Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Chicken Cock Whiskey as Newest Member

168-Year-Old Brand Resurrected in Bardstown

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Bardstown’s Chicken Cock Whiskey as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

A historic brand dating back to 1856, CEO and Founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits, Matti Anttila, rediscovered the brand in 2012. It was fully revived in 2017 through a collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company.

The distillery opened in 2024 and is located at 103 East Stephen Foster Avenue just off the town square. Chicken Cock Whiskey proudly boasts a diverse portfolio of offerings, a brand home and micro-distillery named Circa 1856 in Bardstown, Ky., and a production operation. Circa 1856 showcases the brand’s portfolio through tastings, cocktails, and single pours.

Antilla said that joining the KDA is a milestone to celebrate.

“As we join the KDA, we join a network of distillers that have cherished and refined the traditions of Bourbon-making, just as we have with Chicken Cock Whiskey founder James A. Miller’s vision,” he said. “We look forward to building on our brand’s long history as we build up Kentucky Bourbon.”

A Class B licensed distiller, Circa 1856 can produce 2,000 gallons annually using a 30-gallon still. Its brands include a Kentucky straight rye, a small batch Bourbon, and a double oak whiskey, alongside annual and exclusive releases.

Learn more about Chicken Cock Whiskey at chickencockwhiskey.com.

KDA President, Eric Gregory expressed his excitement as the KDA community grows.

 “As Chicken Cock Whiskey enters the fold, we are thrilled to see our membership expanding as excitement around Kentucky Bourbon flourishes. Bourbon continues to build Kentucky and add additional flavors, experiences, and opportunities.

“We are honored to welcome Chicken Cock to our family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Nelson County boasts eight distilleries that create more than 4,600 Bourbon careers with $273 million in payroll. Each year, distilling in Bardstown generates about $2.8 billion in economic impact and more than $36 million in local and state taxes.

From a regional standpoint, Nelson and its surrounding counties have 13 distilleries responsible for nearly 8,000 jobs and a $470 million payroll. Bourbon brings to the area an annual economic impact of $5.2 billion and nearly $65 million in local and state tax revenue.

The Bourbon Capital region also welcomes more than 700,000 visitors to the KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour each year, pouring even more money into local hotels, restaurants, shops, and government coffers.

Bardstown is one of four official Gateway sponsors of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. There are six KBT® distilleries in Nelson County. As a KDA member, Chicken Cock Whiskey will be eligible to join the Bourbon Trail™.

Gregory said, “With more distilleries and new opportunities for tourism, Bourbon is creating more reasons for visitors from around the world to spend time and money in our state and our local communities.

“Kentucky Bourbon has a powerful and growing global impact, and the KDA is proud to be respected as the worldwide voice for Bourbon.”

Chicken Cock Whiskey joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 1,000 barrels per year. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

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Media Contact: Katie Bartholomai at [email protected]. 

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian –  Responsibly.