Fighting Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon (NAS)

FC103 NOSE: Traditional Bourbon notes of Vanilla and Oak with Dry Roasted Peanuts. It is a tick hot. NEAT: SWEET! Coke and Peanuts. This reminds me so much of what we call here in the south a "Chain Gang Coke". Simply a glass bottle of Coke with a pack of peanuts poured into it. If you haven't tried it, it is delicious. There is a fair amount of Oak as well. Finishes with a decent Kentucky Hug (though quite smooth for 103 proof) leaving a coating of Coke and Oak. A lingering cinnamon note as well. SPLASH: Turns one note Vanilla Coke. VERDICT: This one is like EW BIB if EW BIB had a teaspoon of sugar dumped in it. Better than I remembered, but I still find it a tick too sweet. When I say Coke, I don't mean it has a Coca Cola note...I mean it tastes like Coke. It is not as peanut-y as Beam, but is damn close. Picked this up on impulse on sale for $14.95, and for that price it is a steal when you factor in the 103 proof. This could definitely find a spot in my bottom shelf rotation.

I’m sure this offering disappoints fans of the previous age-stated version(s), but after a first taste I’m convinced you could do worse for your money. An affordable (< $20), semi-high proof (103), 4-6+ year (presumably - nobody takes a 6+ year product line and starts filling it with 2 year barrels) is a standout value on specs (these days) as long as the taste fulfills. Optics are that it’s been getting worse (going NAS), but people talk up offerings like Evan Williams BiB on the perception that it’s affordable and a step up from its black label cousin (let’s not forget that black label notably lost its 4-yr statement a while ago as well). As far as taste, this is strong cinnamon, oak, and vanilla to me. More baking spices (nutmeg, clove, mace) are there, but definitely secondary. The spice is long and lingers on the roof of the mouth. There is a trace of intensity (befitting a whiskey named fighting cock?) that probably drinks about 10 proof higher than its labeled, so admittedly a touch of ethanol that better bottlings don’t exhibit, but it isn’t harsh or detracting, just characterizes the spicy nature of the spirit. Also, the Heaven Hill peanuts are there for sure. They modify, but don’t detract from, the primary flavors. Not quite a quintessential bourbon profile, but those that like it spicy but affordable, drink neat and you shouldn’t be disappointed for the price. Certainly could do well with a cube. Actually it’s a nice counterpoint to cola (after neat, I had with Pepsi), but I think this might be the 100% perfect bourbon for spiking eggnog (without trying yet). All the right flavors and punchy enough to cut through rich dairy. Saving for winter for sure!

For $16, this is the best value in bourbon! Sweet nose, with some alcohol to let you know this will give you a kick. Vanilla for sure with a faint hint of citrus and new oak. Palate is solid, full body with the sweetness continuing. Great spice on the finish and this has a great finish! Well balanced and an amazing value! 8.2/10

🤢 This is not like it used to be when it was 6 year age stated. Likely won’t buy it again.

Isopropyl nose with a surprisingly sweet initial taste. That initial sweetness fades quickly into a 103 proof medicinal burn. This one is a hard pass.

Pretty harsh and aggressive, but theres a good amount of spice that balances that out. Once you get used to the burn theres some caramel bourbon sweetness too. Not at all bad for the price, if you like bolder whiskies.