Here's something that trips up even seasoned whiskey drinkers: Hirsch Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey isn't a bourbon. I know, the label says Kentucky, it says straight, and your brain fills in the rest. But corn whiskey is its own legal category under American whiskey law, and the distinction matters more than you might think. To qualify as corn whiskey, the mashbill must be at least 80% corn — compared to bourbon's minimum of 51%. That extra corn changes everything about the spirit's character.
The other big difference is the barrel. Bourbon must go into new charred oak. Corn whiskey can be aged in used or uncharred barrels, which means the wood influence is softer, less aggressive. You're tasting more of the grain itself rather than the caramel and vanilla that heavy char provides. It's a fundamentally different philosophy — letting the raw ingredient speak rather than dressing it up.
Hirsch bottles this at 45% ABV, which is a smart choice. It's got enough weight to carry flavour without the heat that higher proofs can bring to a lighter-bodied spirit. The NAS designation means we don't know exactly how long this spent in barrel, but given that it carries the "straight" designation, we know it's been aged a minimum of two years under federal regulations. That's enough time for a corn-heavy spirit to pick up some structure without losing the sweet, grain-forward quality that defines the category.
At around £55.95, this sits in interesting territory. You're paying a premium over basic corn whiskeys, but you're getting a straight whiskey from Kentucky with a respected name on the label. Without a confirmed distillery, we don't know exactly who's making the juice — contract distilling is common in this space and isn't necessarily a negative. What matters is what's in the glass.
Tasting Notes
I won't fabricate specific notes I don't have documented, but I can tell you what the category promises. Expect a sweeter, more approachable profile than most bourbons. That high corn content typically delivers buttery sweetness, a clean grain character, and a lighter body. Without heavy char influence, you're likely looking at subtle wood notes rather than the big oak and spice you'd get from a bourbon barrel. Think cornbread, gentle sweetness, and a clean finish.
The Verdict
I'm giving Hirsch Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey a 7.8 out of 10. It's a genuinely interesting bottle that earns its place on a shelf crowded with bourbons and ryes precisely because it isn't trying to be either. Corn whiskey is an underappreciated category, and Hirsch presents it with enough polish and proof to be taken seriously. If you're the kind of drinker who wants to understand what different grains actually contribute to whiskey — and you should be — this is an education in a glass. The price is fair for a straight Kentucky whiskey, and it fills a gap that most collections are missing.
Best Served
This is a whiskey I'd reach for when making a Whiskey Sour. The naturally sweet, grain-forward profile pairs beautifully with fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup — the corn sweetness means you can back off the sugar and let the whiskey do some of the heavy lifting. Two ounces of the Hirsch, three-quarters ounce fresh lemon, half ounce simple syrup, and a egg white if you like body. Shake it hard, double strain, and you've got a Sour that actually tastes like whiskey rather than just citrus and sugar. Equally good neat at room temperature if you want to appreciate the grain character on its own terms.
