A little background

The original Chicken Cock Distillery was established in 1856 in the small town of Paris, Kentucky, and rose to popularity during the 19th century. This bourbon whiskey was a staple spirit at several speakeasies during prohibition. The original distillery burned down in the 1950s but has recently been revitalized with a touch of modernization. Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky. After aging, the spirit is bottled at 90 proof and has an MSRP of approximately $63.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Amber

Nose

The nose is bold with notes of ethanol, vanilla, caramel, and oak. Faint hints of citrus and banana were also present.

Palate

The first sip had a medium-thin viscosity that was accompanied by notes of sour oak. The second sip coated the entire palate and introduced a faint nuttiness. The third sip had a concentrated heat and effervescence in the mid-palate. Oak, vanilla, and faint hints of banana were present.

Finish

The finish was medium in length with lingering notes of oak and ethanol. Faint hints of cinnamon began to appear as the finish began to fade.

In closing

Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey greets the nose with notes of oak and vanilla. Oak notes were prominent throughout the tasting. However, faint banana notes and some nuttiness was present as well. The somewhat long-lasting with a lingering oak note. This spirit seemed somewhat unbalanced and maybe better with some additional age.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Chicken Cock. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.