Chicken Cock "Red Stave" Petite Sirah Finish Bourbon Whiskey

Chicken Cock “Red Stave” Petite Sirah Finish is a bold, character-driven bourbon that pushes the boundaries of traditional maturation. With a rich fusion of deep fruit nuances from Petite Sirah-seasoned oak, hearty bourbon spice, and a plush, lingering finish, this whiskey feels both powerful and nuanced — an adventurous choice for seasoned bourbon drinkers seeking something distinctive and layered.

Origins & Craftsmanship

The Chicken Cock distillery crafts “Red Stave” by taking their classic small-batch bourbon and finishing it in barrels previously seasoned with Petite Sirah wine — an unusual and artful cask treatment that infuses the spirit with red-wine–derived depth.

Key production details:

• Base Bourbon: Chicken Cock’s core bourbon mashbill, known for rich grain character, warm spice, and layered sweetness.

• Initial Maturation: Aged in new charred American oak, building classic bourbon backbone — caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and oak spice.

• Petite Sirah Cask Finish: After primary aging, the bourbon is transferred to barrels seasoned with Petite Sirah wine for an extended finish. The wine influence introduces layers of dark fruit, tannin structure, and subtle winey complexity without overwhelming the bourbon identity.

• Bottling Strength: Typically bottled at a robust proof, showcasing concentrated flavors and mouthfeel while preserving nuance.

This innovative finishing approach creates a whiskey that highlights interplay between bold red fruit tonality and traditional bourbon warmth.

Critics Reviews & Professional Impressions

Professional reviewers and whiskey commentators frequently highlight “Red Stave” as one of Chicken Cock’s most intriguing and expressive releases:

• Flavor Innovation: Many appreciate how the Petite Sirah finish adds dark fruit richness — blackberry, blueberry, and faint raisin — that complements classic bourbon spice.

• Balance Under High Proof: Reviewers often remark on how the elevated proof level doesn’t overpower, but rather amplifies the fusion of bourbon backbone and wine-derived nuance.

• Textural Depth: Critics cite its full-bodied mouthfeel, layered complexity, and a plush finish that feels both refined and robust.

• Versatility: Commentators note that it’s compelling neat, with water to open more nuance, or in high-end bourbon cocktails.

The general consensus is that “Red Stave” stands as a compelling example of creative cask finishing that enriches rather than obscures the base bourbon character.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Ripe dark fruit — blackberry, plum, and blueberry — melds with classic bourbon notes of vanilla bean, caramel, toasted oak, and spice. Subtle hints of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and baking spice emerge with air.

Palate:
Full-bodied and layered. Suggestions of ripe red and dark berries intertwine with caramel corn, brown sugar, toasted oak, and baking spice. Mid-palate brings gentle tannic grip from the Petite Sirah finish, complemented by rich vanilla, molasses, and light cocoa.

Finish:
Long, warm, and textured. Lingering dark fruit, toasted oak, spice cake, and creamy caramel fade gracefully, leaving a sustained impression of fruit-driven depth and sweet-spice richness.

Quick Overview