Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof American Bourbon Whiskey 70 cl 45%

A bourbon smuggled in cans during Prohibition, revived 168 years after its birth in Kentucky.

Expert description

Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof is an American Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 45%. Chicken Cock was founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, and was one of America's oldest bourbon brands until it closed after Prohibition. During Prohibition, the whiskey became a fixture in speakeasies, including the famous Cotton Club in Harlem, where it was often smuggled in tin cans to avoid detection — earning it the nickname 'The Famous Old Brand'. The label lay dormant until spirits entrepreneur Matti Anttila revived it in 2011 using original bottles and promotional materials. Since 2018, the whiskey has been produced at Bardstown Bourbon Company through a collaborative distillation program.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose offers caramel, vanilla and a hint of toasted nuts.

Palate

The palate is round with brown sugar, spice and oak.

Finish

The finish is medium to long, warm and spicy.

Specifications

Name: Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof American Bourbon Whiskey
Bottler: Chicken Cock
Region/Country: Kentucky, USA
Type: Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45%
Size: 70 CL

Flavour profile

Caramel · Spicy · Warm · Nutty

Did you know?

During Prohibition, Chicken Cock was often smuggled in tin cans rather than bottles to avoid detection during raids — hence the nickname 'The Famous Old Brand', which still graces the label today.

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Frequently asked questions about Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof American Bourbon Whiskey

Why is it called 'The Famous Old Brand'?

During Prohibition, the whiskey was smuggled in cans and was popular in speakeasies like the Cotton Club in Harlem, earning it a reputation as a well-known, classic bourbon.

How old is the brand?

It was founded in 1856 in Paris, Kentucky, making it one of America's oldest bourbon brands, before disappearing after Prohibition and being revived in 2011.

How is Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof American Bourbon Whiskey best served?

Neat, on the rocks, or in classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

Is Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof American Bourbon Whiskey 70 cl 45% a good gift idea?

Yes, Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof American Bourbon Whiskey 70 cl 45% is a natural choice for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and characterful flavour experiences — especially for the whisky enthusiast keen to explore beyond the most familiar names.

How should Chicken Cock The Famous Old Brand 90 Proof American Bourbon Whiskey 70 cl 45% be stored?

Standing upright, cool and dark, like any other spirits bottle. Once opened, the contents keep best if enjoyed within a year or so.

What characterises the Kentucky style?

Kentucky is known for a corn-forward, sweet bourbon style with caramel and vanilla from new, charred oak barrels.