Chicken Cock Whiskey Releases Bourbon Finished In Cognac Barrels

Chicken Cock Whiskey recently released Chanticleer, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in French Cognac barrels.

The new release comes bottled in a Prohibition-era Chicken Cock replica, apothecary-style bottle. It clocks in at 112 proof (56% ABV) and features a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley.

The commemorative tin in which Chanticleer comes is similar to what’s described as being used during Prohibition to smuggle Chicken Cock Whiskey over the border from Canada to American drinkers.

Chicken Cock Whiskey recently released Chanticleer, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in French Cognac barrels. (image via Grain & Barrel Spirits)

This limited release was designed to celebrate the French-American friendship dating back to the 1700’s during the American Revolutionary War.

Bourbon County, Kentucky, was named after the royal French family, the Bourbons. And Paris, Kentucky, where Chicken Cock was founded in 1856, was named after Paris, France.

A statement from the whiskey maker noted that Chicken Cock’s master distiller, Gregg Snyder, hand selected each barrel to marry the flavor of bourbon and cognac to create the unique whiskey. In all, 32 barrels of Chanticleer were made.

“This luxury spirit and commemorative tin honor Chicken Cock’s Prohibition-era history and heritage,” said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits, which owns Chicken Cock. “Chanticleer is the second edition in a collectible series of special limited-edition holiday releases, following last year’s Chicken Cock Cotton Club Rye Whiskey.”

Chicken Cock Whiskey, it is said, rose to fame as the house whiskey at The Cotton Club, Prohibition speakeasy. The brand managed to survive Prohibition by swiftly moving production around and smuggling bottles into the United States in tin cans.

After Prohibition, Chicken Cock saw a resurgence before a distillery fire just after World War II put it out of business.

In 2012, Matti Anttila set out to resurrect the brand and 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.

This season’s Chicken Cock Chanticleer will be limited and available online at www.chickencockwhiskey.com with a suggested retail price of $499 per 750ml bottle.

Chicken Cock Chanticleer distiller’s notes:

• Appearance: Mahogany leather.
• Aroma: Notes of ripened peaches, delicate sweet cream, and honey.
• Flavor: Tannic bursts of vanilla and cherry complimented by softened plums, candied dates, and banana flambé.
• Finish: Caramelized sugar, melted butter, and fresh citrus zest.