The Famous Old Brand
Originally established in 1856 in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey rose in popularity during the 19th century and was infamously a staple of Prohibition-era speakeasies, including the Cotton Club, where it would be smuggled inside in nondescript tin cans. Chicken Cock disappeared from the market in the 1950’s after the original distillery burned down, but we’ve now brought "The Famous Old Brand" back, combining 160 years of history with a touch of 21st century.
Brand History
Chicken Cock was first distilled in Paris, KY in 1856. While it became a big Bourbon brand during the 19th century, Chicken Cock really hit its stride during Prohibition as the house whiskey at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. At the Cotton Club it became known as "The Whiskey in a Tin Can" due to how it was smuggled in to avoid the long arm of the law. A distillery fire in the 1950's put an end to the brand's initial run before being brought back to life by Grain & Barrel in 2016.
Current Release
Distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky, Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a rich, elegant mahogany hue; a nose which balances oak tones with sweet notes of dried fruit, caramel, and vanilla; and a palate that opens with soft tannins. A creamy, almost buttery mouthfeel is complemented by butterscotch notes and toasted oak, resolving with a vanilla finish. At 90 proof, there is a slight, welcome bourbon heat. The bourbon is bottled in a replica of the Prohibition-era Chicken Cock bottle.