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A Nearly Extinct Bootlegger's Corn Gets a Second Shot (2018)

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Re: A Nearly Extinct Bootlegger's Corn Gets a Second Shot (2018)

#2

Post by chiph »

I bought a bottle of Jimmy Red bourbon from High Wire for a coworker (I got super lucky - it was one of maybe a dozen left), and he reported that it had a lot of flavor -- very natural tasting, and not like anything that comes out of a production distillery.

As much as Tito deserves his success, calling his vodka "handcrafted" is a major stretch when you've got a spirit like this that has true heritage behind it.

Re: A Nearly Extinct Bootlegger's Corn Gets a Second Shot (2018)

#3

Post by breput »

Maize has more human induced genetic diversity than any higher order organism.

There are many "heritage" maize varieties grown for various reasons - my favorite is a type of popcorn that grows very small kernels (search for "tinybutmighty popcorn").

That said, this seems like mostly an advertisement for a brand of bourbon whiskey. Most of the specialty maize varieties have a similar origin story, usually with some drama about the "last owner" or "one field left".

Re: A Nearly Extinct Bootlegger's Corn Gets a Second Shot (2018)

#6

Post by seven4 »

"The last known bootlegger growing the corn died, and the corn almost died with him. Two ears were rescued from his plot and gifted to celebrated local farmer and seed saver Ted Chewning, with the suggestion that he grow it out for his hogs."

I'm sure the corn is indifferent... but from a genetic survival/propagation-games perspective something about a guy called Ted being chief savior tickles me. What lore would the corn write about Ted if it could. What commandments would Ted put forth.

Ted 10-17: thou shalt save the forgotten seed.

Re: A Nearly Extinct Bootlegger's Corn Gets a Second Shot (2018)

#7

Post by stevespang »

chiph wrote: post #2

I bought a bottle of Jimmy Red bourbon from High Wire for a coworker (I got super lucky - it was one of maybe a dozen left), and he reported that it had a lot of flavor -- very natural tasting, and not like anything that comes out of a production distillery. As much as Tito deserves his success, calling his vodka "handcrafted" is a major stretch when you've got a spirit like this that has true heritage behind it.

Tito's still post billboards about being Texas Handcrafted and other BS.

He actually sold out to a big distillery years ago, it's all just marketing lies now.

Re: A Nearly Extinct Bootlegger's Corn Gets a Second Shot (2018)

#9

Post by robbseaton »

ketamine__ wrote: post #8

I'm growing bloody butcher corn in my garden. It looks similar. I have a ton of seeds if anyone would like some.

Hey, I love to trade seeds! I've got all sort of hot peppers. E-mail me at robb at rs dot io ? Other HNers welcome, too.
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