The roots of Chicken Cock Whiskey trace back to the year 1856, when James A. Miller established a distillery in Paris, Kentucky. Over the years, the brand faced numerous challenges, such as changes in ownership, a devastating distillery fire, and the dark era of Prohibition. Despite its resilience, the brand eventually faded into obscurity and was lost in the 1950s.
In 2011, a glimmer of hope emerged for Chicken Cock Whiskey when the brand was acquired by Grain & Barrel Spirits. Known for other successful spirits brands like Dixie Vodka and High Goal Gin, Grain & Barrel Spirits sought to breathe new life into the long-forgotten whiskey label. The first revived Chicken Cock Whiskey hit the market in 2012; however, it was based on flavored whiskey that was not distilled in Kentucky, failing to capture the essence of the brand’s original quality and Kentucky heritage.
Gregg Snyder, a seasoned veteran in the whiskey industry with 46 years of experience, took on the challenge of restoring Chicken Cock Whiskey to its former glory. For Snyder, it was essential that the distillation process return to Kentucky and that the entire production be closely monitored by the company. Under Snyder’s meticulous supervision, Chicken Cock Whiskey is now distilled according to his recipe at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
Snyder’s recipe for Chicken Cock Whiskey goes beyond the mere grain bill. He oversees every step of the brewing, fermentation, and distillation process, paying attention to factors like time, temperature, enzymes, and yeast. From selecting the oak logs harvested in Appalachia for barrel-making to aging the whiskey in these customized barrels, Snyder maintains complete control over the whiskey-making process.
When the original recipes for Chicken Cock Whiskey could not be found in the archives, Snyder took it upon himself to create a high-rye bourbon that reflected the brand’s historical period. The core brand of Chicken Cock features a grain bill consisting of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. Besides the Kentucky straight bourbon and straight rye offerings, Snyder showcases his creativity with limited-time releases that appeal to adventurous whiskey enthusiasts.
While many whiskey aficionados are always on the lookout for new and exciting spirits, Snyder emphasizes that Chicken Cock Whiskey is more than just a novelty. He takes pride in the fact that a local whiskey bar, popular among whiskey tourists worldwide, consistently ranks Chicken Cock as the top choice in blind tastings against other well-known brands. This success, according to Snyder, is a testament to the brand’s resurgence in quality and reputation.
The resurrection of Chicken Cock Whiskey under the expert guidance of Gregg Snyder exemplifies the dedication and passion required to revive a classic whiskey brand. With a keen focus on craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, Chicken Cock Whiskey has reclaimed its position as a revered name in the world of spirits.
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