Emma Jones
Unfolding the Feathers of Flavor: Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye
Hey there, fellow spirit enthusiasts! Nestle yourself in because we’re about to cluck proudly about a one-of-a-kind treasure that’s kicking up a storm in the whiskey world. It’s no secret that the resurrection of Chicken Cock Whiskey has been a story worth squawking about, and just when you thought they’ve strutted all they could strut, along comes a new, bold, and beachy player: Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye.
BARDSTOWN, Ky – Home of distillation dreams and whiskey wishes, it’s the launchpad for this fusion of fine spirits. Picture this: Chicken Cock’s signature Kentucky Straight Rye, traditionally savored by those who appreciate a sturdy, spicy nip, mingles freely and restfully with Caribbean rum casks for a sun-kissed six months or more. Now, doesn’t that just peck at your curiosity?
The Roost of this Spirited Rye
Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye prances into the spirits scene with a composition that’s, quite frankly, nothing short of gallant. With a mash bill boasting an impressive 95% rye and 5% malted barley, this whiskey isn’t just strong – it’s 95 proof of summer swagger in a glass. So what’s with the name? Island Rooster, dear reader, is a tribute to those whimsical Caribbean mornings where roosters herald the break of dawn and the promise of new adventures.
It’s the liquid incarnation of that first golden ray of sunshine, bottled to perfection in an apothecary-style vessel, crowned with a premium metal cup cap. It’s as ready for the outdoor escapades of the Summer of the Rooster as you are. Take it from Matti Anttila, the visionary founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits, who sees Island Rooster as the invitation to bring the whiskey revelry under the vastness of the open sky.
A Palette of Palate Pleasers
So you might be thinking, “What’s it like to invite this well-traveled rye into your tastebuds’ orbit?” Well, let’s dive into the tasting notes, shall we?
Appearance: A spectacle of dark amber, as if capturing the very essence of a sunset in your glass.
Aroma: Close your eyes and breathe in a sophisticated concoction of spices and pepper, where a backdrop of rye grassiness waltzes with sweet molasses, and just the right hint of oak comes forth to tease.
Flavor: Brace for an eruption of spices fiesta: vanilla and butterscotch twisting and twirling with peppery notes. And then, just when you think it’s over, a splash of rum sweetness serenades your senses.
Finish: Oh, prepare for an encore! The rye steadfastly conducts this symphony with a surge of sweet crescendos and a buttery mouthfeel that makes every sip worth reminiscing.
Now, if awards are your barometer for brilliance, you’ll be chuffed to know that Island Rooster strutted away with a Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Quite a feather in its cap, wouldn’t you say?
Cluck it Up at the Checkout
Ah, but now you’re probably ruffling your feathers, wondering how you can get your talons on this Limited-Edition Release. Let’s not beat around the bushel; this gem is exclusive with only 25 barrels produced – a collector’s delight. To snag a bottle of Island Rooster, scurry over to Chicken Cock’s website, Reserve Bar, or select retailers in states that know their spirits.
The Brood of the Rooster: About Chicken Cock Whiskey
Turn back the pages to 1856, and in Paris, Kentucky, the legend of Chicken Cock, known as “The Famous Old Brand,” took flight. But it wasn’t all smooth soaring; Prohibition saw the brand relocating production to the cooler lands of Canada. The resulting Canada-hatched rye was then stealthily smuggled back into the US in none other than tin cans! Thus was born the moniker “the whiskey in a tin can.”
Following Prohibition’s repeal, Chicken Cock enjoyed several decades of fame before a cruel twist of fate – a distillery fire post-World War II – relegated it to but a memory. Fear not, for Matti Anttila stepped in like a phoenix in 2012, determined to resurrect this fabled brand to its Prohibition-era glory, alongside Master Distiller Gregg Snyder. Now, with a line-up including the flagship KY Straight Bourbon and KY Straight Rye Whiskey, plus various coveted limited releases, Chicken Cock Whiskey has truly come home to roost.
The Creators at Grain & Barrel Spirits
Grain & Barrel Spirits, the outfit behind Chicken Cock Whiskey, hails from Charleston, South Carolina. They’re masters of marrying artisanal craftsmanship with consumer delight and are the guiding hands behind brands like Dixie Vodka, Virgil Kane Lowcountry Whiskey, High Goal Luxury Gin, and even Elvis-inspired whiskeys.
As a member of 1% For The Planet, this company isn’t just fast-growing – it’s growing with a conscience. It’s a journey flowing with an inventive spirit, so why not join in and sip your way through history with a bottle of Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye? It’s a journey you’ll want to crow about to anyone who’ll listen. Cheers!
I absolutely loved this article on Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye! The unique combination of island rum and aged rye in a rooster-branded barrel created a truly exceptional whiskey experience.