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Grains of Truth: High Wire Distillery’s Jimmy Red Bourbon Redefines Southern Spirits

By James Seidel | CC News Network

CHARLESTON, S.C., — Jimmy Red Bourbon – In a sun-soaked warehouse in Charleston, South Carolina, something special is happening — not just in the bottle, but in the soil, in the history books, and in the hearts of those reviving a nearly extinct red corn varietal with a storied past. Scott Blackwell, co-founder of High Wire Distillery, isn’t just making whiskey — he’s building a movement rooted in agricultural integrity and authentic Southern storytelling.

And it all starts with a grain: Jimmy Red corn.

A Red Corn Revival

Jimmy Red isn’t just a clever name, derived from the famous James Island. It’s a dent corn, once nearly lost to history, that’s been brought back to life by chefs, farmers, and now, distillers like Blackwell. Its deep crimson kernels carry a complexity that industrial corn can’t touch — earthy, nutty, with layers of fruit, spice, and minerality.

“We started with food before we ever thought about spirits,” says Blackwell, who previously ran a natural foods company. “When we pivoted to distilling, it was about putting our hands back into something craft. We wanted to tell a story from the ingredient forward.”

With help from Glenn Roberts of Anson Mills and Dr. Brian Ward at Clemson, Blackwell and his wife Ann planted two test acres of Jimmy Red in 2014. They now manage 570 acres under contract across South Carolina — a long way from hand-harvested beginnings. But the passion for preservation hasn’t faded.

What it told them was surprising. Distilled on its own — without wheat or rye — Jimmy Red produced a spirit so layered and complex that tasters often assumed it had been blended with other grains. “Even Julian Van Winkle thought there was wheat or rye in it,” Blackwell recalls. “It was 100% corn.”

Jimmy Red 7-Year Wheated Bourbon: A South Carolina Signature

The crown jewel of High Wire’s lineup — and arguably one of the most distinct bourbons in America — is their Jimmy Red 7-Year Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, a $129.99 bottle that often sells out before it even hits the shelf.

This limited release blends age, patience, and that one-of-a-kind corn into something deep, rich, and rounded. The wheated expression brings out soft notes of vanilla, toasted grain, and subtle fruit, carried by the natural oiliness of the corn. It’s a bourbon for connoisseurs, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the value of true provenance.

“We didn’t set out to be 100% Jimmy Red,” says Blackwell. “But every time we blended it with wheat or rye, people still picked the pure Jimmy Red as the better whiskey.”

That “thing” — the point of difference — is what renowned whiskey consultant Dave Pickerell (of Maker’s Mark and WhistlePig) challenged them to find early on. “He told us, ‘You can’t out-Maker Maker’s Mark.’ You’ve got to go deeper,” says Blackwell. “And that’s what we did.”

Whiskey with a Sense of Place

For Blackwell and Marshall, distilling is about more than alcohol — it’s about place, history, and agriculture. That mindset has led them to become one of the most agriculturally focused distilleries in the country. Every grain is carefully selected, grown locally, and distilled in-house.

They’ve experimented with white and yellow heirloom corn, Abruzzi Rye, and even sorghum from Tennessee. But Jimmy Red remains the star. “It’s a mutt of a corn,” Blackwell explains. “It’s not uniform. It’s got character. It’s adapted to this soil, this climate, this place. It’s ours.”

And like wine, the whiskey changes slightly with each season — reflecting weather, soil conditions, and harvest timing. “We look at our whiskey like winemakers do,” he adds. “It’s about vintage, variety, and expression.”

Innovation Beyond Bourbon

While Jimmy Red bourbon anchors their portfolio, High Wire’s creative range extends to rye whiskey, fruit brandies, gin, and vodka. One standout is their peach brandy, made using one of 56 varieties of peaches from South Carolina’s Ridge Springs area.

Peach brandy, once considered “America’s Cognac,” had all but disappeared from the market. “We brought it back because it tells another South Carolina story,” says Blackwell. “And because it tastes amazing.”

Each spirit is a chance to explore new flavors — and every ingredient is chosen with care. Whether it’s rye from local feed crops or watermelons hand-cut in the distillery, the result is always uniquely High Wire.

Farming Forward

High Wire’s team works directly with farmers — and pays five to seven times the commodity rate for their crops. “We want them to care about the corn like we do,” says Blackwell. “This isn’t just about yields. It’s about flavor.”

That approach has made them national leaders in grain-to-glass spirits. Their commitment to quality farming and environmental stewardship is part of what makes each bottle so rare — and so worth the price.

@crimeandcask Straight outta Charleston, this ain’t your average bourbon. Meet Jimmy Red — the heirloom grain with a history, aged 7 years and smooth as a Southern breeze. Distilled by High Wire, rooted in soil, soul, and serious flavor. Pour one, and taste the Lowcountry legacy. #JimmyRedBourbon #CharlestonWhiskey #HighWireDistilling #CraftBourbon #CCNewsNetwork #SouthernSips #BourbonTok #HeirloomGrain #crimeandcask #charleston #charlestonsc #bourbon #dariusrucker #fyp ♬ Low Country – Darius Rucker

Telling the Story in Every Sip

Whether you’re sipping the classic Jimmy Red Bottled in Bond ($79.99), the elegant Sherry Finish ($69.99), or the flagship 7-Year Wheated Bourbon, High Wire’s spirits speak of place, patience, and pride. Prices may vary at retailers.

“This isn’t just about what’s in the glass,” says Blackwell. “It’s about who we are. It’s about telling a story that matters — and tasting something real.”

Labeling with a Love

At High Wire Distilling Co., every bottle of Jimmy Red Bourbon is meticulously bottled and labeled by hand, reflecting the distillery’s commitment to craftsmanship. In the heart of their Charleston facility, a small team carefully fills, corks, and seals each bottle before attaching handwritten tags, ensuring every step maintains the authenticity of their grain-to-glass philosophy. The process is intimate, deliberate, and a true labor of love—each bottle carrying not just the spirit inside, but the hands-on dedication that makes High Wire’s whiskey one of a kind.

The High Wire Distilling Co. Tasting Room: A True Charleston Experience

Nestled in the heart of Charleston, SC, High Wire Distilling Co. offers a warm and inviting tasting room where guests can sip on their handcrafted spirits while learning about the distillery’s grain-to-glass process. The tasting room embodies the company’s commitment to agriculture, craftsmanship, and innovation, providing an intimate setting where whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike can experience High Wire’s award-winning spirits firsthand.

Tasting Room Hours & Offerings

High Wire’s tasting room is open to the public for tours, tastings, and craft cocktails on the following days:

Thursday – Saturday (prime hours for walk-in guests)
VIP & Private Tours available upon request

Visitors can choose between guided tastings, curated whiskey flights, or full cocktails at the bar. Whether you’re there to sample a single-barrel Jimmy Red Bourbon or explore their Southern-inspired cocktails, there’s something for every palate.

Signature Spirits & Flights

High Wire’s menu includes a rotating selection of whiskey flights as well as individual spirit tastings. Some highlights include:

Whiskey Flights:

Jimmy Red Bourbon Flight – Classic, Bottled in Bond, Single Barrel
Intro to High Wire – A mix of Abruzzi Rye, Jimmy Red Bourbon, Hat Trick Gin, and Southern Amaro

Craft Cocktails:

Brooklyn – Sherry-finished Jimmy Red Bourbon, Southern Amaro, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters
Pearl of Wisdom – Hat Trick Gin, pear-vanilla shrub, house rosé vermouth, allspice
Penicillin – Abruzzi Rye, ginger, honey, lemon

A Menu Rooted in Southern Tradition

Unlike many distilleries, High Wire has a full-service food menu, inspired by local Southern flavors and designed to complement their spirits. Some standout dishes include:

Lowcountry Boil Popcorn – Old Bay, shrimp dust
Pimento Cheese – House-made pickles, lavash crackers
Crispy Chicken Sliders – Jimmy Red cornmeal fried chicken, garlic dill pickles, spicy mayo

Pimento Cheese & Crackers – The crackers are made from spent distillery grains, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Butterbean Hummus – Crafted from butter beans grown by a local farmer in Cameron, SC, paired with house-made crackers.

“We use butter beans, lady peas, pink-eyed peas, and Texas creamers, all locally grown,” Blackwell says. “It’s all about keeping it fresh and connected to our community.”

For a true taste of High Wire’s heritage, don’t miss the Jimmy Red Cornbread—made with their signature corn, whipped sorghum butter, and 24-month-aged country ham.

Rare & Seasonal Spirits: Peach Brandy & Watermelon Brandy

High Wire doesn’t just stop at whiskey. Their fruit brandies highlight their deep ties to South Carolina’s agricultural roots.

Peach Brandy – Distilled from July Prince Peaches sourced from Titan Farms in Ridge Springs, SC, this single-barrel brandy is a nod to the historic peach brandies of early America. Rich, aromatic, and velvety, it’s an elegant spirit that revives a nearly lost tradition.

Watermelon Brandy – A rare expression made only every two to three years, using 8,000 pounds of hand-cut South Carolina watermelons. Unlike whiskey, this delicate spirit isn’t aged in barrels but rests for a year before release, allowing its bright, fruity character to shine.

An Unforgettable Visit in Charleston, South Carolina

Whether you’re there for a deep dive into Jimmy Red Bourbon, an experimental fruit brandy, or simply a great cocktail in a welcoming space, High Wire Distilling Co. offers a tasting experience like no other in Charleston. We highly recommend a visit when you’re in town, or if you’re local. If you can’t get to Charleston, ask your local liquor store if they can get it, you will be glad you did.