This is Part 1/5 of a recent Heaven Hill tasting I attended where I tried five bourbons. I also had the chance to meet their international representative Mr. Henry Joe.
Bottled after a full 6 years in charred white oak barrels at 103 proof, Fighting Cock has the robust, full bodied flavor that I've come to love in a good solid bourbon.
Maybe not the most complex of flavors but possibly the most value for money whisky out there. Also has an edge as this one has rye replacing wheat in the mashbill.
Nose: Strong. Solid. Lots of caramel mocha and chocolate chips. A second wave brings in leathery tobacco with a nice vanilla clove spiciness. Classic aromas.
Palate: It starts with a lovely woody spiced clove and then mellows out to a mild maple syrup and cardamom infused dark citrus.
Finish: Long. Oily. Spicy.
This is a solid no nonsense bourbon and at a price which should allow you an unlimited lifetime supply.
@Victor yes, looks like I got lucky. This was a very decent batch.
Nice review. I am glad you got a nice batch of Fighting Cock to sample, @tabarakRazvi. My first bottle of Fighting Cock was fantastic, but the second was pretty lacklustre by comparison. At its best Fighting Cock is a very big and bold whiskey, and, as you also point out, fantastic value for money. Where I live Fighting Cock is currently on sale for $ 13.41 for 750 ml.