Chicken Cock Whiskey Marks 170th Anniversary with New Bourbon Releases

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Chicken Cock Whiskey, one of America’s oldest whiskey brands, dating back to 1856, is celebrating its 170th anniversary with two limited releases: the 170th Anniversary Limited Edition Rooster Decanter and the 170th Anniversary Edition Legacy Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Both debut at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, September 10–13, 2026.

The Rooster Decanter (SRP $199.99):

For the first time in Chicken Cock’s history, the brand’s iconic rooster — a symbol tracing back to founder James A. Miller’s days as a Bourbon County farmer — takes shape as a collectible ceramic decanter. It’s filled with 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 115 proof, hand-selected from some of the earliest bourbon the brand laid down in Bardstown.

The Legacy Bourbon (SRP $99.99):

This release brings founder James A. Miller’s name back to a Chicken Cock bottle for the first time in more than a century. Packaged in the brand’s timeless Prohibition-era medicinal-style bottle with pre-Prohibition advertising imagery, it’s a select blend aged at least six years and bottled at 115 proof.

“170 years is a milestone few whiskey brands ever reach, and we’re celebrating it in true Chicken Cock fashion. At Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2026, we’ll debut two limited releases that honor where we came from while raising a glass to where we’re headed,” said Will Woodington, Manager of Brand Engagement at Chicken Cock Whiskey.

“The Legacy Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon brings founder James A. Miller’s name back on a Chicken Cock bottle for the first time in over a century, paired with authentic pre-Prohibition advertising imagery, bottled inside our timeless Prohibition-era medicinal-style packaging. Inside is a select blend of our bourbon, aged at least 6 years, and bottled at 115 proof; a fitting tribute to our past and the farmer who started it all. The second, our first-ever Ceramic Rooster Decanter, brings the iconic symbol of Chicken Cock’s 170-year history to life; and this rooster is not all crow and no claw. Inside this highly limited release is a blend of some of the earliest bourbon we laid down in Bardstown over 8 years ago, bottled at 115 proof. Two unforgettable releases. One extraordinary milestone. We hope to see you at Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2026, where we will be unveiling these and more!”

Availability:

Both releases are available at fine retailers nationwide and through the Chicken Cock Whiskey online shop. Learn more at ChickenCockWhiskey.com.

About Chicken Cock Whiskey

Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey traces its roots to one of the earliest commercial bourbon operations in the Commonwealth and was the first from Bourbon County to ship internationally. The brand found fame in Old West saloons, Gilded Age social clubs, and Harlem’s Cotton Club during Prohibition. Revived in 2012 by Matti Anttila, CEO of Grain & Barrel Spirits, the brand today is known for its award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky Straight Rye and sought-after limited releases. Chicken Cock opened its first brand home, Circa 1856 Bardstown, in 2024, followed by Circa 1856 Louisville in NuLu in 2025. Visit ChickenCockWhiskey.com.

About Next Century Spirits

Next Century Spirits (NCS), headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina, is a full-service distilled spirits and marketing company developing spirits for its owned brands, private-label clients, and bulk supply. Its portfolio includes Nue Vodka, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Pocho Fino Tequila, Bear Fight Whiskey, Numbskull, Creek Water American Whiskey, Caddy Cocktails, Calamity Gin, and Henderson Whiskey. NCS brands have earned more than 35 gold medals in industry competitions, and NCS has been named North Carolina Distillery of the Year for three consecutive years by the New York International Spirits Competition. Visit nextcenturyspirits.com.