Whiskey competition toasts corn

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Corn Marketing Council and 18 other state corn marketing associations promoted new corn products during the Heartland Whiskey Competition.

“Indiana’s corn checkoff works to find creative ways to promote new uses of corn in a growing market,” said 2023 ICMC President Paul Hodgen, a farmer from Roachdale, Indiana.

“We’re happy to support the whiskey competition. With this competition, ICMC is reaching a nontraditional audience and educating them on alternate uses of corn. This project helps ICMC bridge the gap between farmers and consumers on the multiple uses of corn and the quality and sustainability of its production in Indiana.”

The competition is a biennial contest that is sanctioned and supervised by the American Craft Spirits Association.

The 2023 Best in Indiana Winner was Hugh Hamer Straight Bourbon Rum Finish Cask Strength, crafted by the West Fork Whiskey Co. of Westfield, Ind.

West Fork Whiskey was launched in 2015 in downtown Indianapolis. The brand features 100% Indiana-grown grain.

“We started West Fork Whiskey to share our interpretation of America’s native spirit with the world,” said Blake Jones, cofounder of West Fork Whiskey.

“Our spirits are 100% Indiana from grain to glass. We pay respect to one of the best grain-producing states in America, and we toast to hard work and dedication with every glass.”