Fighting Cock 103 Proof 6 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

A powerful, punchy bourbon from Bardstown in the mould of Old Grand Dad 114. The recipe presumably has an unusually large portion of rye, which imparts distinctively spicy and dry notes to the whiskey. Deep gold colour with deep straw hue. An explosive, complex nose; Warm cinnamon roll, candied oranges, vanilla, pepper and spice with a hint of smoky bacon emerging underneath. Appetising, but closer in style to a Rye whiskey than a Bourbon. The palate is initially quite corn sweet, offering nutmeg and cinnamon, vanilla and orange peel wrapped around a warm, firm body. Then the oak influence grips and the rye performs a flourish, delivering intense flavours of citrus peel, earth, butterscotch and mixed spices. Prickly mouthfeel. Booming, dry, spicy finish. Very long spicy vanilla aftertaste. A heroic Bourbon, not for lovers of elegance or subtlety. 51.5% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... '....A big cock, indeed....' 85.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2009.