Chicken Cock Island Rooster Rum

Chicken Cock Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye is where Kentucky meets the Caribbean in a glass. This limited-edition expression starts as a classic Kentucky straight rye made from a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, aged for more than four years in new charred American oak. It is then transferred into hand-selected Caribbean rum casks for an extended finishing period, allowing the spirit to pick up layers of molasses sweetness and tropical nuance without losing its rye backbone. 

On the nose, Island Rooster opens with rye spice and pepper wrapped in soft vanilla, brown sugar, and hints of molasses. Behind that, you’ll find bright tropical tones, think pineapple, melon, and candied fruits that clearly signal the rum-cask influence. The first sip is all about balance: baking spice and seasoned oak from the rye meet butterscotch, maple-like sweetness, and a touch of coffee and dark fruit. As it sits in the glass, more complexity emerges, with notes of ginger, citrus, and subtle tobacco on a long, warming finish. 

Bottled at 95 proof and non-chill filtered, Island Rooster keeps the texture rich and satisfying. The mouthfeel is creamy and slightly oily, helping those spice and molasses notes linger well after each sip. This is a whiskey that drinks beautifully neat, opens up nicely with a splash of water, and also holds its character in spirit-forward cocktails like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned built on rye.

Visually, Chicken Cock Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye is as considered as the liquid inside. The dark amber / rose-gold color reflects both the rye’s time in new oak and its rum-cask finishing. The embossed, apothecary-style bottle with its metal cup cap and bold Island Rooster label is designed to be displayed, not hidden in a cabinet. 

With only 25 barrels released and a Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Island Rooster Rum Barrel Rye sits firmly in the premium, collectible space. It’s an ideal choice for rye drinkers looking for something distinctive, rum-finished whiskey fans who want more spice and structure, or collectors who want a bottle that offers both shelf presence and serious drinking pleasure.