US distiller Next Century Spirits has acquired a selection of brands from local peer Grain & Barrel Spirits, including the American whiskey label Chicken Cock.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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In a statement yesterday (4 August), the North Carolina-based group said it had bought “certain brand assets from Grain & Barrel Spirts”.
Alongside Chicken Cock, the group has also bought a clutch of brands which include Dixie Southern Vodka, Elvis Whiskey and EG Booz.
Next Century Spirits said the deal gives it “roots in Kentucky” as well as “a premium anchor” for its whiskey range.
As part of the deal, Next Century also takes ownership of Chicken Cock’s Circa 1856 tasting room sites in Bardstown and Louisville. The Bardstown site, which operates as Chicken Cock’s visitor centre, offers tastings, cocktails and retail, while the Louisville venue includes a tasting room and “speakeasy”.
Referring to the Chicken Cock brand, Anthony Moniello, the CEO of Next Century Spirits, said: “We’re betting on a brand that stands out in a category where distinctive, authentic stories are winning.
“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.”
According to Grain & Barrel’s website, it also makes brands such as High Goal gin and Eterno Verano Tequila.
With the transaction, Grain & Barrel founder and CEO Matti Anttila will join the Next Century Spirits board and “continue guiding” growth of the Chicken Cock brand. Damon DeSantis, a director of Celsius Holdings and biopharma company INBP and a former CEO of vitamins and supplements group Rexall Sundown, will also take a board seat.
Speaking about Anttila and DeSantis, Matthew Bronfman, the chairman of the group’s board, said: “Their experience and perspective will be valuable as we continue to grow the company and strengthen our portfolio.”
Headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina, Next Century develops spirits for its owned brands as well as for private-label customers. It also provides bulk supply services.
The company’s portfolio includes Nue vodka, Bear Fight whiskey and Pocho Fino Tequila.
Last year, the group acquired rum producer Blue Chair Bay Rum.
