b'Netherys discovery of heirloom tomatoes sparked an idea. When I found heirloom tomatoes, they had this amazing, nostalgic flavor, she says. I realized that if heirloom veg-etables could deliver that kind of taste, then heirloom corn could too. Her instincts proved correct. Early experiments with Bloody Butcher corn revealed a flavor profile so unique that even local wildlife took notice. Wed see deer lounging in the yellow corn fields, but theyd get up and go eat the Bloody Butcher, she said. If the deer wanted it, I wanted it too.However, growing and processing heirloom varieties is challenging. She says Bloody Butcher stalks get so tall they often fall over in storms. They also lose a portion of the crop to wildlife. The deer, squirrels and raccoons love it as much as people do.Despite hurdles, Nethery remains committed to heirloom corn. Its worth it for the flavor, she said. Its what makes our bour-bon unique.Jeptha Creeds experimentation doesnt stop at Bloody Butcher corn. Their Red, White and Blue Bourbon blends heirloom varieties to create a spirit that celebrates their agricultural roots and honors veterans. We use Bloody Butcher, Hickory King white corn, and Bruces Blue, Nethery says. Its our way of tying our craft to history and giving back to the community.When it comes to the role of seed breeders in the spirits indus-try, Nethery has a clear request: dont lose sight of flavor. Theres been so much emphasis on yield and efficiency, butJoyce Nethery pulls the bung on a barrel of Jeptha Creed Bourbon. Id like to see more attention on maintaining and enhancing flavor,PHOTO: JEPTHA CREED DISTILLERY. she said. The varietal of corn makes a difference in bourbon, just like the varietal of grapes does in wine. Above left: Jeptha Creed combines Bloody Butcher, Hickory King Her respect for heirloom varieties remains. Id hate to lose thewhite corn and Bruces Blue corn for their Red, White and Blue flavor to get shorter, easier-to-harvest stalks, she says. That flavorbourbon offering which pays tribute to those who served in the connects us to our grandparents, to history. Its worth protecting. military. The limited release hits the store on Veterans Day each year.PHOTO: JEPTHA CREED DISTILLERY. Connecting the Grain to the GlassAs bourbon consumers become more interested in where their products come from, initiatives like the Estate Whiskey AllianceMiracle adds. Its more than just a labelits a connection to the are gaining traction. This program ensures that at least 75% ofland and the people who cultivate it.a bourbons grain is grown on land owned or leased near the distillery. (Read more about the EWA on page 18) Innovation and Tradition in Bourbons FutureIts about connecting consumers with the origin of theirAs bourbon continues to evolve, corns remains at its core. From bourbon, DeBolt explains. Think of it as bourbons version ofHomesteads precise cultivation of non-GMO hybrids to Jeptha Napa Valley wine terroir. Creeds heirloom experiments, the industry balances innovation For Jeptha Creed, the alliances values align perfectly withwith tradition to deliver the highest quality spirits.their ground-to-glass philosophy.While corn breeding for bourbon remains an underexplored All our corn is grown within 10 miles of the distillery, Netheryarea, DeBolt sees untapped potential in breeding corn specifically says. The certification adds trust and authenticity to what we do. for bourbon. Homestead Family Farms also recognizes the growing con- Breeding corn for specific traits like flavor or regional unique-sumer interest in authenticity.ness is a fascinating idea, but its a long game, he says. Youd People want to know the story behind their bourbon,need at least a decade just to test how a variety might influence 16/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2025'