Jimmy Red Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red Bourbon (750mL)

Limited Release | South Carolina Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 100% Heirloom Jimmy Red Corn | Benton’s Smokehouse Collaboration | Hickory-Smoked Corn | 750mL

Jimmy Red Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red Bourbon Whiskey is an extraordinary limited-release American bourbon showcasing the innovative craftsmanship of High Wire Distilling Co. and the legendary smokehouse traditions of Benton's Country Hams in Tennessee.

Crafted from 100% heirloom Jimmy Red corn, this distinctive bourbon begins with one of America's most celebrated heritage grains before undergoing an unconventional smoking process inspired by traditional Southern barbecue craftsmanship.

In collaboration with renowned smokehouse master Allan Benton, High Wire Distilling takes its prized Jimmy Red corn to Benton's famous Tennessee smokehouse, where the grain is slowly smoked over hickory wood before returning to Charleston, South Carolina, for fermentation, distillation, and maturation.

The result is a remarkable bourbon that combines the natural sweetness and creamy texture of Jimmy Red corn with the unmistakable character of authentic Southern smokehouse traditions.

Featuring captivating layers of hickory smoke, maple sweetness, graham cracker, cinnamon, tropical fruits, vanilla, and toasted oak, this exceptional whiskey delivers a truly distinctive interpretation of American bourbon.

Product Details

Brand: High Wire Distilling Co.

Expression: Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red Bourbon

Producer: High Wire Distilling Co.

Collaboration: Benton's Country Hams / Allan Benton

Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Origin: Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Grain: 100% Heirloom Jimmy Red Corn

Smoking Process: Traditional Hickory Smokehouse Smoking

Smokehouse Location: Madisonville, Tennessee

Maturation: New Charred American Oak Barrels

ABV: Varies by Release — 45% or 47.5%

Bottling Proof: Varies by Release — 90 or 95 Proof

Bottle Size: 750mL

Availability: Limited Release

Flavor Profile: Hickory Smoke, Maple, Graham Cracker, Cinnamon, Tropical Fruit, Vanilla & Toasted Oak

High Wire Distilling — Reviving America's Heritage Grains

Founded in 2013 by Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Co. is a pioneering craft distillery located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Known for its dedication to agricultural heritage, traditional grain varieties, and innovative whiskey production, High Wire has become particularly celebrated for its work with Jimmy Red corn, a historic Southern grain that was once nearly lost.

Jimmy Red is a distinctive, deep-red heirloom corn variety traditionally grown in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Recognizing its exceptional flavor potential, High Wire partnered with local farmers and agricultural researchers to help restore the grain and establish a sustainable supply for whiskey production.

Unlike conventional bourbon mash bills that combine corn with rye, wheat, or malted barley, High Wire's signature Jimmy Red bourbon is crafted entirely from this remarkable heritage corn.

The resulting whiskey is celebrated for its rich texture, natural sweetness, and distinctive flavor complexity.

Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red Bourbon takes this commitment to traditional Southern ingredients even further by incorporating one of the region's most iconic culinary techniques: authentic smokehouse smoking.

The Benton’s Smokehouse Collaboration

The defining characteristic of Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red Bourbon is its extraordinary collaboration with Allan Benton, the legendary artisan behind Benton's Country Hams in Madisonville, Tennessee.

Benton is widely recognized for producing some of America's most celebrated country hams and smoked bacon using traditional curing and slow-smoking methods.

Inspired by the rich aromas and flavors of Southern smokehouses, High Wire Distilling partnered with Benton to explore how smoke could influence bourbon at the grain level.

Rather than introducing smoke through barrel finishing or adding smoky flavor after distillation, the team developed a process in which Jimmy Red corn is smoked before the whiskey is produced.

For the original release, approximately 5,000 pounds of Jimmy Red corn were placed in traditional ham bags and hung inside Benton's smokehouse alongside his famous cured meats.

The grain was exposed to hickory smoke for approximately one week, absorbing the distinctive aromatic character of the smokehouse.

Following this process, the smoked corn was transported back to Charleston, where High Wire completed fermentation, distillation, and barrel maturation.

This unusual approach allows smoke to become an integral part of the bourbon's character rather than simply a finishing influence.

What Makes Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red Bourbon Special?

Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red Bourbon stands apart from traditional American whiskey because of its combination of rare heritage grain, authentic smokehouse smoking, and carefully controlled bourbon production.

Its mash bill consists entirely of heirloom Jimmy Red corn, producing the naturally creamy texture and rich sweetness that distinguish High Wire's signature bourbon.

The corn's extended exposure to hickory smoke introduces a savory aromatic dimension rarely encountered in conventional Kentucky or Tennessee bourbons.

Unlike heavily peated Scotch whiskies, where smoke typically comes from peat used during malt drying, Benton's Smoked Jimmy Red derives its smoky character from traditional American hardwood smoke.

This creates a distinctive flavor experience combining the sweetness of bourbon with the savory complexity of Southern barbecue traditions.

Notes of maple, vanilla, graham cracker, and tropical fruit complement the pronounced smokehouse aromas, while cinnamon and oak spice provide additional structure.

The result is an adventurous yet balanced whiskey that celebrates the intersection of Southern agriculture, culinary heritage, and American distilling innovation.

Why You'll Love It

• Limited-release craft bourbon from High Wire Distilling

• Unique collaboration with legendary smokehouse master Allan Benton

• Crafted from 100% heirloom Jimmy Red corn

• Produced in Charleston, South Carolina

• Corn traditionally smoked in Tennessee before distillation

• Authentic hickory-smoked grain character

• Distinctive Southern smokehouse aromas

• Rich maple and graham cracker sweetness

• Layers of cinnamon, vanilla, and tropical fruit

• Creamy, full-bodied Jimmy Red corn texture

• Matured in new charred American oak barrels

• Unique alternative to traditional bourbon and peated Scotch

• Excellent choice for adventurous whiskey enthusiasts

• Fascinating addition to a craft bourbon collection

• Ideal for fans of smoked whiskey and Southern barbecue traditions

How to Enjoy

Neat: Serve in a Glencairn glass to experience the whiskey's distinctive hickory smoke aromas, creamy texture, and layered sweetness.

With Water: Add a few drops of still water to reveal additional notes of vanilla, maple, and tropical fruit while softening the smoky intensity.

On the Rocks: Enjoy over a large ice cube for a slightly chilled expression that balances the bourbon's smoky character with its natural corn sweetness.

Smoked Old Fashioned: Combine with a small amount of maple syrup, aromatic bitters, and an orange twist to create a rich cocktail that complements the whiskey's distinctive smokehouse character.

Comparative Tasting: Sample alongside High Wire's original Jimmy Red Bourbon to explore how smoking the grain before distillation influences aroma, flavor, and texture.

Food Pairings: Pairs exceptionally well with smoked brisket, barbecue pork ribs, Benton’s country ham, smoked bacon, grilled ribeye, roasted pecans, aged cheddar, maple-glazed meats, and dark chocolate.