Next Century Spirits (NCS) announced the acquisition of certain brand assets from Grain & Barrel Spirits, including Chicken Cock Whiskey, a heritage brand dating back to 1856. This brand acquisition gives NCS its first presence in Kentucky and a premium anchor for its whiskey portfolio. 

“Grain & Barrel built something real here with the Chicken Cock Whiskey brand: exceptional quality, deep history, and a relatable story,” Anthony Moniello, CEO of Next Century Spirits, said in a news release. “Alongside Blue Chair Bay Rum, Nue Vodka, recently launched Pocho Fino Tequila, and the rest of our portfolio, it strengthens what we’re building at NCS.”

The acquired assets also include Circa 1856 tasting-room destinations in Bardstown and Louisville. The Bardstown location serves as Chicken Cock’s Kentucky home, offering tastings, cocktails, retail, and brand experiences, while the Louisville location features a sipping room and speakeasy in the city’s NuLu neighborhood.

“We’re betting on a brand that stands out in a category where distinctive, authentic stories are winning,” Moniello added. “Together, the Circa 1856 locations give us a physical home in Kentucky and a direct way to introduce more drinkers to the brand’s history and taste.”

Grain & Barrel Founder and CEO Matt Anttila will join the board of NCS, allowing him to continue guiding Chicken Cock’s growth. Damon DeSantis, a director of Celsius Holdings and INBP and former CEO of Rexall Sundown, will also join the board of NCS, bringing extensive experience as an investor and director across multiple industries. 

“We’re excited to welcome these respected brands to Next Century Spirits and to have Damon DeSantis and Matti Anttila join our board,” Matthew Bronfman, Chairman of the NCS board, said. “Their experience and perspective will be valuable as we continue to grow the company and strengthen our portfolio.”

“We’ve spent the last decade reviving the Chicken Cock brand and want to see it reach its full potential,” Anttila said. “We believe NCS is the right partner to take it even further, returning the ‘Famous Old Brand’ to its legacy position atop the U.S. whiskey market.”

“This is a company that’s making smart bets. I’m glad to be part of what’s next,” DeSantis said.

In addition to Chicken Cock Whiskey, the acquired Grain & Barrel brand portfolio includes Dixie Southern Vodka, Elvis Whiskey, and E.G. Booz. Together, they join the family of NCS brands: Blue Chair Bay Rum, Nue Vodka, Pocho Fino Tequila, Bear Fight American Whiskey, Caddy Cocktails, Numbskull Whiskey, Creek Water American Whiskey, Calamity Gin, and Henderson Whiskey.

Read more: Chicken Cock Releases New Wheated Bourbon

About Chicken Cock Whiskey

Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey has a rich legacy rooted in the success of Miller’s earlier venture, J.A. Miller’s Old Bourbon, which dates back to the late 1830s. In 2012, Matti Anttila, Grain & Barrel Spirits CEO, revived the historic brand. In 2024, Chicken Cock Whiskey opened its brand home, Circa 1856, offering visitors a multi-faceted immersive experience in one of the oldest historic homes in the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. Learn more about Chicken Cock Whiskey here:https://chickencockwhiskey.com/.

About Next Century Spirits

Next Century Spirits (NCS), headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina, is a full-service distilled spirits and marketing company specializing in the development of spirits for its owned brands, private-label clients, and bulk supply. The NCS portfolio includes Nue Vodka, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Pocho Fino Tequila, Bear Fight Whiskey, Numbskull—a cool mint and chocolate-flavored whiskey—Creek Water American Whiskey, Caddy Cocktails, Calamity Gin, and Henderson Whiskey. For more information, visit nextcenturyspirits.com.