Next Century Spirits Acquires Chicken Cock Whiskey

(Photo: Next Century Spirits)

Next Century Spirits announced Thursday that it is acquiring select brands from Grain & Barrel Spirits, including historic Kentucky whiskey label Chicken Cock Whiskey, which was founded in 1856 and shut down in the 1950s, remaining shuttered until 2012, when Grain & Barrel revived the brand.

The acquisition gives Next Century Spirits its first presence in the crowded Kentucky whiskey space.

“Grain & Barrel built something real here with the Chicken Cock Whiskey brand: exceptional quality, deep history, and a relatable story,” Next Century Spirits CEO Anthony Moniello said in a news release. “It strengthens what we’re building at NCS.”

Chicken Cock’s modern portfolio includes Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky Straight Rye and a range of limited releases.

As part of the transaction, Grain & Barrel Spirits Matti Anttila and Damon DeSantis, a director of Celsius Holdings and Integrated BioPharma and former CEO of Rexall Sundown, will both join the Next Century Spirits board.

“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.”

The acquisition also includes the 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.Beyond Chicken Cock Whiskey, NCS takes over Dixie Southern Vodka, Elvis Whiskey and E.G. Booz from the Grain & Barrel portfolio.

Those brands will join Next Century Spirits’ existing lineup, which includes Blue Chair Bay Rum, Nue Vodka, Pocho Fino Tequila, Bear Fight American Whiskey, Numbskull Whiskey, Creek Water American Whiskey, Calamity Gin and Henderson Whiskey.

Grain & Barrel brands not involved in the sale include Tequila Eterno Verano, Daybreak and High Goal Gin.