Distillery: Grain & Barrel Spirits—Bardstown, KY
Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)
Age: Minimum of Four Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
MSRP: $70
A Secondary Finish with a Strut
There are limited releases that feel like marketing stunts—and then there are limited releases that become seasonal fixtures. Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde debuted in 2020 as a bold experiment: a Kentucky Straight Rye finished in Blonde Ale barrels from Louisville’s Goodwood Brewing. The response was…less just say, enthusiastic with many whiskey drinkers praising its unique profile and smooth integration of an underlying beer character. Returning in a limited 2024 bottling at 100 proof, Ryeteous Blonde once again brings together a creative reinvention and seasonalityin a rye with a strut-like secondary finish.
The underlying whiskey is a Kentucky straight rye with a traditional new-oak maturation. But where most finished ryes head toward secondary finishes involving port, sherry or double-oaking, Ryeteous Blonde turns in a different direction: ex-Blonde Ale barrels. The secondary finish adds a malt-like character as it shifts the whole balance of the pour by softening the spice and bringing in fruit and citrus notes. For fans of experimentation and those curious about beer-barrel finishing, this is one to grab—soon.
Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4/5
The Nose is immediately vanilla frosting, lemon peel, and light brown sugar. Underneath, a touch of red apple and dried hay along with notes of white pepper.
Palate – 4.2/5
The Palate opens with graham cracker, vanilla custard, and ripe pear. It quickly moves into white pepper, toasted malt and warm biscuits. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with enough richness for complexity with a good balance of sweet vs. savory.
Finish – 4.1/5
The Finish is short to medium and clean of any tannic aftertaste. Beginning with honey and notes of cinnamon and lemon. A spicy tingle lingers at the back of the Palate.
Value – 4/5
With a suggested retail price around $70, Ryeteous Blonde lands in the same range as other limited-edition ryes, especially those with secondary finishing. While some may hesitate at the price for a non-age-stated release, this expression delivers a clear reason for its cost: originality. The secondary finishing stands out not because it’s weird or aggressive, but because it genuinely worked. It’s not an everyday pour, but for those looking to explore a rye twist, this is worth the shelf space.
Ryeteous Blonde is no novelty pour. For fans of innovative rye or those curious about beer-barrel finishing, this limited release hits the mark. It’s a well-executed secondary finished whiskey that elevates the underlying rye into something new. The ale finish adds character, the rye remains present but softened, and the result is an expression that feels bright and surprisingly easy to love.
Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde Review: The Verdict
Ryeteous Blonde is no novelty pour. For fans of innovative rye or those curious about beer-barrel finishing, this limited release hits the mark. It’s a well-executed secondary finished whiskey that elevates the underlying rye into something new. The ale finish adds character, the rye remains present but softened, and the result is an expression that feels bright and surprisingly easy to love. Shop here.
Verdict – 4.1/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.