Pursuit Spirits, co-founded by Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil, has been on an extraordinary journey to redefine American whiskey. Their story begins with a passion for bourbon, nurtured through their decade-long work as hosts of Bourbon Pursuit, the number-one whiskey podcast. This immersive experience provided them with unparalleled insights into the whiskey industry, setting the stage for the creation of Pursuit Spirits. Now, they are crafting a legacy of their own, blending tradition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
A New Chapter: Pursuit Series Episode 064
The Pursuit Series is where it all started, bringing a unique spin to the whiskey world by treating each barrel as an "episode." Every bottle in the Pursuit Series represents an exclusive single barrel, hand-selected for its exceptional quality. Tomorrow, whiskey enthusiasts can experience the latest installment, Episode 064, available exclusively at the Mellwood Avenue gift shop.
Episode 064 features a five-year-old Maryland rye whiskey sourced from Sagamore Spirits. At a bold 125.2 proof, it embodies the meticulous craftsmanship Pursuit Spirits is known for. The tasting notes promise an experience that’s “Mai Tai-Roa Aé,” which translates to "Out of this World – The Best!" This rye whiskey is expected to capture the essence of Pursuit Spirits’ mission: offering something extraordinary to the whiskey community.
Redefining American Whiskey
Kenny and Ryan have reimagined how American whiskey is created. Rather than taking the conventional route of sourcing whiskey from a single distillery, Pursuit Spirits collaborates with multiple award-winning distilleries across the country. This approach allows them to curate six unique mash bills, each aged at its respective distillery to preserve the local terroir. Once ready, the barrels are shipped to Pursuit Spirits, where they are expertly blended into something entirely unique.
Unlike traditional heritage distilleries that rely on just a few mash bills to produce a multitude of labels, Pursuit Spirits’ methodology emphasizes variety and quality. The focus is on crafting a product that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the most coveted and allocated bottles in the market. By prioritizing blending as an art form, Pursuit Spirits has cemented itself as a trailblazer in the modern whiskey scene.
Reviving History on Mellwood Avenue
The story of Pursuit Spirits is intertwined with the history of its headquarters at 1700 Mellwood Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. Unbeknownst to Kenny and Ryan when they moved in, the site was once home to the historic Mellwood Distillery, also known as DSP-KY-34. This discovery ignited a deep dive into the site’s past, revealing a rich narrative that spans decades.
Founded during bourbon’s heyday, Mellwood Distillery rose to prominence before facing the challenges of Prohibition. It later reemerged as the General Distillers Corporation of Kentucky before eventually fading away. Today, Pursuit Spirits honors the legacy of this historic location, infusing their work with the same dedication and craftsmanship that once defined the Mellwood Distillery. For Kenny and Ryan, their connection to Mellwood is more than symbolic—it’s an inspiration to continue building upon the foundation laid by those who came before them.
Looking Ahead: Whiskey Row Developments
Pursuit Spirits is also gearing up for an exciting future with the development of their new space on Whiskey Row. Construction is well underway, with the transformation of the building progressing rapidly. Updates include the removal of framing around the freight elevator, a freshly painted front façade, refinished doors, and the addition of a new rear entrance. While the construction process has had its challenges—HVAC costs being a notable surprise—the vision for the space remains ambitious.
The new facility is slated to open its doors in April 2025, promising a blend of modern design and homage to Louisville’s storied whiskey heritage. Visitors can look forward to an immersive experience, complete with handcrafted cocktails and a deeper connection to the Pursuit Spirits brand.
A Legacy in the Making
Pursuit Spirits isn’t just about whiskey—it’s about a relentless pursuit of quality, creativity, and community. From their groundbreaking blending techniques to their dedication to preserving Mellwood Avenue’s history, Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil are crafting more than just spirits. They are building a legacy that honors the past while pushing the boundaries of what American whiskey can be.
Whether through the unique barrels of the Pursuit Series or the evolving vision of Whiskey Row, Pursuit Spirits continues to captivate whiskey lovers with its commitment to innovation and tradition. For those who join them on this journey, the experience is more than a sip—it’s a story worth savoring.