Bourbon Review: Chickenduck Wheat Bourbon

Chickenduck Wheat Bourbon bottled at 46% abv, high wheat mash with corn and barley — a $42 available at Bending Branch but offered in retail across Texas soon expression that merits close attention.

Nose

Sweet with immediate notes of caramel, wheat, sugar, leather and dark oak notes. As the glass warms in my hand I am greeted with the familiar smell of alcohol, corn, and a young bourbon. My brain wants to find older more sophisticated notes because of the color, but they aren’t present. Summary: My brain wants to find older more sophisticated notes because of the color, but they aren’t present. The color is like a 15+ year bourbon and I couldn’t get over the color for a little while. It all combines into a reasonably even sip with good balance. For a new, non-aged statement, sourced whiskey, this has some merit.rnrnThis would be a fun bottle to bring out for friends. The whiskey has a fun “pop” to the beginning before revealing more of the subtle notes towards the back end. It would pair nicely with just about anything and won’t steal the show with a meal or in a cocktail.

Palate

immediately tingles the tongue and has a delightful hit of spice in all the right ways. It quickly warms the chest without burning. As the mouth adjusts to the flavor I found brown sugar, smoke, wine tannins, pepper, toffee, with mild malt notes. Throughout the taste you find notes of oak, char, and cedar. The finish sits for a minute before dissipating. The flavors don’t evoke an immediate desire for a return sip, but they don’t discourage one either. It sits well on the tongue between sips. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Verdict

Chickenduck Wheat Bourbon delivers a thoroughly accomplished whiskey that justifies its $42 available at Bending Branch but offered in retail across Texas soon price point. It is well-crafted, balanced, and worthy of a place in any considered collection.