


Jimmy Red Corn: Revival Heirloom Grain
For nearly a century, Jimmy Red Corn was a prized crop all across the South and was well-known in bootlegger and moonshiner circles as a favored grain for mash and among farmers for its flavorful grits. Although the corn originated in Appalachia, it made its way to Charleston, SC, where it grew on many of the sea islands in the area.
Eventually, Jimmy Red Corn fell out of favor as Yellow Corn became the predominant corn varietal, and as the bootleggers and moonshiners of the days of old started to die off, so did knowledge of Jimmy Red Corn. In the early 2000s, the corn nearly went extinct when the last-known moonshiner growing the corn died. Thankfully, a couple ears of corn from the moonshiners farm were saved and given to Ted Chewning, a farmer in the Charleston area. From those two ears of corn, Ted and a contingent of people invested in the history of the heirloom grain, including famed chef Sean Brock and Charleston-based distiller Scott Blackwell, brought the grain back from the edge of obscurity.
Today, several farmers across the state of South Carolina are growing Jimmy Red Corn and its used to create grits, bourbon, and now, bourbon barrel-aged honey! We're proud to join a lengthy tradition of Southern producers utilizing Jimmy Red Corn.
High Wire Distilling Co. Bee's Knees Cocktail
bring on the boldness

add it to drinks
Ever add bourbon to more bourbon? Sounds pretty good, am I right?

booze up breakfast
Add bourbon honey to some biscuits, bacon, or toast to start your day with a little bourbon without the judgemental stares!

South in your mouth
Jimmy Red corn was prized by Southern bootleggers and moonshiners. Grown all over the Sea Islands of South Carolina, it's a true Southern tradition.

try on watermelon
Because why the hell not? Give me one good reason you couldn't put it on watermelon, and I'll eat my shoe.
what the people are saying
What a cool product! The history is so interesting, I am in love with this company and their mission!
- Scott
Jimmy Red Corn is where it's at!
- Sean B.
Add bourbon to honey? What's not to like??
- Ryan B.
Bourbon barrel-aged honey is my new go to honey!
- Jen C.
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