Distillery: Chicken Cock Whiskey — Bardstown, Kentucky
Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)
Age: Minimum 4 Years
Mashbill: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
MSRP: $70
A good quality version of a classic Kentucky bourbon profile.
Chicken Cock Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon is not trying to reinvent what Kentucky bourbon is or can be. Based on the specs, it appears to be trying to do something focused, and frankly endearing during this time of so many secondary finished whiskeys on the market: take a traditional bourbon foundation and give it more structure, more flavor definition, and more presence at 100 proof. With a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, this bottle shows signals of sweetness first, rye spice second, and enough grain and oak underneath to keep everything interesting.
That context matters because Chicken Cock’s core Kentucky Straight Bourbon uses the same general mashbill, same minimum age, and same Level 3 / Medium+ char-toast profile, but sits at 90 proof. In that review, the natural question that came to was what the whiskey might become with a little more proof.
This Small Batch expression answers that question pretty clearly. The increased proof does not turn it into a bold, aggressive bourbon. Instead, it gives the whiskey a creamier texture, more flavor concentration, and better overall shape.
The “small batch” language is part of the positioning, but the more meaningful story in the glass is the move to 100 proof. It is not a special occasion bottle, and it is not chasing rarity or surprise. It succeeds because the pieces fit together.
Chicken Cock Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.0/5
Butterscotch. Toffee. Toasted grain. Sweet oak. Rye spice.
Strengths: Traditional, familiar and inviting Kentucky bourbon lane. Led by butterscotch, toffee, toasted grain, and sweet oak. Rye spice is present enough to give it a little lift without pulling attention away from the sweeter side of the whiskey.
Why It’s Not Higher: Gives up most of its notes fairly early. Does not keep unfolding with repeated nosing. A touch of proof sharpness, though it is not strong enough to become distracting.
Rating Justification: Good, traditional bourbon Nose. More direct than layered. Sets the table well for the whiskey’s identity.
Palate – 4.4/5
Butterscotch candy. Sweet corn. Toasted grain. Sweet oak. Creamy mouthfeel.
Strengths: This is where this bourbon makes its strongest case. Sweetness arrives confidently, with a Werther’s-style butterscotch note, sweet corn, toasted grain, and sweet oak all moving in harmony. Texture stays creamy. Proof supports the flavors rather than pushing heat forward.
Why It’s Not Higher: Does not dramatically expand or shift into deeper complexity. Holds steady more than it builds.
Rating Justification: Clearly delivers on the intent of the bottle. Feels fuller, better structured, and more expressive than the lower-proof core profile. Approachable. Traditional.
Finish – 4.0/5
Rye spice. Sweet oak. Light dry oak. Butterscotch fade. Lingering sweetness.
Strengths: Reinforces the whiskey’s identity. Creamy sweetness fades into rye spice, sweet oak, light dry oak, and a pleasant lingering sweetness. Nothing turns bitter, tannic, sour, or distracting.
Why It’s Not Higher: Length is short to medium. Keeps it from feeling as elevated as the Palate. Evolves slightly.
Rating Justification: Well-behaved and supports the overall sipping experience. Leaves a pleasant final impression. Makes you want to go back.
Value – 4.7/5
At $70, lands as a strong Value for the right drinker. That does not mean it is inexpensive, and it does not mean it is a bottle everyone will treat as an everyday pour. But for someone who enjoys traditional Kentucky bourbon and wants a polished, 100-proof version with creamy sweetness, enough rye spice, and a complete profile from Nose to Finish, the price makes sense.
This should appeal to newer bourbon drinkers who are ready to move beyond entry-level bottles, while still offering enthusiasts a reliable, flavorful, shareable pour. It is not a special occasion bourbon, but it is a very good quality all-around bourbon that earns its place on the shelf.
Chicken Cock Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review: The Verdict
Chicken Cock Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon achieves what it appears to set out to do. It takes a classic Kentucky bourbon profile and gives it more structure, creaminess, and flavor definition at 100 proof. The Nose is sweet, traditional, and easy to read. The Palate is the clear strength. The Finish is pleasant and connected, even if it is not especially long.
This is not a bottle built around surprise. It is built around execution. For drinkers who want traditional Kentucky bourbon done well, Chicken Cock Small Batch delivers a sweet, creamy, balanced, and enjoyable 100-proof pour that feels like a meaningful step up from the core expression.
Verdict – 4.2/5
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.
