Chicken Cock Bourbon Review

You stroll into a liquor store, scanning the shelves for that perfect bourbon, and suddenly your eyes lock onto a name dripping with history and charm: Chicken Cock Bourbon. This iconic brand has been stirring curiosity and delight since 1856, when James A. Miller first crafted his signature Chicken Cock Whiskey in the heart of Paris, Kentucky.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and Chicken Cock Bourbon is more than just a legendary name. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and fearless flavor. Every bottle bursts with bold, unique tastes while paying homage to the brand’s storied past.

In this Chicken Cock Bourbon review, we’ll cover the brand’s main highlights, explain what makes it unique, and help you decide if it’s worth adding to your collection. This guide brings the history, taste, and experience of Chicken Cock Bourbon to life.

An Overview of Our Chicken Cock Bourbon Review

If you’re short on time, here are the essential takeaways from our Chicken Cock Bourbon review:

• Classification: Bourbon

• Tasting Notes: Dried fruit, caramel, vanilla aromas; creamy and buttery mouthfeel; vanilla finish with gentle bourbon heat

• Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company

• Proof: Standard expressions bottled around 90 proof (45 % ABV); select offerings like Red Stave are higher, around 102.4 proof (51.2 % ABV)

• Pros: Good value, heritage packaging with historical significance, unique flavor profile, premium versions available as a Flaviar Black Exclusive. 

• Cons: May be too delicate for those who want bolder, higher-proof bourbons; some price points may feel high for the flavor profile.

What Is Chicken Cock Bourbon?

Chicken Cock is an American Whiskey brand that was originally founded in 1856 in Paris, Kentucky, known through the late 19th century as “The Famous Old Brand.” It faded from the limelight after the second World War, but was rediscovered in 2011 and reintroduced in its modern form around 2014 by Grain and Barrel Spirits. 

Today, Chicken Cock offers an impressive lineup that includes Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rye, small batches, double-oaked expressions, and rare limited releases like the 15-year barrel proof. All of these drinks are distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, and have historical Prohibition-era bottle design and branding.

The bourbon lineup is pretty accessible, even if you’re just a beginner to whiskey and the like. It's soft and subtly flavorful, so you can use it both neat or as a cocktail base. Once you’re ready to graduate to higher-proof bottles like Red Stave, be ready for more intensity and color in each sip. 

What Is the Alcohol Content of Chicken Cock Bourbon?

Most Chicken Cock Bourbon expressions bottle at approximately 90 proof (45% ABV), with certain higher-proof variants such as Red Stave reaching around 102.4 proof (51.2% ABV) and the Ampal Creative Reserve Cask reaching around 121.6 proof (60.8% ABV).

Flavor Review: What Does Chicken Cock Bourbon Taste Like?

The individual flavor of each Chicken Cock Bourbon variety differs a bit, but every bottle has a refined, layered flavor that treads the fine line between delicacy and depth. Before taking a sip, you’ll find soft aromas of dried fruit, caramel, and vanilla, along with gentle oak tones.

Then, a creamy and buttery mouthfeel will greet you. This will morph into toasted oak and a vanilla finish with a warm burn. Bourbon enthusiasts claim that this flavor profile is approachable enough in its texture and sweetness to please almost everyone. 

How Should You Drink Chicken Cock Bourbon?

We recommend drinking Chicken Cock Bourbon either neat or with a drop of water to balance its delicate flavors and creamy texture. 

If you stir it into a cocktail, you’ll find that Chicken Cock works best in recipes like the classic Old Fashioned or a Man o’ War. These are drinks that really highlight the caramel and vanilla notes of the bourbon without masking them with other strong ingredients. 

Going for a higher proof bottle means crafting stronger cocktails like Manhattan or Boulevardier, where their finishing can really stand out.

As for food pairings, we recommend trying rich, nutty cheeses, spiced pecan-based desserts, or dried fruit platters. These textures and flavors suit the bourbon’s caramel and toasted oak character. If you want to preserve its aroma, serve the bourbon at room temperature. If you want to soften the mouthfeel, chill it slightly.

Is Chicken Cock Good Bourbon?

Chicken Cock Bourbon is the ultimate package with heritage-inspired branding, the right amount of complexity, and a uniquely creamy flavor profile priced quite reasonably (more on that below). 

Sure, it doesn’t have the intense boldness found in barrel-proof, high-age-statement bourbons, but its gentle notes of butterscotch, toasted oak, and vanilla are both enjoyable and distinctive. 

For those who value experience and drinkability, Chicken Cock definitely stands out as an enjoyable and approachable option. 

Chicken Cock Bourbon VS. Heaven Hill’s Fighting Cock?

Comparing Chicken Cock Bourbon to Fighting Cock, another heritage Kentucky Bourbon, proves how each bottle is all about unique drinking experiences. 

Fighting Cock has a mash bill of corn, barley, and rye aged at least three years and bottled at 103 proof with notes of honey, nutmeg, and leather. 

By contrast, Chicken Cock is more catered towards drinkers who want a creamy, butterscotch and softer oak flavor across its lower-proof expressions. 

It’s safe to say that these two cater to different moods. If you want boldness and warmth with higher proof bottles, Fighting Cock is the way to go. And if you want more nuance and a bit of historical flair to each sip, Chicken Cock Bourbon is what we recommend.

Is Chicken Cock Bourbon a Good Gift?

Chicken Cock Bourbon is a thoughtful gift for fans of whiskey who appreciate history and aesthetic as much as the spirit itself. 

You can purchase a Flaviar Black Membership to get exclusive access to bottles like The Ampal Creative Reserve Cask and Criquet Reserve Cask from The Vault. This makes an exceptional gift for bourbon lovers.

Where Can You Buy Chicken Cock Bourbon?

You can purchase Chicken Cock Bourbon through specialty spirits retailers like Flaviar, or enjoy it at bars and restaurants that celebrate heritage-inspired whiskeys and craft creations.

How Much Does Chicken Cock Bourbon Cost?

Generally, a bottle of Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon costs around $55 to $60 in the United States. At a bar, a serving of about 50 ml can range from $4 to $8. Prices can vary depending on the bar and the specific drink you order.

More Expert Liquor Reviews

You can discover more detailed reviews of other bourbons on our website, such as our Larceny Bourbon review and Pinhook Bourbon review.

Chicken Cock Bourbon Review Verdict: Is It Worth Trying?

This Chicken Cock Bourbon review wraps up with one thing clear: it’s a bold, flavorful pour you won’t want to miss! This brand has revived a unique American Whiskey with excellent presentation and a delicate flavor profile that is accessible to everyone. If you’re ready to see what all the buzz is about, grab a bottle from Flaviar’s shelves today!