Corsair Quinoa Whiskey 750ML

Corsair Quinoa Whiskey 750ML is a 92-proof (46% ABV) American craft whiskey distilled from a mashbill of malted barley and quinoa seeds in a 750ml bottle. Believed to be the only quinoa-based whiskey commercially available, this expression earned a Silver medal at the 2011 New York International Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Nashville, Tennessee, USA  |  Grain Whiskey  |  Distillery: Corsair Artisan Distillery

Production & Heritage

Corsair Artisan Distillery, founded in Nashville, Tennessee, has built a reputation around experimental grain bills and unconventional ingredients. The Quinoa Whiskey uses a mashbill of 80% malted barley — 63% untoasted two-row and the remainder kiln-toasted — blended with 20% unmalted red and white quinoa seeds sourced from Bolivia. Distillation runs through a custom-made, 50-gallon Vendome copper-pot hybrid still, a setup that allows Corsair to capture both the heavier malt character and the lighter, nuttier qualities imparted by the quinoa grain.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a dense, savory walnut character that anchors the initial impression. Given time, lighter notes of marzipan, pear, vanilla, and baked apple emerge, with a thread of cinnamon winding through.

Taste: The entry is mouth-coating and arrives with surprising intensity for its 92-proof strength. Toasty malt takes the lead on the mid-palate, supported by the persistent walnut from the nose. Dried fruits, pineapple, and citrus brighten the profile as it develops, creating an interplay between savory grain and tropical sweetness.

Finish: The finish stretches long with a slightly spicy kick that lingers alongside residual malt warmth. Nutty undertones persist through the tail, giving a satisfying close that recalls the quinoa's influence on the spirit.

How to Drink Corsair Quinoa

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — water opens up the marzipan and fruit notes that sit beneath the malt. The nutty, grain-forward character also translates well into cocktails. A Gold Rush benefits from the whiskey's toasty malt balancing honey and lemon. In an Old Fashioned, the walnut and dried-fruit notes add layers of savory complexity that stand up to bitters. A Whiskey Sour highlights the pineapple and citrus aspects already present in the spirit, making for a cohesive, fruit-driven drink.

Best For

• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who collects unusual grain expressions
• Side-by-side tastings comparing experimental American craft whiskeys
• Adding an unexpected bottle to a home bar conversation starter shelf
• Introducing adventurous drinkers to alternative-grain distillation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Corsair Quinoa taste like? Corsair Quinoa Whiskey delivers a mouth-coating, malt-forward profile anchored by savory walnut, with layers of dried fruit, pineapple, citrus, and a slightly spicy finish. The quinoa contributes a distinct nuttiness that separates it from conventional barley whiskeys.

How does Corsair Quinoa compare to FAIR Quinoa Vodka? FAIR Quinoa Vodka, distilled in France, is a neutral spirit designed for clean cocktail use, while Corsair Quinoa Whiskey retains rich malt and barrel character at a higher 92 proof. The two represent fundamentally different categories — vodka versus whiskey — though both draw on quinoa as a base grain.

Is Corsair Quinoa good for sipping neat? Yes, sipping neat or with a small addition of water is the recommended way to appreciate the full range of walnut, marzipan, and dried-fruit notes that define this whiskey. Be aware the 92-proof strength can deliver more heat than expected.

Where is Corsair Quinoa made? Corsair Quinoa Whiskey is distilled at Corsair Artisan Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee, using a custom 50-gallon Vendome copper-pot hybrid still. The quinoa seeds — both red and white varieties — are sourced from Bolivia.

What foods pair well with Corsair Quinoa? Aged Gouda or Gruyère complement the nutty, malt-forward backbone. Roasted almonds or candied walnuts echo the walnut note on the nose. Grilled stone fruits like peaches mirror the dried-fruit palate. Charcuterie with prosciutto balances the whiskey's slight spice. Dark chocolate with sea salt bridges the marzipan and toasty grain elements.

What sizes does Corsair Quinoa come in? Corsair Quinoa Whiskey is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Corsair Quinoa worth the price? Corsair Quinoa Whiskey positions as a small-batch craft expression in the premium tier for American experimental whiskeys. Its value lies in rarity — as the only known quinoa-based whiskey on the market — and in the distinctive flavor profile that alternative-grain distillation delivers.

Why Corsair Quinoa?

What justifies attention here is singularity: no other distillery is producing a quinoa-based whiskey at commercial scale. The combination of Bolivian red and white quinoa with kiln-toasted and untoasted malted barley, run through a Vendome copper-pot hybrid still, yields a flavor profile that genuinely cannot be found elsewhere. The Silver medal at the 2011 New York International Spirits Competition confirmed that the experimental concept translates into a credible drinking experience. For anyone seeking a whiskey that challenges conventional grain expectations while still delivering satisfying malt depth and complexity, this expression stands alone in its niche.