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Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye
Chicken Cock

Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye

3.83 Decent

70 reviews70 ratings

83 critic score Above average for whiskey

Whiskey Rye Kentucky No age statement 45% ABV

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About this bottle

Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye is produced, aged, and bottled within Kentucky, in collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Co. in Louisville, KY. The mash bill contains 95% rye, and the whiskey is bottled at 90 proof without chill filtration. The Chicken Cock brand originated in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856, and served as the house whiskey at The Cotton Club, a New York City speakeasy during Prohibition, where it was famously smuggled in tin cans. The distillery ceased operations after a fire post-World War II, but Grain & Barrel Spirits revived the brand in 2012.

How it tastes

Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.

Rich 55
Spicy 55
Sweet 55
Vanilla 50
Oily 45
Herbal 35
Tart 20

Reviews

Showing the most detailed of 20 parsed reviews.

Mckenzie Crum 5.0

We appreciate a fine rye, and this bottle is no exception. With 95% rye and 5% malted barley, its spice immediately commands your attention. It presents with a deeper character than bourbon, offering more body and a host of intriguing high notes like clove, anise, nutmeg, and cinnamon. However, these are all transient. The primary characteristic is the rye itself. Although young, with a minimum of 2 years aging, one might mistake it for a 4-year-old. It's a truly remarkable rye, perfect for your next Sazerac, Algonquin, or Vieux Carre.

Rene Godwin 4.5

A taste that is fortunately superior to its moniker. It lacks the harshness of typical Kentucky bourbon or Scotch. The flavor is truly discernible. Chicken Cock possesses a substantial yet smooth character. Just enough sharpness to evoke cinnamon. Considering its price, this is a dependable go-to whiskey. Regardless of your apprehension towards trying new things, you'll desire more Chicken Cock the instant it contacts your palate!

Jaquan Grimes 5.0

I chose this because I admired the packaging and hadn't encountered it before. A quick search revealed it's a revived pre-prohibition brand – even better! As a big fan of rye, this didn't disappoint. It has a spicy aroma that evolved in my glass, initially funky, then sweet. It offers a great mouthfeel, tasting like earthy butterscotch.

Zachery Gomez 4.0

Solid, solid rye. I seem to favor ryes now, and I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. One word comes to mind: balanced. Has most of the hallmark rye flavors and the spicy finish, yet nothing is overbearing. Went to buy more and couldn't find it. Guess the secret is out for this funny-named distiller’s rye!

Lizette Boyce 3.8

This is considerably better than the straight version of that bourbon. For details, see that review, but ironically, it has an off-putting finish. This bourbon is sweeter and starts with a pleasant touch of honey. I'd rate it a slim 5.25 if possible.

Marilyn Link 3.5

Very sugary rye at the start, with lots of red-hot notes and a hint of vanilla. Midway through the taste, there are herbal qualities and a touch of iodine. I enjoy it. Sampled this rye during a tasting event. Delicious and enjoyable!

14 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.

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