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Red corn makes for unique spirits

Audra Koscik University of Wisconsin
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025

1 of 7

W335A, a red-corn hybrid, grows on Henry Farms near Dane, Wisconsin.

University of Wisconsin

Jerry and Helen Henry in 1946 purchased a farm in Wisconsin – the farm the Henry family still owns and operates.

University of Wisconsin

J. Henry & Sons barrels hold bourbon for at least five years before the bourbon is ready for the market.

University of Wisconsin

A bottle of J. Henry & Sons bourbon sits next to W335A.

University of Wisconsin

Shawn Kaeppler

Joe Henry Jr.

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Audra Koscik University of Wisconsin

Almost 20 years ago Natalia de Leon and Shawn Kaeppler set out to bring a crop back from the dead. Their goal was to meet the scientific challenge of resurrecting an heirloom red-corn variety and, in turn, help a bourbon business breathe new life into its product.

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Audra Koscik is a communications specialist in the University of Wisconsin-Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences. Email akoscik@wisc.edu to reach her.