Heaven Hill Distillery's Mellow Corn is a curious whiskey. Most budget bourbons are bought without much thought, as people are either short on cash or want something to throw in with a mixer. Mellow ...

Mellow Corn’s bright, retro label hides a spirit with serious industry credibility. In the hospitality world, there are “bartenders’ handshake” drinks, things like Fernet Branca or Jeppson’s Malört.

Mellow Corn is the whiskey aisle's yellow punchline. The label doesn't so much introduce itself as holler at you -- blocky, mustard-colored letters stamped like a feed sack or a 1950s grocery flyer.