Dating back to 1856, Chicken Cock Whiskey has a rich history that can be traced back to a distillery in Paris, Kentucky founded by James A. Miller. Over the years, the brand faced numerous challenges, including changes in ownership, a devastating distillery fire, and the era of Prohibition, ultimately leading to its disappearance in the 1950s.
In 2011, Chicken Cock Whiskey found new life when it was acquired by Grain & Barrel Spirits, a company known for its innovative approach to crafting spirits such as Dixie Vodka, High Goal Gin, and Eterno Verano Tequila. The brand was relaunched in 2012, but the initial offering fell short of capturing the essence of Chicken Cock Whiskey’s original quality and Kentucky heritage.
Enter Gregg Snyder, a seasoned veteran with 46 years of experience in the whiskey industry. Snyder recognized the potential of Chicken Cock Whiskey and was determined to restore it to its former glory. For him, the key to success was bringing the distillation process back to Kentucky and ensuring that every step of production was controlled by the company.
Under Snyder’s meticulous supervision, Chicken Cock Whiskey is now distilled according to his carefully crafted recipe at Bardstown Bourbon Company. From brewing to fermentation to distillation, every aspect of the process is closely monitored to ensure the highest quality. Snyder even personally selects oak logs from Appalachia for making the barrels in which the whiskey is aged, citing the unique flavor profile of the wood due to the region’s rugged terrain.
When Grain & Barrel Spirits acquired Chicken Cock Whiskey, the original recipes were nowhere to be found. Undeterred, Snyder set out to create a high-rye bourbon that paid homage to the brand’s historic roots. The core brand features a grain bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aged in barrels crafted from Snyder’s hand-picked oak logs.
While staying true to tradition, Snyder also explores new avenues of creativity with limited-time offerings alongside the core lineup of Kentucky straight bourbon, Kentucky straight rye, small batch bourbon, and double-oak whiskey. He emphasizes that the goal is not just to create something new, but to produce whiskey that is truly exceptional and worth celebrating.
Snyder takes pride in the fact that Chicken Cock Whiskey has gained recognition among whiskey enthusiasts, with an unnamed local whiskey bar consistently ranking it as the best choice in blind taste tests against other top brands. While some may view this as boasting, Snyder sees it as a validation of the hard work and dedication that went into reviving Chicken Cock Whiskey’s legacy of high-quality craftsmanship.
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