Chicken Cock – Rye
Quick Stats:
- Distiller: Chicken Cock Whiskey
- Spirit: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
- Aged: 2+ Years
- Proof: 95
- Purchase Price: $74.99
- Chicken Cock Website
About The Distillery: “A historic Kentucky brand dating back to 1856. It’s believed its rise to fame took place during prohibition where it became a supplier and favorite pour at The Cotton Club speakeasy in Harlem, New York. Post-prohibition it was widely enjoyed, especially in New York, until a distillery fire put the company out of business. Recently revived by Grain & Barrel Spirits, it’s been brought back to shelves honoring Chicken Cock’s classic recipes and quality.”
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Nose
(3.5)
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Palate
(4)
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Finish
(4)
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Value
(4)
Score & Review
Nose: sourdough, brown sugar, allspice, and citrus
Palate: loads of vanilla, lightly toasted sandalwood, baking spices, stewed figs, maraschino cherry, apple, and black currant
Finish: smoked black currant tea, toasted oak, baking spices
Review:
Our contact Aaron keeps delivering. He sent us two bottles of Chicken Cock to review for you all, and the first one on the block is the Chicken Cock Rye (since it’s the first one I haven’t yet tried)!
Chicken Cock has a long history behind it dating it to before prohibition. Unfortunately, a distillery fire brought the operation to a halt. Decades later, marketing has turned towards the revival of old labels and recipes as people crave for a taste of simpler times.
However, Chicken Cock is more than just a marketing gimmick. Their pours, while on the higher end of mid-shelf, are quite solid.
The pour, while pricy, is definitely something unique in the rye space. While many ryes fall into two predominant categories, “mellow” rye and “spicy” rye, we find that this exists somewhere between these two categories, and does so well.
The citrus, fruit, and sweetness balance out the more bold rye flavors to make a rye that is well rounded in its flavor, heat, and enjoyability.
We think it is definitely something worth your time to hunt down and try if you’re a fan of rye whiskey or more complex drams.
User Review
( votes)
Greg Sinadinos started his spirits journey writing a whiskey periodical for Fine Tobacco NYC Magazine. He began answering review requests under a social media page he named “Whiskey Culture,” which quickly merged with Greg’s passion for connecting with others and his interest in history.
Today, Greg travels the country not just looking for great whiskey, but also exploring the history and individuals that the whiskey community is founded upon. He has authored “Whiskey History From Around The World” and is the host of “The Rickhouse” web series.
