Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde Beer Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey

A little background

Chicken Cock Whiskey, revived in 2012 by Grain & Barrel Spirits after a storied history dating back to 1856, continues its tradition of innovative limited releases with the reintroduction of Ryeteous Blonde Beer Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey. This collaboration with Goodwood Brewing in Louisville, Kentucky—first launched in 2020 and now back by popular demand—starts with the brand’s Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, crafted from a high-rye mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The spirit is then finished in barrels previously used to age Goodwood’s Blonde Ale, blending whiskey-making heritage with brewing artistry to create a unique fusion expression.

Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) after a minimum of four years of aging, Ryeteous Blonde is available in 750ml bottles for a suggested retail price of $69.99. As a limited-edition offering, it’s distributed through select U.S. retailers and the Chicken Cock website. 

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Gold

Nose

Bright and inviting with citrus (lemon peel, tart lime) leading alongside vanilla (frosting/wafer) and sweet maltiness; subtle rye spices (cloves, white pepper), honey/simple syrup, and fruit hints (apple, pear) add layers, with dry oak and beery essence in the background.

Palate

Balanced sweetness from malt, honey, and vanilla custard/graham cracker, complemented by gentle rye spice (white pepper, cloves, cinnamon) and fruit (ripe pear, crisp apple); toasted biscuits and a medium-bodied texture provide savory contrast.

Finish

Medium to long and warming, with lingering peppery spice and honeyed sweetness fading into citrus/lemongrass echoes, toasted oak, and a clean, dry tingle.

In closing

Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde Beer Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey delivers a vibrant and approachable pour, blending bright citrus, vanilla, and sweet maltiness with subtle rye spice and fruit notes like pear and apple. Its medium-bodied palate, marked by honey, graham cracker, and toasted biscuits, leads to a warming, medium-long finish with peppery spice, lemongrass, and a clean, dry tingle. The innovative Blonde Ale barrel finish adds a unique, malty complexity that elevates the 95% rye base, making it versatile for casual sipping or summer cocktails. Priced at $69.99, it offers strong value for a limited-release rye, though its non-age-stated nature and premium cost may raise eyebrows. Limited availability and the beer influence, which softens the rye’s edge, might not suit purists craving bolder spice. Nonetheless, this Gold Medal-winning expression (2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition) shines as a creative, crowd-pleasing rye for adventurous drinkers.

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.