Disclosure: This sample was given to me by Chicken Cock for review.
Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Specs
ABV: 45%
Age: NAS but minimum 2 Years
Recipe: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
Distiller: Grain & Barrel Spirits in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company
Country/Region: America/Kentucky
Price Paid (MSRP): N/A ($65-70)
Tasting Notes
Nose: Rye spice with some honey, light milk chocolate, fresh oak.
Palate: Medium to thin mouth feel with some nice spice up front. Notes of white pepper, orange zest, clove, spear mint and brown sugar.
Finish: Short length, pepper, sugar and more mint.
Rating: 58/100 – Average | Solid, ordinary
A decent introductory offering, although it doesn’t offer anything new that I haven’t tasted in young MGP ryes. It has plenty of mint with some pepper spice, but there isn’t a whole lot else going on and the proof isn’t helping. Additionally, while brand has a lot of history, and it’s great to see them distilling again, the $70 price tag is outrageous even when factoring in the standard craft tax. I’d like to revisit Chicken Cock in a few years when their distillate is ready prime time, but in the meantime, this bottle works great in a Sazerac and other spirit forward cocktails.
Ok yeah gonna pass on this one. That price and proof has kept me away. Looks like for good reason. Thx.
Yeah I just can’t recommend it at this time and with their current pricing. Hopefully that changes in the next few years, but there are just so many great bottles now at, and even below, the $70 price point. Cheers!