The deal gives NCS its first foothold in Kentucky, two Circa 1856 tasting-room destinations, and a historic anchor brand dating back to 1856.
ZEBULON, N.C. — Next Century Spirits (NCS) has acquired certain brand assets from Grain & Barrel Spirits, including Chicken Cock Whiskey, a heritage brand with roots dating back to 1856. The acquisition marks NCS’s first presence in Kentucky and gives the company 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,” 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.”
The deal 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.
“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.”
Board Additions Accompany the Deal
As part of the acquisition, Grain & Barrel Founder and CEO Matti Anttila will join the NCS board, allowing him 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,” said Anttila. “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, will also join the NCS board.
“This is a company that’s making smart bets. I’m glad to be part of what’s next,” said DeSantis.
“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.”
What’s in the Deal
Beyond Chicken Cock Whiskey, the acquired Grain & Barrel portfolio includes Dixie Southern Vodka, Elvis Whiskey, and E.G. Booz. These brands now join the existing NCS lineup: 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.
About Chicken Cock Whiskey
Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey traces its legacy to one of the earliest commercial bourbon operations in the Commonwealth, growing out of Miller’s earlier venture, J.A. Miller’s Old Bourbon, in the late 1830s. It became the first whiskey from Bourbon County to ship internationally and later gained prominence in Old West saloons, Gilded Age social clubs, and Harlem’s Cotton Club during Prohibition.
Matti Anttila, CEO of Grain & Barrel Spirits, revived the brand in 2012, restoring its reputation for quality and authenticity. Today, Chicken Cock Whiskey is known for its award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye, along with a roster of sought-after limited releases. The brand opened its first physical home, Circa 1856 Bardstown, in 2024, followed by Circa 1856 Louisville in 2025.
For more information, 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 specializing in the development of spirits for its owned brands, private-label clients, and bulk supply. 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. For more information, visit nextcenturyspirits.com.
About STS Capital Partners
STS Capital Partners is a global mergers and acquisitions firm specializing in sell-side advisory, focused on maximizing value. STS led this deal, with Partner and Managing Director Smoke Wallin navigating negotiations.
Follow Bourbon Lens
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.
- 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens
- 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com
- 👕 Merch: https://bourbon-lens-shop.printify.me/products
- 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU
Latest Bourbon & Whiskey News
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Wyoming Whiskey Introduces “State of the Union,” a Limited-Edition Bourbon Marking 250 Years of American Independence
- Next Century Spirits Acquires Chicken Cock Whiskey and Grain & Barrel Brand Portfolio
- Oaklore Distilling Co. Rolls Out More Accessible Everyday Whiskey Pricing Starting August 1
- Bib & Tucker Introduces First Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, an 8-Year-Old Tennessee High-Rye
- Buffalo Trace’s Wheatley American Vodka Lands Multi-Year Partnership with NASCAR
- Jack Daniel’s Releases High Angel’s Share Tennessee Whiskey in Distillery Series #17
