Chicken Cock Whiskey has a long and storied history dating back to 1856, when James A. Miller established a distillery in Paris, Kentucky. Over the years, the brand faced numerous challenges, including changes in ownership, a devastating distillery fire, and the era of prohibition. Unfortunately, the brand eventually faded into obscurity and was lost in the 1950s.
In 2011, Grain & Barrel Spirits, known for brands such as Dixie Vodka and High Goal Gin, acquired the rights to Chicken Cock Whiskey. Their goal was to revive this iconic brand and bring it back to its former glory. The first iteration of the revamped Chicken Cock hit the shelves in 2012, but it was not a true reflection of the brand’s original quality or Kentucky heritage.
Enter Gregg Snyder, a seasoned veteran of the whiskey industry with 46 years of experience. Snyder saw the potential in Chicken Cock Whiskey and knew that to restore its reputation, the distillation process needed to return to Kentucky. Under his expert guidance, Chicken Cock is now distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Company, following Snyder’s meticulous recipe.
Snyder’s involvement in the production of Chicken Cock Whiskey goes beyond just the recipe. He oversees every step of the process, from brewing and fermentation to distillation and aging. Snyder carefully selects oak logs from Appalachia to create barrels for aging the whiskey, believing that the tight grain of the oak from this region imparts a unique flavor profile to the spirit.
When Grain & Barrel acquired the brand, the original recipes were nowhere to be found. Undeterred, Snyder set out to create a high-rye bourbon that was indicative of the time period when Chicken Cock was at its peak. The core brand of Chicken Cock Whiskey features a grain bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
In addition to the core lineup of Kentucky straight bourbon, Kentucky straight rye, small batch bourbon, and double-oak whiskey, Snyder showcases his creativity through limited-time offerings. He understands the modern whiskey lover’s desire for new and unique experiences while ensuring that Chicken Cock Whiskey remains a product worth celebrating.
Snyder’s dedication to quality has not gone unnoticed. A local whiskey bar, known for serving whiskey enthusiasts from around the globe, conducts blind tastings of Chicken Cock against other top brands. Astonishingly, customers choose Chicken Cock as the best whiskey 80% of the time, a testament to the brand’s revival under Snyder’s leadership.
The resurrection of Chicken Cock Whiskey under the expert guidance of Gregg Snyder is a true success story in the world of spirits. By returning to its Kentucky roots, honoring tradition, and embracing innovation, Chicken Cock Whiskey has once again become a beloved and respected brand in the industry.