Chicken Cock Whiskey Makes Bull Riding Debut As Reese Cates Returns To Built Ford Tough Series

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Cock Whiskey, the 157-year-old brand made famous as a bootleg whiskey during Prohibition, unveiled its sponsorship of professional bull rider Reese Cates at the 2014 PBR Built Ford Tough Series season opener, Jan. 3-5 at Madison Square Garden. The Monster Energy Buck-Off at The Garden provided an exciting backdrop for Cates' return to BFTS competition after injury cut his season short in 2013.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140108/CL42594)

Cates, a four-time PBR World Finals qualifier and the 2008 PBR Rookie of the Year, carried the Chicken Cock Whiskey banner as the chutes opened in New York and the 24-year-old native of El Dorado, Ark. revived his lifelong dream of winning a PBR world title.

"We're very excited to have Reese Cates riding for Chicken Cock Whiskey," said Matti Anttila, CEO of Chicken Cock Distillers which revived the heritage brand in 2013. "Reese is one of the most dynamic young riders in the sport – the toughness and dedication he has shown in getting back on the rankest bulls in the world is something that we are proud to be a part of."

Millions of TV viewers watching PBR action on CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network in 2014 will be introduced to the Chicken Cock Whiskey brand every time Cates enters the chutes. Chicken Cock will work with Cates to bring exciting experiences to fans as the PBR travels across the country, including behind-the-scenes, VIP access for select customers and consumers, as well as meet-and-greets with Cates before, during and after PBR events.

Recognized by Forbes (Aug. 2013), as "America's Fastest Growing Sport," the PBR continues to surpass attendance records, win new fans and grow its TV market. According to 2012 research from Scarborough Sports Marketing, the PBR has 36 million adult fans in the U.S., among which more than half watch PBR action on TV, with nearly two million fans attending live events. Worldwide, the PBR attracts a global TV audience of more than 100 million viewers annually.

Cates is regarded as one of the most popular and talented up-and-coming bull riders on the PBR tour. As an 18-year-old, he took the sport by storm in 2008 when he qualified for his first PBR event, challenging the best in the world and going on to win almost $200,000 plus top rookie honors.

"I've never dealt with a company as courteous and dedicated to providing excellence to the individual as Chicken Cock Whiskey," said Cates. "I'm extremely thankful and blessed to be representing the brand. There's nothing like its cinnamon whiskey on the rocks. It's the perfect drink to enjoy after a long night of bull riding." 

Originally distilled in 1856 and reintroduced in 2013 with a line of flavored American whiskies, Chicken Cock recently capped off one of the most successful spirit brand launches of the year. With first-year sales of approximately 12,000 9L cases, Chicken Cock is among the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the U.S. The quick-chill aluminum bottle is reminiscent of the tin cans once used to smuggle the whiskey into Prohibition-era speakeasies like the Cotton Club where it became famous as the "whiskey in a tin can." Priced at $19.99/750 ml, Chicken Cock is available in Cinnamon, Southern Spiced and Root Beer.  

Fans of Chicken Cock Whiskey and of Reese Cates can stay up-to-date on the sponsorship, special consumer offers and promotions by visiting the Chicken Cock Whiskey Facebook page.

About Chicken Cock Distillers
Located in Charleston, S.C., Chicken Cock Distillers, a division of wine and spirits brand developer Island Club Brands, specializes in handcrafted, small-batch American spirits. Current brands include Chicken Cock Whiskey, an American Whiskey tracing its roots back to 1856, and General Beauregard Dixie Vodka, a craft vodka distilled 6X from 100% American corn, rolling out in the South in early 2014. www.ChickenCockWhiskey.com

About Reese Cates
Reese Cates of El Dorado, Ark., is a professional bull rider who competes in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series. Cates began participating in rodeo events as a youth and rode his first bull at age 14. He turned professional at age 18, first competing in Championship Bull Riding before qualifying for his first PBR event in 2008. Cates went on to win nearly $200,000 in his debut season and was named 2008 PBR Rookie of the Year.

SOURCE Chicken Cock Whiskey