Chicken Cock may have a funny name, but it is a serious whiskey. It has a storied history, all of which you can read in my previous review of its standard-release Bourbon & Rye.
Today I'm tasting its 15-year release, which is packaged at a cask strength of 114°. While the distiller is unreleased, the mashbill is 78.5% corn, 13% rye, and 8.5% malted barley. The brand is owned by Grain & Barrel Spirits, and the 2020 release was only 1350 bottles. While Grain & Spirit is involved in a collaborative relationship with Bardstown Bourbon Company, but they wouldn't have a 15-year distillate, either.
You can expect to pay about $299.00 for a bottle if you can find it. Of course, the secondary market is its own universe. I obtained a sample from a friend who was curious what my thoughts were. Let's #DrinkCurious and learn what this is all about.
Appearance: Served neat in my Glencairn glass, Chicken Cock 15 deep, dark copper in color with a medium-thick rim. The rim released fast, heavy legs that fell back to the pool.
Nose: The aroma of cherry was like a punch in the schnozz. Beneath it was tobacco, vanilla, and citrus. When I took the aroma into my mouth, I felt like I was eating a dreamsicle.
Palate: The mouthfeel was oily and full-bodied, which offered flavors on the front of cherry, leather, and caramel. As it worked its way down, that changed to chocolate, plum, and citrus in an interesting but enjoyable sensation.
Finish: Long and lingering, the finish was smoky with leather, dry oak, cinnamon, and orange.
Bottle, Bar, or Bust: While enjoyable, I can't see spending $300 or more on this Bourbon. I'm sure Grain & Barrel had a serious investment to procure these barrels, but that doesn't justify the price. You should drink this, but should do so at a Bar first, then decide if you want to make the investment. Cheers!
My Simple, Easy to Understand Rating System
- Bottle = Buy It
- Bar = Try It
- Bust = Leave It
Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.
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As we should drink in moderation, all comments are subject to it. Cheers!