HER WHISKEY REVIEWS

With roots in distilling dating back to the 1830s, Chicken Cock Whiskey was revived in 2011 when Matti Anttila discovered the brand in the Oscar Getz Museum.

What You Need to Know

Chicken Cock Whiskey: Wheated Bourbon

• Type: Wheated Bourbon
• Mashbill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
• 94 Proof / 47% ABV
• NAS
• MSRP: $57.99
• Availability: new release in the core line
• Purchase here

Our Take, Straight Up

the 1830s, but the brand’s modern chapter began in 2011 when Matti Anttila stumbled upon it at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History while researching the early days of American distillation. The original distillery was established in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky. Upon Miller’s death, he entrusted the operation to distillery clerk George G. White, who grew Chicken Cock into the storied brand it became. After Anttila’s revival, the brand released its first expression in 2017 and has since built a reputation for consistently crafted Kentucky bourbon alongside a compelling range of limited releases and standard offerings.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 8/10

The aroma of a spirit, like whiskey, can often tell a story about the way the whiskey is made, what type of whiskey it is, and what you might taste in that whiskey. We taste with our noses more than our tongues, so it’s important to spend time smelling or ‘nosing’ the spirit before you taste it. You might not smell everything that I do, and that’s perfectly fine. Taste is subjective, and if you’re new to whiskey, it can take a while to pick up on the aromas and flavors mentioned by brands or in reviews. Don’t feel intimidated; there is no wrong answer when the most important question is, “Do you like it?” Yes, okay then! When you are at the beginning of your journey, it’s helpful to try to think of memories or places. You may not be able to pinpoint what custard takes or smells like, but it might be a memory that takes you closer to the scent or flavor. Sometimes it takes multiple tries to find new aromas, try different glasses, and different times of day, and take notes each time you sniff. But, if you want to know what I get in the aroma from this bourbon, sweet candy notes, baked bread, vanilla ice cream, cherries, and a hint of honey. The aroma gets an 8 out of 10 because it’s pungent, I can detect many different aromas, and it smells yummy.

Flavor: 7/10

As with aromas, flavors are subjective, and they can change. If you’re new to whiskey, you might just taste it, or read tasting notes and wonder why you don’t taste what we taste. Remember, the most important thing is if you like drinking it, if it tastes good to you. With time, you will learn to articulate what you are experiencing, again, stick with whatever pops into your head, and write it down. It may not make sense at first, but over time, the picture will become clearer.

I am not typically a big fan of wheated bourbon; it’s very dependent on the rest of the mashbill (i.e., the recipe of grains used in the whiskey), but I really enjoy the level of sweetness this bourbon offers and how easy it is to separate the flavors. It’s definitely not a one-note bourbon, but it’s not overly complex either. I get much of what I detected in the aroma in the initial palate, which I love when that happens. The cherry and honey are the standout flavors in my opinion. There is some spice from the rye in the mashbill, which comes in the form of cinnamon, a bit like a red hot candy without the bite.

Texture: 8/10

Lovely texture, medium bodied with a velvety feel.

Finish: 8/10

The finish is longer than expected at 94 proof, and it’s a consistent flavor experience throughout with sweet fruit and honey lingering. The oak has been in the background throughout the experience until the very end of the finish. I find that enjoyable because there is so much to taste in this bourbon; it doesn’t need to be overpowered by the oak. But it’s there, as it should be with a bourbon like this.

Unique or True to Style?

I would say this is very true to style for a wheated bourbon, the rye does add a sprinkle of spice which enhances the overall flavors.

Behind the Bottle

• This brand has a fun and interesting story about the origins of this brand, its fading in the 1950s, and its revival. In my opinion, this is a very approachable wheated bourbon that loses nothing in flavor at the proof level it’s offered. This can easily be shared with new whiskey drinkers and aficionados.
• This expression is new to Chicken Cock’s core lineup. It’s a welcome addition I think.
• The mashbill is a smart decision; it’s noticeably a little different from other wheated bourbons, perhaps looking to bring whiskey drinkers like me who typically don’t reach for wheated bourbon, into the fold.
• The brand has a lot to offer in the realm of limited-edition releases for lovers of unique cask finishes, high proof offerings and unique blends.

Best For / Skip If

• Best For: Neat sipping, there is plenty of flavor here for those who like to sip neat and at 94 proof it’s an easy and approachable sipper. This bourbon makes a nice old-fashioned, skip the cherry and add an orange peel, the citrus enhances the sweet flavors.
• Skip If: you’re only interested in hazmat bourbon.

Our Recommendations

• Suggested glassware: This expression offers a big bouquet for the nose in a Glencairn glass, but a regular rocks or old fashioned glass works just fine too.
• Atmosphere : This bourbon has me dreaming of a porch pour on a warm summer night, the kind where the sun lingers just a little too long and the evening air smells like cut grass and possibility. For now, I’ll settle for the couch, a good playlist, and the patience to wait out a Massachusetts winter. But come warmer weather, this one over a rock or two is exactly where I want to be, my go-to summer dessert pour.
• Suggested for cocktails or as neat sipper: Chicken Cock wheated bourbon is excellent for neat sipping and would be great in an Old Fashioned.
• Suggested food pairings: I can imagine this bourbon would be best friends with pie.
• Gifting suggestions: This is a wonderful bottle to send to your friends who don’t typically love wheated bourbon, and to new whiskey drinkers on their journey to help them expand their horizons.
• Would I pour it for my peer: Yes, 100%, aficionados might not be blown away, but I think it’s a great example of a well-made bourbon offering big flavor at a lower proof.
• Would I pour this for my bestie: Besties, come on over and let’s drink some Chicken Cock Bourbon!

The Last Sip

89

This bourbon is an easy choice for an elevated bar bottle. It’s not too pricey that you can’t sip it regularly, and it has enough interest to offer friends as something they might not have. Great for sipping neat and cocktails, you can’t go wrong. The packaging is interesting and feels premium.

FAQ Box

• Is Chicken Cock Wheated Bourbon worth the price? Yes!
• What cocktails does it work best in? Try this bourbon in an Old Fashioned with an orange peel. It’s also great in a highball, which will align perfectly with my desire to make this a porch pour.