Chicken Cock Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey
Clucking Good Beginnings
I first heard about Chicken Cock Whiskey from my father-in-law, of course. I thought he was pulling my leg. They literally said, “We love chicken cock.” There was a bit of silence until he said it was a whiskey. With relief, I thought, who names their whiskey Chicken Cock? But, being a bourbon enthusiast (or bourbon curious, more like), I had to give it a try. Plus, who doesn't want to be the guy at the party who brought the bottle with the crazy name?
A Dash of History
Before I dive into the taste, let’s take a little stroll down memory lane. Chicken Cock Whiskey dates back to 1856, making it older than your great-great-grandpappy’s secret moonshine stash. It started in Kentucky, the heartland of bourbon, and quickly became a staple in speakeasies during the Prohibition era. The brand faded away after a distillery fire in the 1950s, but like a true underdog story, it made a triumphant return in recent years. Now, they’re back with a vengeance, and I’m here to see if their Double Oak Whiskey lives up to the hype.
Uncorking the Bird
Popping the cork (or should I say, plucking the feathers?), I was greeted with a rich aroma that made my nose hairs stand at attention. The first whiff was all caramel and vanilla, with a hint of smoky oak. It was like walking into a bakery that also happened to have a cozy fireplace—inviting and warm.
The First Peck
Taking the first sip, I was surprised at how smooth it was. It’s aged in two different oak barrels, which gives it a subtle double whammy of flavor. The initial taste was sweet, like caramel candy melting on your tongue. Then, the subtle taste of oak kicked in, adding a nice woody depth. It’s kind of like your sweet, gentle grandma suddenly revealing she used to be a lumberjack—unexpected but totally awesome.
Clucking Delicious Mid-Palate
As the whiskey settled, I started to pick up on very light, complex notes. There was a bit of spice, maybe some cinnamon or nutmeg, and a fruity undertone—think dark cherries. It’s like the bourbon is trying to tell you a story with each sip, and it’s one of those juicy family sagas that keeps you hooked.
The Grand Finale
The finish was long and unsatisfying, leaving a warmth that made me feel like I’d just hugged a bear. Not a real bear, of course, but maybe a really fluffy teddy bear. There was a nice balance of sweetness and spice, and the oak didn’t overpower but complemented the other flavors perfectly.
The Verdict
So, is Chicken Cock Double Oak Whiskey worth adding to your collection? Maybe BUT, not for cost. It’s got a unique name that’s sure to be a conversation starter, and the taste is not top-notch, especially for $100, but it's still a decent-tasting bourbon; solid was the word my father-in-law used. Plus, it’s always fun to support a brand with a storied history and a triumphant comeback. I would recommend giving their Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which sits at $60.
Whether you’re a bourbon newbie or a seasoned sipper, this bottle is for someone if you want to shell out a hundred bones. Just remember to sip responsibly and maybe avoid telling your grandma the name of this whiskey—unless she used to be a lumberjack.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 92 • Mashbill: 70% Corn • 21% Rye • 9% Barley • Aged: 8yrs •Price: $100
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 4 • Palate: 3 • Finish: 2 • Uniqueness: 2 • Value: 2 • Overall: 2.6
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 