Daniel Davis
Savor the Elegance: A Review of Cognac Finished Bourbon
Picture this: a leather armchair, a gentle crackling fireplace, and in your hand, a glass of something truly extraordinary. This isn’t just any bourbon—it’s like your regular amber spirit went on a fancy vacation in France and came back dressed to the nines. Ah, what we’re swirling tonight is none other than the exquisite Cognac-finished bourbon, a beverage that luxuriates in the rich history and opulent flavors of two distinct worlds of fine liquor.
Buckle up, connoisseurs and whiskey wanderlusters, as we embark on a taste odyssey that will unravel the mysteries behind why some bottles sport a price tag that can leave your wallet in a state of shock—and whether they can truly justify their luxury status.
Embark on a Scented Journey
Before we take a sip, let’s indulge in aromatic foreplay. Imagine your olfactory senses tingling with delight as they’re greeted by an ensemble of plum, peach, leather, and black cherry notes. That’s just the prelude, as a vanilla caress and a woody oak embrace join the party. You can tell this isn’t your run-of-the-mill bourbon; it’s as expressive as an opera singer hitting that high note.
The Palate: An Opulent Affair
Now, onto the main event. Each sip of a Cognac-finished bourbon is like biting into a decadent stone fruit medley generously sprinkled with mixed nuts and raisins. A hint of spicy cinnamon plays a fiery yet charming suitor to the rich notes, binding everything in a well-integrated dance of flavors. It’s the kind of richness that tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and barrel-aging alchemy.
The Grand Finale: Linger in Luxuriousness
The finish? Oh, it lingers longer than the last guest at a fabulous soirée. It graces your taste buds with blackcurrant, dries them with oak sophistication, and then leaves them with a memory of vanilla extract and leather—a finale that is both grandiose and lovingly long. This is the sip that seals the deal; it’s where you realize that this isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience.
The Artistry Behind the Price Tag
In the midst of savoring such a lavish libation, let’s address the elephant in the room—the price tag. A bottle like Chicken Cock Chanticleer comes with a cost that can make your credit card quiver. But here’s the twist: It justifies its hefty sum with a Cognac finish that’s considered to be at the pinnacle of its class.
With every new dram, Grain and Barrel Spirits dips into Chicken Cock’s storied past, dating back to the days of feathered top hats and American Revolutionary camaraderie. The distillery distills patriotism into each bottle, celebrating the historical French-American friendship. Then come the Cognac casks, imparting the final touch of opulence like a master painter adding a gilded frame to an already stunning portrait. The result? A symphony of bourbon that stands tall in a league of luxury.
Tasting the High Life
Despite the abundance of Cognac-finished bourbons flooding the market, Chicken Cock Chanticleer distinguishes itself with grace and maturity. Instead of erring on the side of an excessive grape cacophony, it takes a step back, allowing complex stone fruit, raisins, and blackcurrant notes to come forward—and boy, do they shine!
The question, then, isn’t whether it’s worth it, but rather if its subtleties can be appreciated by a palate that’s ready to explore the less traveled roads of whiskey flavors. It might not make a scene with its first impression, but give it time, and you’ll find yourself in a reverential silence, appreciating each mature, weighty note that’s evidence of exceptional craftsmanship.
Wrapping Up the Bourbon Banquet
The whiskey world may still be in the throes of adolescence when it comes to price bracket maturity, but while Cognac-finished bourbon like Chanticleer may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or dram of whiskey), its existence sparks a conversation about value and price justification. With its rich and evolved flavor profile, Chanticleer stands as a testament to what luxury whiskey can and should be. This isn’t about ostentation; it’s about appreciation for distillation perfection.
For now, though, whether Chanticleer makes its way onto your shelf may be a question of both preference and purse. But one thing’s for sure: if you ever find yourself in possession of this liquid gold, you’re in for a sumptuous adventure that challenges and elevates everything you thought you knew about bourbon—finished with a French kiss of opulence.
So there you have it, my whiskey-loving friends. May your spirits be high, your glasses be full, and may you always find delight in the journey of taste—especially if that journey is accompanied by a splash of Cognac finished bourbon. Cheers!
And if you’re ever in pursuit of this regal spirit, you know where to find it—Chicken Cock Chanticleer is available at Frootbat for those ready to embark on this luxurious escapade. Now, go forth and sip responsibly on the wings of Chanticleer!
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished in Cognac Casks
Company: Grain and Barrel Spirits
Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed distillery(ies) in Kentucky
Release Date: October 2022
Proof: 112
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
Color: Leather
MSRP: $500 (2022)
I absolutely loved this article on Cognac Finished Bourbon – it perfectly encapsulates the luxury and craftsmanship that goes into creating such a high-quality whiskey. The blend of Cognac and bourbon highlights the artistry and attention to detail that sets this finished bourbon apart, making it a true testament to the skill and expertise of the distillers.