Next Century Spirits Acquires Grain & Barrel Spirits Portfolio Including Chicken Cock Whiskey

Press Release -Next Century Spirits | Chicken Cock

NEXT CENTURY SPIRITS ACQUIRES GRAIN & BARREL SPIRITS BRAND PORTFOLIO, INCLUDING ICONIC CHICKEN COCK WHISKEY

Brand acquisition gives Next Century Spirits roots in Kentucky, two Circa 1856 destinations, and a platform for growth in American whiskey

Next Century Spirits Acquires Chicken Cock Whiskey

ZEBULON, N.C., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Next Century Spirits (NCS) today 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,” 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.”

Chicken Cock’s Circa 1856 Gives Next Century Spirits a Kentucky Presence

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.”

New Directors Join the Next Century Spirits Board

“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.”

Chicken Cock Founder to Help Guide the Brand’s Growth

Grain & Barrel Founder and CEO Matti Anttila will join the board of NCS, 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 board of NCS, bringing extensive experience as an investor and director across multiple industries. “This is a company that’s making smart bets. I’m glad to be part of what’s next,” said DeSantis.

Grain & Barrel Portfolio Joins Next Century Spirits Brands

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.

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. 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.

Next, read these related articles: Chicken Cock Louisville Tasting Room Opening in NuLu, Circa 1856 Marks One Year As The Official Brand Home Of Chicken Cock Whiskey, and Chicken Cock Miller’s Reserve American Whiskey Review.

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