The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced Bardstown’s Chicken Cock Whiskey as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that 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 Ave. 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 in a news release. “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,” he said. “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.

Chicken Cock Whiskey joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 1,000 barrels per year. 

Read more: Chicken Cock Bottles Limited Whiskey for New Orleans Festival

About the KDA

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. 

Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.