Chicken Cock Whiskey Unveils “The Coupe,” a Newly Reimagined Speakeasy at Circa 1856 in Louisville

Opening weekend celebration begins March 26 with exclusive events, cocktails, and Bockfest festivities

LOUISVILLE, KY — March 16, 2026 — Chicken Cock Whiskey, one of America’s oldest whiskey brands dating back to 1856, today announced the relaunch of its Circa 1856 Louisville speakeasy as “The Coupe,” a reimagined cocktail destination in the heart of the city.

The new concept reflects Chicken Cock Whiskey’s ongoing commitment to honoring its storied heritage while creating immersive spaces where whiskey enthusiasts can gather, celebrate, and experience the brand firsthand.

“The Coupe represents the next chapter of our Circa 1856 experience in Louisville,” says Emily Zaborowski, Director of Brand Experiences for Chicken Cock Whiskey. “We wanted to create a space that celebrates the spirit of classic speakeasy culture while giving guests a fresh way to experience Chicken Cock Whiskey through thoughtfully crafted cocktails, events, and community gatherings. Louisville has such a vibrant hospitality scene, and we’re excited for The Coupe to become a place where locals and visitors alike can come together and raise a glass to ‘The Famous Old Brand.’”

Opening Weekend Events

The Coupe at Circa 1856 Louisville will debut with a weekend of celebratory events beginning March 26.

Thursday, March 26 | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM Mover & Shaker Pop-Up at The Coupe

The opening night will feature a special pop-up from acclaimed cocktail bar Mover & Shaker. Owner Nick Hogan will bring the bar’s signature energy to The Coupe, joined by Kelly Nelson of Circa 1856 Louisville and Tavaris Smith of Grain & Barrel Spirits. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Mover & Shaker and Chicken Cock Whiskey merchandise.

Friday, March 27 | 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM The Coupe Menu Reveal

Guests are invited to Circa 1856 Louisville for the debut of The Coupe’s brand-new cocktail menu. Bar lead Kelly Nelson will unveil a creative lineup of cocktails designed to highlight Chicken Cock Whiskey, while DJ Meeche keeps the energy high with a live set throughout the evening.

Saturday, March 28 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM NuLu Bockfest Celebration

Opening weekend concludes with the neighborhood’s beloved NuLu Bockfest. Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Circa 1856 will sponsor the Chicken Cock Whiskey GOAT Stakes, a lively goat race featuring the brand’s own contender, Whiskey the Kidd. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a rooster-calling contest and a special feature cocktail at Circa 1856 Louisville, created exclusively for the Bockfest celebration.

From Bardstown to Louisville, Chicken Cock Whiskey continues to expand its footprint with welcoming spaces where whiskey lovers can gather, explore, and raise a glass to “The Famous Old Brand.”

For more information about The Coupe and upcoming events, visit the Chicken Cock Whiskey website.

About Chicken Cock Whiskey

Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey has a legacy rooted in one of the earliest commercial bourbon operations in the Commonwealth. What began with Miller’s first venture—J.A. Miller’s Old Bourbon in the late 1830s—grew into a nationally recognized whiskey that became the first from Bourbon County to ship internationally. Over the decades, Chicken Cock Whiskey gained prominence in Old West saloons, Gilded Age social clubs, and Harlem’s famed Cotton Club during Prohibition.

In 2012, Matti Anttila, CEO of Grain & Barrel Spirits, revived the historic brand, restoring its reputation for quality and authenticity. Today, Chicken Cock Whiskey is one of the fastest-growing American whiskey brands, celebrated for its award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye, as well as a roster of highly sought-after limited releases crafted in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company through its collaborative distillation program.

In 2024, Chicken Cock Whiskey opened its first brand home, Circa 1856 Bardstown, an immersive visitor experience housed in one of the oldest residences in the Bourbon Capital of the World. Building on that momentum, the brand will expand its presence in 2025 with the opening of Circa 1856 Louisville—a tasting room and speakeasy in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood—further deepening its connection to Kentucky’s whiskey heritage and offering fans a second destination to explore the world of Chicken Cock Whiskey.

Media Contact:

Sam O’Brien

Colangelo & Partners

sobrien(at)colangelopr.com