Cinnamon apple pie | Caramel | Oak | Green Apple Jolly Rancher

Gentle rye spice | Cinnamon stick | Pie crust | Light nutmeg | Baked apple | Touch of caramel

Cinnamon spice | Brown sugar | Vanilla | Faint rye spice | Light oak | Light dough

Initially established in 1856 in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock was one of the larger bourbon brands of the 19th century before it faded into existence.‍‍The Chicken Cock brand was resurrected by entrepreneur Matti Anttila beginning in 2011, with the first modern-day release being a 30 barrel release of 8 year old bourbon in 2017. Recently, the brand has undergone a label refresh for its core product portfolio, including the Small Batch Bourbon in review.

Despite being a 21% rye bourbon, Chicken Cock Small Batch Bourbon delivers a sweet-tasting sip. Classic notes play the main role, with cinnamon spice in particular being a common vein that runs throughout the sip. The aroma is pleasant, with a distinct scent of Green Apple Jolly Rancher standing out. The midpoint is reminiscent of a deconstructed apple pie while the finish focuses more on sweet versus spicy. Considering the bourbon’s 21% rye mashbill, it’s a surprising yet pleasing way to wrap things up.

Chicken Cock positions their Small Batch Bourbon as a higher proof step-up from their Standard Bourbon. Both utilize the same mashbill and, presumably, both utilize similar aged barrels in their blends. Where the company’s standard bourbon offers a 90 proof, spicier sip, it’s clear the company was looking for differentiation between the two, as Small Batch steers away from the spicy side of things and veers into sweeter territory. At only $10 more, it’s a nice option for consumers, allowing fans of the brand to decide what flavor profile they’d prefer that night, while being able to decide between two, well-packaged bourbons.

‍The bourbon in review is from Batch 30.