Chicken Cock Whiskey taps Goodwood Brewing barrels for Ryeteous Blonde comeback

A bold rye meets a blonde ale barrel in this limited-release Kentucky collaboration

Chicken Cock Whiskey has revived a fan favorite — and this one comes with a twist of beer-soaked oak. Launching May 1, Ryeteous Blonde is a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey finished in barrels that once held Goodwood Brewing’s Blonde Ale. Originally released in 2020, the barrel-finished whiskey was a hit. Now, it returns to shelves with a slightly updated profile — and plenty of character.

A Blonde barrel with bite

This 100-proof, 50% ABV whiskey balances the spiciness of Chicken Cock’s rye with the mellow sweetness of Goodwood’s Blonde Ale. The beer barrels bring notes of honey, biscuit, malt, and pear. The result is a pour that’s both bright and bold — a profile that nods to spring and summer without losing that Kentucky rye backbone. At $69.99, Ryeteous Blonde is positioned as a limited run for whiskey lovers who like a little complexity in their glass. You’ll find it online, at select retailers, and at Chicken Cock’s brand home in Bardstown. From the press release:

“We’re excited to bring back Ryeteous Blonde and kick off the upcoming season with something truly special,” said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits. “Summer only comes once a year and this collaboration with Goodwood Brewing is a perfect example of what happens when two bold worlds—whiskey and beer—come together. With the Ryeteous Summer campaign, we’re celebrating that daring spirit and encouraging whiskey enthusiasts and adventurers alike to embrace the memorable moments.”

Goodwood Brewing: Where beer meets bourbon tradition

This collaboration wouldn’t be possible without Goodwood Brewing — a Louisville-based brewery that’s been aging beer in bourbon barrels since before it was trendy. Founded in 2005, Goodwood rebranded from Bluegrass Brewing in 2015. The idea was simple: what’s good for bourbon is good for beer. Aging in wood became a defining part of its brewing process. Over the years, Goodwood expanded into a full-service brewpub brand, now with five locations across Kentucky and Missouri. Goodwood’s lineup includes barrel-aged stouts, IPAs, sours, and seasonal ales. The brewery also produces spirits and offers a Southern-inspired menu featuring burgers, brunch, and house-made sauces infused with beer.

Current Goodwood locations:

• Louisville, KY — The original brewery and taproom in NuLu
• Frankfort, KY — Riverside spot with a family-friendly vibe
• Owensboro, KY — Near Smothers Park with 16 taps and 30 bourbons
• Lexington, KY — Tucked behind Lexington Green
• O’Fallon, MO — A historic building with serious Southern charm

Barrel aging 101 pro tips

Collaborations like this raise a question: what makes barrel aging work — and how can brewers do it well? Here are a few quick takeaways:

• Pick the right base beer. Strong ales, imperial stouts, and Belgian quads absorb oak character best. Lighter beers like blonde ales can work too — especially in used barrels.
• Don’t rush the clock. Aging takes time. Some brewers let barrels sit for six months, others for up to two years. Taste along the way.
• Used barrels tell better stories. Whether it’s bourbon, wine, or beer, previously used barrels can add layers without overpowering the final product.
• Start small, blend wisely. If you’re a homebrewer, start with oak chips or spirals. And always have some non-oaked beer on hand for blending.
• Let the bugs do their work. In sour and wild beer programs, reused barrels can house Brettanomyces, lacto, and pedio — and yield complex, funky results.

A whiskey that speaks beer

Ryeteous Blonde proves that beer and whiskey still have a lot to say to each other. As more breweries and distilleries team up, expect to see more creative crossovers like this one — especially as summer sipping season kicks into gear.