The countdown to America’s 250th anniversary has officially begun, and the spirits industry is answering the call with liquid history. In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we are diving headfirst into one of the most innovative and culturally significant collaborations to hit shelves this year: Chicken Cock Old Glory.
This limited-edition release marks a monumental crossroads for American distilling, unifying two historic legacy brands—Chicken Cock Whiskey (established in 1856) and Laird & Company (distilling since 1780)—to create a cross-category hybrid spirit that honors over four centuries of shared American heritage.
🥃 The Liquid Breakdown: An Unprecedented 70/30 Blend
Breaking away from traditional finished whiskeys, Old Glory is a direct spirit-to-spirit blend. Master blenders integrated 70% Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (featuring a bold 95% rye, 5% malted barley mashbill) with 30% Laird’s Bottled-in-Bond Apple Brandy.
Both components were aged for a minimum of four years before being married and bottled at a sturdy 100 proof (50% ABV).
The presentation is equally striking, housed in Chicken Cock’s signature historical honeycomb glass bottle—an homage to 19th-century medicinal designs—complete with the “Famous Old Brand” rooster emblem flanked by a patriotic American bald eagle.
📋 Official Tasting Notes & Flavor Profile
- Nose: Bright, highly aromatic orchard fruits emerge first, underpinned by toasted oak, warm ginger, and a light cereal warmth.
- Palate: Luxuriously smooth, round, and juicy. Upfront notes of honey, butterscotch, and sweet clove give way to crisp pear and warm, baked red apple. The rye backbone ensures the dram never becomes overly sweet, maintaining an excellent structure.
- Finish: Long, textured, and remarkably complex. It leaves a lingering impression of dried red apple skin, cracked coriander, and honey, rounded out by a cooling hint of fresh mint that elevates the spice profile.
🎙️ Listen to the Full Episode: Show Notes & Timestamps
Whether you are a die-hard rye enthusiast, a fan of historic fruit brandies, or a collector seeking a piece of genuine liquid Americana that won’t break the bank, this episode uncovers why Old Glory delivers exceptional value at an SRP of $64.99 (limited to 12,000 bottles nationally).
Episode Chapters & Timestamps:
- 00:00 — Introduction to Chicken Cock’s Old Glory Whiskey & its Historic Significance
- 00:28 — Deconstructing the Blend: Kentucky Rye Meets Laird’s Apple Brandy
- 01:58 — The Historical Context: 416 Combined Years of American Distilling Heritage
- 02:22 — Official Review & Tasting Notes: Nose, Palate, and Finish Breakdown
- 03:13 — Unfiltered Personal Impressions: How It Performs as a Neat Pour and Cocktail Base
- 03:42 — Community Roundtable, Swag, Merchandise, and Patreon Perks
Resources & Featured Links From the Show:
- Explore the Release: Chicken Cock Old Glory Whiskey
- Discover the Roots: Laird & Company Apple Brandy
- Go Deeper with the Community: Support Bourbon Lens on Patreon
- Check out our Merch: Buy Now
👥 Connect with the Bourbon Lens Community
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, blind tastings, and independent spirits insights from the Bourbon Lens community.
- Instagram: @bourbonlens
- X (Twitter): @bourbonlens
- Official Website: www.bourbonlens.com
- Join the Live Chat on Discord: Bourbon Lens