Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The Chicken Cock Whiskey brand is something of a legend in Kentucky bourbon history. Originally established in 1856, it most notably came to fame as the house whiskey at the Cotton Club in Harlem, a well established speakeasy during the Prohibition era. It is said to have survived this time by “swiftly moving production around and smuggling bottles into the United States in tin cans.” Post Prohibition the brand was nearly lost to time after a distillery fire just after World War II put it out of business.
Fast forward to the more recent years, and one finds Chicken Cock being brought back to life in 2012 by Matti Anttila, Grain & Barrel Spirits CEO. Since then, his team has introduced a flagship KY Straight Bourbon and KY Straight Rye Whiskey, made in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company as part of its collaborative distilling program, along with several other limited-releases.
What I’m reviewing here today is Chicken Cock Red Stave Petite Sirah Barrel Finish Bourbon. This particular release was crafted in partnership between Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Master Distiller, Gregg Snyder, and Miller Family Wine Company out of the Paso Robles Highlands winemaking region in California. It takes matured Chicken Cock Kentucky bourbon and finishes it for a spell in the Miller Family’s J. Wilkes Petite Sirah barrels to give the release what the brand says is “a balanced stone fruit taste profile and a beautiful red tint.”
“Red Stave is another excellent example of our devoted, continued mission of resurrecting the brand and bringing Chicken Cock Whiskey back to the high-quality reputation it was known for many years ago, beginning in 1856,” noted Snyder at the time of its release. “Red Stave is an exquisite, epicurean delight – from the rich Mahogany color, to its creamy, viscous mouthfeel, to the wide-ranging but balanced complexity of aromas and delectable flavors, all the way to the spectacular finish that never wants to leave your taste buds.”
The whiskey in question features a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley and was bottled at 102.4 proof (51.2% ABV). It is pricing at $199.99, available for retail purchase nationwide and online in limited quantities. Presentation-wise, it is packaged in a Prohibition-era commemorative tin.
Tasting Notes: Chicken Cock Red Stave Petite Sirah Barrel Finish Bourbon
Vital Stats: No given age statement; mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley; finished in J. Wilkes Petite Sirah barrels; bottled at 102.4 proof (51.2% ABV); priced at $199.99.
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Appearance: The Petite Sirah barrel finish is immediately noticeable in this bourbon, giving it more of an orange-reddish tone that looks warm and inviting. Extremely long lasting legs in the glass.
Nose: This is just pleasant to smell. Ever been inside a winery? There are hints of those types of aromas in the glass, with stone fruit, baked bread, maturing wine stock, light bodied grass. Vanilla and oak are very mildly noticeable as well.
Palate: Warm and spicy are the initial outtakes here, quickly delving into the essence of the grape, floral considerations, cranberry, pumpernickel bread and cherries. Again the typical vanilla and oak flavors associated with bourbon are muted, maybe too much so. A little more balance would be appreciated. The finish pops and then fades somewhat quickly, leaving just a slight off spice in its wake.
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