Fields of dreams: Texas researchers seek to redefine U.S. whiskey

Rob Arnold, head distiller, stands in the background of glasses holding TX Whiskey (L) and TX Bourbon at the TX Tavern at the Firestone & Robertson (F&R) Whiskey Ranch in Forth Worth, Texas, U.S., May 23, 2018. Picture taken May 23, 2018. REUTERS/Adrees Latif

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Reuters) - A master distiller and a crop scientist who specializes in corn breeding are working on a project they hope one day will make whiskey drinkers think of Texas in the same way as lovers of American wine think of California.

Seth Murray, a top corn breeder at Texas A&M University, and Rob Arnold, who is working on a doctorate at the school while making whiskey for a Fort Worth distiller, are trying to develop unique and commercially viable strains of corn that will bring distinct tastes to whiskey.