Warbringer Big Cockerel Aguardiente is an unaged white whiskey from Sespe Creek Distillery in Oxnard, California, bottled at 98 proof (49% ABV).
It was the first release under master distiller and COO John Campbell, a Scotch distilling icon who joined Sespe Creek in late 2024. For his first spirit there, he stripped back what he knew and started from the foundations up. His involvement is also a tip of the cap to the Scottish diaspora of the mid-19th century, when roughly 3,000 Scotsmen arrived in California for the Gold Rush.
Aguardiente, roughly fiery water, has deep roots in the histories of both colonial Mexico and California's Gold Rush era. Long before grapevines defined the valleys, this potent burning water was the drink of mission friars and rancheros alike. Big Cockerel revisits that untamed spirit with a Warbringer mash bill of 60% mesquite-smoked corn, 15% fire-toasted corn and 25% malted rye. The corn is smoked with mesquite, and part of it is slowly toasted in an old steel drum rotating over an open flame, caramelizing its sugars.
Bottled straight from the still, it is bold, intense, smoky and savory, with a rich, grain-forward profile in place of barrel notes. It joins Sespe Creek's Warbringer family of mesquite-smoked bourbons, including the Original, Cowboy Edition and Warmaster Edition.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Mesquite smoke, toasted corn.
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Palate: Savory, smoky, grain-forward, rye spice.
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Finish: Bold and fiery.
Specifications
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Distillery: Sespe Creek Distillery, Oxnard, California
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Master Distiller: John Campbell
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Style: Unaged whiskey (aguardiente)
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Mash bill: 60% mesquite-smoked corn, 15% fire-toasted corn, 25% malted rye
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Proof / ABV: 98 proof (49% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Try it chilled and neat, or use its smoke in place of mezcal or white rum in a Paloma, a Daiquiri-style sour or a smoky Old Fashioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aguardiente?
Fiery water: a historic spirit of colonial Mexico and Gold Rush California.
Is it aged?
No, it is an unaged white whiskey.
What is the mash bill?
60% mesquite-smoked corn, 15% fire-toasted corn and 25% malted rye.
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