Heritage Bourbon Joins Expanding Spirits Portfolio Next Century Spirits (NCS) has acquired Chicken Cock Whiskey and related brand assets from Grain & Barrel Spirits, marking the North Carolina distiller's entry into Kentucky and broadening its whiskey offerings. Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey gained prominence in Old West saloons, Gilded Age social clubs, and Harlem's Cotton Club during Prohibition. The brand was revived in 2012 by Matti Anttila, CEO of Grain & Barrel Spirits, and has since won multiple awards for its Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye expressions. The acquisition includes two Circa 1856 tasting-room destinations. The Bardstown location, opened in 2024, serves as Chicken Cock's primary brand home and offers tastings, cocktails, retail, and visitor experiences. The Louisville location, which opened in 2025, features a sipping room and speakeasy in the city's NuLu neighborhood. "Grain & Barrel built something real here with the Chicken Cock Whiskey brand: exceptional quality, deep history, and a relatable story," said Anthony Moniello, CEO of Next Century Spirits. "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."

Board Expansion and Strategic Vision Anttila will join NCS's board to continue guiding Chicken Cock's growth. "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." Damon DeSantis, a director of Celsius Holdings and INBP and former CEO of Rexall Sundown, also joins the NCS board, bringing investment and operational experience 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," said Matthew Bronfman, Chairman of the NCS board. "Their experience and perspective will be valuable as we continue to grow the company and strengthen our portfolio."

Expanded Brand Family The Grain & Barrel portfolio acquisition includes Dixie Southern Vodka, Elvis Whiskey, and E.G.

Booz, which join NCS's existing 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. NCS-owned brands have earned more than 35 gold medals in industry competitions and the company has been named North Carolina Distillery of the Year for three consecutive years by the New York International Spirits Competition.

Why It Matters

For operators and spirits retailers, this acquisition signals NCS's strategic shift toward premium whiskey positioning and experiential retail—a segment gaining traction as consumers seek brands with heritage narratives and direct-to-consumer touchpoints. The Circa 1856 locations represent a growing industry trend of spirit companies investing in visitor experiences beyond production facilities.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors