Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon

CHICKEN COCK *AROMA: Not intense, but not mild either. Quite complex with notes of leather, oak spice, clover, and orange peel. With time, it becomes sweeter with bubblegum, vanilla, and honey. Underlying these is a foundation of seasoned firewood and light earthy funk. *NEAT: No Age Statement, but seems to contain at least some well-aged spirit. The oak is prominent on the initial sip with drying tannins. Once the palate adjusts, notes of bubblegum, waxy leather, honeycomb, orange oil, char, and black pepper emerge. On the finish, the back of the tongue detects some bitter spice and musty orange. A decent warming sensation with mint, oak, and honeycomb layering and coating. This is very enjoyable. *SPLASH: Orange dominates the aroma. On the palate, some tannins become more refined oak. The finish gains a bit more tingling spice. *CONCLUSION: I anticipated being unimpressed, but I truly enjoyed it. It offers that leathery, waxy character I associate with certain other bourbons. Some research indicates this is a custom contract distilled spirit from Bardstown Bourbon Co. with a specific mashbill; if so, that's impressive. It tastes older than its estimated 4-5 years, and much like another experience, I'm willing to pay a premium for something distinct. As a side note, they've created a visually appealing bottle with a high-quality, tightly sealing cork (which is increasingly rare in the bourbon world), and despite its appearance, it's not heavy or awkward to pour. A pleasant surprise and definitely a repurchase.

Color ranges from dark honey to light copper. Abundant corn on the aroma... A faint cornflake scent, a solid vanilla presence, and a hint of musty, earthy notes. Also present are orange peel, dry toast, and caramel. Sweetness at first, and quite mellow, with a touch of spice tempering the sweetness before leading to a drier finish with oak notes. Medium-length finish with some enjoyable sweet notes that persist: milk chocolate covered cherries, burnt sugar, and a subtle hint of green apple appear to balance the slight spice and dry oak. While not particularly thrilling, it's very good, which is a success.

Day 4: The nose on this spirit was familiar, reminiscent of many others in its category, offering welcomed vanilla and dusted cinnamon, along with a hint of dried fruit. Upon tasting, I encountered a pleasant note of cherry and soft oak, but its presence was fleeting, allowing a peppery grain finish to emerge. Subtle oak and leather notes appeared intermittently, and the cherry would sometimes reappear but always seemed to be passing through. This was an enjoyable experience. Let's see what day 5 holds.

A robust bourbon with all systems engaged. Delightful sweet corn aroma upfront, with subtle oak. The taste is well-integrated with its corn, rye, and malted barley grain bill. Just a touch of rye spice adds interest. Though young, the spirit has absorbed enough wood to give it a vibrant oak character. We truly favor this and would absolutely suggest it as one of your "go-to" selections for mixed drinks and straight pours. Regarding the vessel, we admire the honeycomb pattern of the glass.

An elegant Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Grain & Spirits Distillery; it is 100% distilled, aged, and bottled unfiltered at 45% ABV in Paris, Kentucky. It begins delicately with hints of wood, dried cherries, vanilla, and caramel; its full and creamy body develops notes of caramel-corn, butterscotch, toasted oak, Mueslix, and a touch of pepper; concluding with a dry and spicy finish of medium length. December 2020 / March 2021 / August 2022 / October 2024

The aroma is exceptionally sweet. Truly fruity, with hints of pineapple, bubblegum, and smooth vanilla. It presents as Bourbon, yet strangely lacks typical Bourbon characteristics. The flavor mirrors these notes, with the addition of some corn husk. The texture feels thin, though it isn't. It actually provides a pleasant mouthfeel lacking a finish. It's enjoyable, likely popular, but not life-altering.