Fighting Cock Bourbon

 

Fighting Cock

Bourbon

6 Years Old

Heaven Hill Distilleries

51.5% Alcohol (103 Proof)

I'm a sucker for cheesy names.  If I hear about something with a funny/silly name, I instantly MUST have it.  So not long after hearing about Fighting Cock bourbon, I went to the local liquor store to see if they had it in stock.  I didn't see it on the shelf so I asked the clerk if they had any:

Me: "Hey, do you guys have any Fighting Cock bourbon? Or could you order me in a bottle?"

Her: *Surprised look* *Glaring at me like I'm a creep* *Doesn't say a word*

Me: "No seriously, there's a bourbon called Fighting Cock."

Her: "Haven't heard of it" *Then she just stands there*

Me: *Walks out*

Fortunately, I went to a different liquor store a few miles away and they had a couple bottles on the shelf.  Now, with a name like Fighting Cock, you might expect something harsh and crazy strong, and well, you'd be only partially right.  It is crazy strong at 103 Proof, which for a lot of people is too much.  Personally, I prefer high-proof or barrel-proof bourbons (ie. Knob Creek Single Barrel, George Stagg, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Bookers, ...) so this was right up my alley.  

Fighting Cock is a medium caramel color and has decent legs in the glass.  It smells obviously of corn, rye spice, and some faint leather with a good amount of charred oak.  You take a sip (or shot) and get a rich, corn sweetness, caramel, oak, a hint of honey, pepper, the rye spiciness, and a good kick of lingering hot alcohol in the finish.  

This is a bourbon that lets you know you're drinking bourbon.  This is NOT a wheated, soft bourbon, this is a full-throttle, full-flavored spicy bourbon.  To me, it tastes a lot like Wild Turkey 101.  Like almost identical, but with perhaps a bit more kick you in the sack, if you know what I mean.  In a good way, of course. 

 Drink This: if you want a bourbon that is likely intended as a shooter, but is flavorful enough to drink on the rocks OR with a splash of water if you're hardcore like me.
Don't Drink This: if you're going to be drinking too much of it.  You may end up getting into a fight, getting arrested, or getting someone pregnant.  Or any combination of those.  Trust me, drink it in moderation and admire its strength and tasty, strong flavor.