By Douglas Fraser
Rating: B
(Credit: Douglas Fraser)
From the rich legacy of Kentucky bourbon comes an antique, revived brand named Chicken Cock. It has a long history dating back to the 1850s. Although, not in production/use for all of the intervening decades, it has survived to be revived into an active company, complete with tasting rooms/bars in Bardstown and Louisville. Chicken Cock is an unusual name, perhaps more now than it was in the 19th Century, but their methods of whiskey are tried and true for the better class of rectifier.
The Bourbon
Chicken Cock Wheated Bourbon trades in rye spice for a smoother wheat, flavoring grain profile. This expression is matured for a minimum of 5 years and is made up of 68% corn, 20% Wheat, and 12% Malted Barley. The casks are charred to a level four and finally bottled at 47% ABV/94 Proof.
Color: Light Bronze
The nose opens with corn sweetness then continues with notes of cereal grains, nutmeg, vanilla, and oak. The palate continues the corn sweetness with additional notes of cinnamon, baking spices, graham cracker, and oakiness. The finish is long with notes of sweet corn, more spices, and lingering oakiness.
The Price
Chicken Cock Wheated Bourbon can be found for $57.99 USD.
