Bardstown, KY, May 8th, 2025 — Chicken Cock Whiskey, one of America's oldest whiskey brands, is proud to announce that the Ryeteous Blonde Kentucky Straight Rye Finished in Blonde Ale barrels received it’s first Gold medal at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
“We are incredibly proud that Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde has earned a Gold medal at the world-renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition,” says Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits. “This recognition is a true testament to the passion, craft, and rich heritage behind Chicken Cock Whiskey, and we’re thrilled to see the brand honored on such a highly regarded global stage.”
The Ryeteous Blonde is a true fusion of brewing and distillation, crafted through an innovative collaboration between Goodwood Brewery and Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye. Goodwood brews a custom blonde ale designed to complement the rye’s bold character. This ale is first aged in freshly emptied rye barrels, absorbing deep, spicy complexity, before the barrels are refilled with Kentucky Straight Rye—creating an extraordinary exchange of flavors.
The result is a smooth, vibrant pour where the bold spice of rye intertwines seamlessly with the bright, malty sweetness imparted by the beer barrels. Honey and biscuit malt from Goodwood’s Blonde Ale meld effortlessly with the rye, yielding layered notes of crisp apple, sweet malt, delicate pepper, and honey. The finish evokes the essence of summertime in a glass, unfolding into hints of honeycomb, lemongrass, pear, toasted oak, and gentle sweet malt.
Ryeteous Blonde will be available at an SRP of $69.99 (100 Proof, ABV 50%) through their website, select retailers, and Circa 1856. For more information, please visit the Chicken Cock Website.
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.
About the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest and most reputable competitions of its kind. Every year, esteemed judges from around the world come together to engage in a blind-tasting process that ensures every entry is judged fairly. The judges of the SFWSC are seasoned industry experts, each with a well-defined story and trusted palate.
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Sam O’Brien
Colangelo & Partners
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