Dustin Gandoff
Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review
Originally established in 1856, Chicken Cock Whiskey quickly became one of the larger bourbon brands of the 19th century. After Prohibition, multiple attempts were made to bring it back, but its fate had been sealed… until entrepreneur Matti Anttila resurrected it in 2011 with the first modern day release, a 30 barrel release of 8-year-old bourbon in 2017. A few years later, Kentucky Straight Bourbon emerged as Chicken Cock’s flagship product.
Let’s see how it stacks up.
NOSE
Vanilla and caramel integrate with light oak and graham cracker. Leather creeps in on the backend, along with a healthy dose of spice that’s punctuated by a touch of dry oak. It’s traditional and pleasant, giving way to a quintessential bourbon aroma that’s easy to like.
PALATE
Caramel apple against prominent baking spices form an immediate base of flavors. Graham cracker follows accompanied by a touch of dry toasted oak. Not at all punchy, but not overtly smooth and creamy either, the sweet-spice contrast is invigorating. Overall the sip is quite satisfying and approachable, making for a traditionally-inspired, enjoyable experience.
FINISH
Starting with a healthy dose of spice, the finish weaves back through the traditional caramel and vanilla flavors. A hint of leather mingles in and then tapers off. Spice further develops on the backend, making for a medium to long finish. It’s pleasing overall, and nicely represents the aroma and sip that preceded it.
UNIQUENESS
According to the company, Chicken Cock Master Distiller Gregg Snyder supervises Bardstown Bourbon Company throughout the entire process, working collaboratively with Master Distiller Steve Nally and his team. Chicken Cock utilizes their own 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley mashbill, which is just one of at least 50 unique mashbills distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Company. What permeates throughout every bottle of whiskey I’ve tasted that’s been distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Company is quality. In Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon’s case, the quality is certainly there. At the core though, it’s a very traditional bourbon that echoes similar qualities to other flagship Kentucky distillery brands such as Wild Turkey 101, 1792 Small Batch, and Elijah Craig Small Batch. Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon highlights the fact that Bardstown Bourbon Company has achieved such a high quality level of distilling in such a short time.
VALUE
Coming in around 4 years old at 90 proof, Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon is certainly asking a premium at $60. Its eye-catching, honeycomb texture bottle design screams premium, and for many that’s all it will take to command a purchase. Moreover, other releases from the brand that command as much as $500 MSRP, and are showcased in a similar bottle design, help elevate the consumers’ perception of value.
When considering other products distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Company, the premium price point aligns. This includes their own Fusion Series ($65), Pursuit United ($65), and American Highway Reserve ($100), to name a few.
But many of the products at higher price points include more complex blends. As a result, the fact remains that Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon is just highly priced for what it is. This is especially notable when comparing it to aforementioned brands such as Wild Turkey 101 ($25), 1792 Small Batch ($25), and Elijah Craig Small Batch ($26). Chicken Cock is a quality product, but it’s just priced more than you need to pay for similar quality.
OVERALL
Originating in 1856 and then brought back to life this past decade, Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon is a quintessential, high-quality Kentucky bourbon offered at a premium price point. Watching the Chicken Cock brand evolve over the past few years has been interesting. From their eye-catching 160th anniversary release, to their collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company, Chicken Cock has continued to strive to justify their premium position in the marketplace.
Although at $60 it’s priced more than you need to pay for a similar experience, in the end, Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon is exactly what it should be – a satisfying, traditional-style bourbon that’s intended to appeal to a wide audience and not turn anyone off from the brand.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Grain and Barrel Spirits
Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 90
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years based on TTB regulations)
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
Color: Rose Gold
MSRP: $60 (2022)
Overall, Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon is an enjoyable and well-made bourbon. Its traditional profile may not stand out in a crowded market, but it’s definitely a solid addition to the shelves.
I recently tried Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon and was impressed by its traditional profile and high quality, showcasing the skill of Bardstown Bourbon Company. The premium price point aligns with other products from the brand and the unique bottle design adds to the overall value. Overall, a solid addition to any bourbon lover’s collection.
Overall, Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon is a solid bourbon. If you’re looking for a new addition to your collection, we’d recommend giving this a try. It’s a traditional bourbon with a great backstory and excellent quality for its age. The premium price point may be a deterrent for some, but for those willing to splurge, it’s worth the experience.
“I recently tried Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon and was impressed by its traditional, yet satisfying, taste. The brand’s rich history and collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company adds to its uniqueness. While it may have a premium price point, the quality and story behind it make it worth a try for any bourbon enthusiast.”
Overall, Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon is an enjoyable, traditional bourbon with high-quality production. It may be on the pricier side, but its premium presentation and standout qualities make it a worthwhile purchase.
“Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a traditional bourbon experience with high-quality production, making it a worthwhile purchase despite its premium price point. Its collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company adds a unique quality to its taste, setting it apart from other flagship Kentucky distillery brands.”