A New Era for "The Famous Old Brand" Begins in Louisville: Chicken Cock Whiskey Opening Tasting Room in NuLu

The award-winning whiskey brand is bringing its legacy and innovation to Louisville's trendiest neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The legacy continues into the heart of modern bourbon tourism as Chicken Cock Whiskey, one of America's oldest whiskey brands, announces plans to open its doors in NuLu. This opening will mark the second location of the brand's Circa 1856 tasting rooms, this time in the heart of the Louisville neighborhood known for its dynamic blend of art, dining, and culture. The NuLu area is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Kentucky's modern bourbon tourism scene.

This exciting new chapter shows how one of bourbon's oldest names is shaping its future and deepening the brand's connection to Bourbon Country by planting roots in the city that serves as the cultural gateway to the spirit's global renaissance. Set to open this fall, the new space will offer guests an opportunity to explore Chicken Cock Whiskey's full award-winning portfolio through curated flights and cocktails, guided educational tastings, and limited-edition releases—all within a stylish, heritage-inspired space.

"We're proud to continue the bold expansion of Chicken Cock Whiskey," says Emily Zaborowski, Director of Brand Experiences for Chicken Cock Whiskey. "Becoming one of the few craft whiskey brands with two tasting rooms in Kentucky is more than a milestone; it's a testament to our heritage and momentum. Our roots run deep in this state, and opening in Louisville, the cultural heart of Bourbon Country, allows us to share our legacy and spirit with even more whiskey lovers."

The new location will complement the original Circa 1856 in Bardstown, KY, which opened in June 2024 and has since earned a place on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Louisville tasting room enhances the brand's visibility in one of the state's most visited bourbon destinations, strategically placing Chicken Cock alongside celebrated distilleries, acclaimed restaurants, and craft cocktail bars.

A testament to its continued growth and acclaim, Chicken Cock Whiskey's portfolio has been recognized by top industry competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, The ASCOT Awards, Beverage Tasting Institute and the New York International Spirits Competition.

From Bardstown to Louisville, Chicken Cock Whiskey is building spaces where whiskey lovers can gather, explore, and raise a glass to "The Famous Old Brand." Learn more about Chicken Cock Whiskey here: https://chickencockwhiskey.com/

About Chicken Cock Whiskey

Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey has a rich legacy rooted in the success of Miller's earlier venture, J.A. Miller's Old Bourbon, which dates back to the late 1830s. Known for its exceptional quality, Chicken Cock Whiskey quickly gained national recognition and became the first brand from Bourbon County to ship whiskey internationally.

In 2012, Matti Anttila, Grain & Barrel Spirits CEO, revived the historic brand, restoring its reputation for excellence. Today, Chicken Cock Whiskey has become one of the most rapidly growing whiskey brands, celebrated for its award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye. The brand also offers multiple highly sought-after limited releases, crafted in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company as part of its collaborative distillation program. In 2024, Chicken Cock Whiskey opened its brand home, Circa 1856, offering visitors a multi-faceted immersive experience in one of the oldest historic homes in the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky.

SOURCE Chicken Cock Whiskey