Fighting Cock? Yes, a strange name and odd looking label for a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This and the somewhat low price probably points to a marketing strategy aimed at younger drinkers. So is this a gimmick bottle like others we have reviewed? Read on.
Fighting Cock sells for just under $20 for the 750ml, comes in a standard looking screw top bottle with the aforementioned label that shows a chicken in the air with it’s talons out. It is aged 6 years, bottled at 103 proof and is pretty readily available.
NOSE
Todd: Caramel up front with some hints of black fruit and vanilla. Also a nice nutty praline type aroma along with a little corn.
Ron: A spicy hot alcohol smell leads the way. Behind those were slight scents of honey, citrus, cake, corn and pralines. Not bad.
TASTE
Todd: Somewhat smooth considering the proof and the price. No big dominating taste. I got some Rye, some corn and a little bit of mustiness.
Ron: Agree, not too harsh for 103 proof. Sweet and spicy with a touch of almonds and toffee. Farther back a little cinnamon and the mustiness that Todd tasted.
FINISH
Todd: Medium with a lot of sweetness.
Ron: A warm, sweet, medium finish with a touch of corn.
OVERALL
Todd: Not a bad drink for the price. For some reason I seem to want to compare this to Wild Turkey. I guess the name and the price point. To me Wild Turkey wins, but maybe I’m sentimental.
Ron: I agree, not bad considering the price. I also like the higher proof, seems like I am getting even more for my money.
Nose 4 out of 5
Taste 7.5 out of 10
Finish 3.5 out of 5
Total score 15 out of 20 barrels
There is better Bourbon at this price point, including the Wild Turkey mentioned above. As always with something under $20, we recommend trying it out for yourself. The high proof does lend itself to a decent cocktail.
In the end, not a lot of complexity, no big overriding taste and just a so so finish. We would probably pass on Fighting Cock.