Passport to Whiskey

Whiskey is more than a spirit—it’s a story of place, tradition, and people. This box takes you across three nations, each with a proud whiskey-making legacy.

We start in Kentucky with Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon, a name that once graced the stage at Harlem’s Cotton Club and is now reborn for modern drinkers. Sweet vanilla, caramel, and charred oak notes echo bourbon’s timeless appeal while proving why this American classic deserved a comeback.

From there, we journey to Scotland’s rugged west coast with Port Askaig 110 Proof. This Islay malt is bottled strong, showcasing the island’s hallmark flavors: smoke, brine, citrus, and a fiery character that speaks of sea winds and tradition. Its proof harks back to the days when casks had to withstand long voyages.

Finally, Dublin awaits with Powers Gold Label. A trailblazer since 1791, Powers was the first Irish distillery to bottle its own whiskey, ensuring consistent quality. Triple-distilled and bold, it bursts with honey, orchard fruits, spice, and a peppery finish that captures Ireland’s unmistakable spirit.

Together, these whiskeys highlight how geography and heritage shape flavor—from America’s sweet oak to Scotland’s maritime smoke and Ireland’s spicy warmth. Sip them side by side, and taste the world.
 

SMARTASS CORNER

1. Chicken Cock was founded in 1856 and became a Prohibition icon, smuggled into speakeasies inside tin cans to dodge the law.
    

2. Known as “The Famous Old Brand,” Chicken Cock was one of America’s best-selling bourbons by the late 19th century.
    

3. Bourbon refresher: it must be made in the U.S., use at least 51% corn, be distilled under 160 proof, barreled under 125 proof, and aged in new charred oak.
    

4. Port Askaig 110 Proof isn’t from a distillery called Port Askaig—it’s a brand created to showcase Islay’s smoky style, named after the island’s tiny ferry port.
    

5. That 110 proof strength on Port Askaig nods to historic shipping proofs, when casks were bottled stronger to survive long sea journeys.
    

6. Islay (pronounced “Eye-luh”) may be only 25 miles long, but it’s home to nine working distilleries and some of the world’s smokiest whiskies.
    

7. Powers Gold Label has been around since 1791 and was the first Irish distillery to bottle its own whiskey in 1886—a move that raised quality standards across Ireland.
    

8. Powers pioneered the use of the diamond “P” symbol, one of the oldest trademarks in Irish whiskey, still found on bottles today.
    

9. Unlike bourbon or Scotch, most Irish whiskeys (including Powers) are triple-distilled, giving them a smoother, fruitier profile.
    

10. Taste test tip: sipping Chicken Cock, Port Askaig, and Powers side by side is a crash course in how geography shapes whiskey—Kentucky’s sweet oak, Islay’s maritime smoke, and Ireland’s honeyed spice.