Our Corn

Jimmy Red isn’t just corn; it’s a story of survival—and the heart of everything we do.

Once nearly lost forever, this deep red heirloom corn was a Southern secret for generations, prized by bootleggers for its rich, oily germ and smooth flavor in whiskey. When the last known grower passed in the early 2000s, just two ears remained. Those ears were handed to one dedicated seed saver, who patiently brought the variety back to life. Thanks to his efforts, other growers joined in, and Jimmy Red was given a second chance.

Since then, this rare corn has been embraced by distillers, chefs, and heritage grain enthusiasts who value its deep flavor and unique traits. Its unusually large germ—the center of the kernel—delivers warm, nutty, and almost fruity notes, whether ground for grits or distilled into bourbon. And with stalks that tower 15 to 20 feet high, it stands far apart from your typical yellow corn.

Unlike modern hybrids, Jimmy Red is open-pollinated and genetically diverse. It can’t be grown just anywhere or any way. It needs isolation, attention, and intention. But when it’s cared for properly, it yields something truly special—corn with character, integrity, and a taste that speaks for itself.

At Back 40, we grow Jimmy Red where it thrives best: far from neighboring fields, surrounded by timber, pasture, and water. We nurture and harvest each crop with care, keeping the variety pure and the quality high. We’re proud to be one of the few farms in the country dedicated to preserving this extraordinary grain.

Our bourbon starts here—with corn that’s bold in color, rich in history, and full of flavor worth sharing.