377: Chicken Cock Whiskey Celebrates 170 Years with Debut of Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Will Woodington joins Bourbon Lens Podcast to discuss Chicken Cock Whiskey.

Chicken Cock Whiskey, the “Famous Old Brand” established in 1856, recently announced a landmark evolution in its storied history. To kick off its 170th-anniversary celebrations, the brand has officially launched its first-ever Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a bold departure from its traditional rye-forward roots.

The new expression features a meticulously crafted mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Aged a minimum of five years and bottled at 94 proof, this wheated bourbon offers a velvety mouthfeel with notes of raspberry pastry, vanilla, and gentle baking spices.

“Our wheated bourbon brings something entirely new to the table for the Chicken Cock brand, while staying true to the quality our fans have come to expect,” said Will Woodington, Director of Brand Engagement. “It leans into rich, stone fruit flavors and well-rounded oak, making it equally delicious but beautifully different from our high-rye heritage.”

The release also marks a visual evolution for the brand. The new bottle design features hand-painted rooster artwork, reflecting the unique personality of each expression while maintaining the iconic honeycomb glass—a tribute to the brand’s medicinal-bottle origins during Prohibition.

As Chicken Cock looks toward its 170th year in 2026, enthusiasts can expect a series of “aesthetically driven” limited releases and exclusive activations.

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