Chicken Cock Whiskey Releases First Wheated Bourbon
Historic brand Chicken Cock Whiskey, dating back to 1856, has introduced its first-ever wheated bourbon. The new release marks a significant portfolio expansion for the Kentucky distiller, adding a new mash bill to its core lineup for the first time.
This new wheated bourbon features a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Aged for at least five years, it is bottled at 94-proof (47% ABV), offering a smoother, sweeter profile compared to bourbons that use rye as the secondary grain. The tasting notes suggest flavors of caramel, vanilla, and baked dough. By swapping out the traditional spicy rye for wheat, "wheated" bourbons achieve a softer, more mellow character. This allows the natural sweetness of the corn to become more prominent, making the spirit more approachable for a wider range of palates. This style is famously represented by brands like Maker's Mark and Larceny. Originally established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856, Chicken Cock rose to prominence in the 19th century. The brand became legendary during Prohibition as the house whiskey of Harlem's renowned Cotton Club, where it was smuggled in tin cans. After a distillery fire in the 1950s, the brand went dormant for decades. The brand was resurrected by Grain & Barrel Spirits, a Charleston, South Carolina-based company founded by Matti Anttila. The company's portfolio also includes other brands such as Dixie Vodka, the Official Vodka of NASCAR, and Elvis Whiskeys.
