In the dim glow of a Louisville distillery, where the air hangs heavy with the scent of charred barrels and aged ambition, a new chapter in American whiskey unfolds. Pursuit Spirits, the outfit born from the raw passion of bourbon's loudest voices, has just uncorked something that feels less like a bottle and more like a quiet revelation. It's called Pursuit United Kodama Mizunara Bourbon—a limited run that takes the familiar kick of Kentucky mash and twists it through the ancient grains of Japanese oak. This isn't your grandpa's straight pour; it's a bold handshake between old-world mystery and homegrown fire, bottled at a proof that demands respect.
Picture this: a team of whiskey chasers, the kind who spend late nights debating barrel char and barrel thieves, deciding they won't just chase trends—they'll redefine them. That's the Pursuit way. Rooted in the heart of Whiskey Row, their operation isn't about churning out shelves of sameness. It's about digging deeper, blending with intent, and inviting folks to step into the process. And with Kodama, they've captured the essence of what makes oak more than wood—it's alive, whispering stories through every sip.
The name alone pulls you in. "Kodama" draws from Japanese folklore, those elusive tree spirits said to guard the forests with a gentle, watchful eye. For the blenders at Pursuit, it's a tribute to the oak itself—the silent partner in every great whiskey. Ryan Cecil, the Master Blender and Co-Founder who's got sawdust in his veins, put it plain and simple: “We knew the world didn’t need yet another Mizunara finished bourbon,” he said in a recent release. “In true Pursuit fashion, we had to be different and craft a blend that would showcase something brand new.” No fluff, just truth. In a market flooded with finishes and fusions, Cecil and his crew sidestepped the obvious. They didn't slap Mizunara on a standard bourbon and call it innovative. Instead, they built from the ground up, starting with a shared backbone: their Triple Mash Bourbon base, a recipe that's all corn, rye, and barley working in tight harmony.
What emerges is a marriage of extremes. One lot dives into the rarified world of Japanese Mizunara oak—a wood so scarce and pricey it's like hunting for buried treasure in the timber trade. Mizunara, pulled from the oaks of Hokkaido's rugged wilds, doesn't play nice with easy flavors. It layers in exotic spices that bite like fresh cracked pepper, mingled with a dry, almost earthy woodiness that lingers like a campfire's echo. It's the kind of profile that whiskey heads chase for years, dreaming of that elusive sandalwood smoke without the jet lag.
Then comes the counterpoint: infrared-toasted American oak, treated with a precision heat that amps up the vanilla to eleven. This isn't your run-of-the-mill char; it's a deliberate toast, firing out a creamy sweetness that's pure comfort—think warm evenings with a rocking chair and a view. That high vanilla hits like a velvet glove over the Mizunara's iron fist, grounding the wild notes in something richly indulgent. Together, they form a blend that's not diluted to some safe middle ground. No, this one's bottled at cask strength—117 proof, clocking in at 58.5% ABV—pure and unfiltered, blended by nose and palate alone. Pursuit doesn't bow to formulas; they taste, adjust, and push until it's better than anything gathering dust on the back bar.
Pour it out, and the room shifts. The nose hits first, a vibrant rush of fresh ginger that wakes you up like a slap of autumn air, chased by the sticky-sweet allure of glazed pears straight from the orchard. Then the dry whisper of sandalwood creeps in, woody and resolute, with just a tease of exotic cardamom that hints at spice routes long forgotten. It's an invitation to lean in closer, to let the aromas unfold like a well-worn map.
On the tongue, it's a full-on story. The richness unfolds in layers: deep pulls of brown sugar crumbling under heat, the steady warmth of candied ginger building like a slow-burning resolve. There's a savory twist—an umami edge that's rare in bourbon's wheelhouse, cutting through like a secret ingredient in your best chili recipe. It dances with classic creamy French vanilla, smooth as a Sunday drive, but zested up by bright orange marmalade that adds a citrus spark. It's multifaceted, sure, but never fussy—each element earns its place, pulling you deeper into the glass.
The finish? That's where Kodama earns its legend. It stretches long and deliberate, revealing a dry, bittersweet cacao that clings like dark chocolate on a crisp night. Toasted oak anchors it all, persistent and proud, with sandalwood threading through like an old friend's voice. And just when you think it's winding down, hot cinnamon candies flare up—a spicy send-off that leaves your palate buzzing, ready for another round.
This isn't a whiskey you knock back mindlessly. It's built for those moments when the day's grind fades, and you settle into the good stuff—maybe fireside with a cigar, or sharing tales over a worn oak table. At $89.99, it's a steal for the rarity, available now at Pursuit Spirits' spot on Whiskey Row in Louisville. They rolled it out back on October 11th, but word's spreading fast—grab it while the barrels still echo.
And that's the Pursuit ethos in a nutshell. Founded by the minds behind Bourbon Pursuit, the top dog in bourbon podcasts, this Louisville crew started with nothing but curiosity and a mic. What grew was a brand that bottles the chase itself. Their Whiskey Row venue isn't just a store; it's a front-row seat to the craft. Guests roll up sleeves for exclusive barrel picks, where you sniff, sip, and select the wood that speaks to you. Or bottle your own blend, stamping it with a story that's uniquely yours. It's immersive, hands-on—the kind of draw that turns casual drinkers into lifelong converts. Swing by, and you're not just buying whiskey; you're joining a brotherhood of those who get it, who savor the slow burn of tradition meeting tomorrow.
In a world where bourbon shelves sag under the weight of the ordinary, Kodama stands tall—a testament to what happens when American grit meets Eastern enigma. It's proof that the spirit in the oak runs deeper than folklore. Pour one, raise a glass, and taste the wild heart beating inside. For more on the hunt, head to pursuitspirits.com. Your next great night starts there.
