Our trip into Kentucky looking for the Soul of Bourbon eventually led us to Pursuit Spirits in Louisville. We found ourselves not far from the famed Whiskey Row (where all sorts of big bourbon can be found) and we walked into an unassuming warehouse where we got to meet and talk with Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil of Pursuit Spirits.
These are two guys who built a loyal following and fanbase with the number one podcast Bourbon Pursuit and eventually built a Bourbon Brand. They came at it (by their own admission) somewhat backwards. By building an audience first. But they were focused on doing things differently. They didn't want to follow the same playbook that many non-distiller producers (NDP's) follow. Not that it's wrong, they just wanted to do it differently.
It used to be that blending was a bad word in the American Whiskey realm. But that's not the case anymore. Blending has become an art form all unto itself. And Ryan Cecil is, I think turning out to be one of those blenders that just has that magic touch. Or should I say that magic pallet.
The things they are doing with blending - finding the barrels, deciding on the blend and how many barrels - then blending and then putting that blend back into a barrel for more aging. It's mind boggling. And they are all small batches of no more than 10 barrels. It's actually a "Small Batch".
The story of how these two "Kentucky Boys" ended up picking single barrels from Tennessee when they started is a riot. And, something that must be heard. If tasting is believing, these two have experienced it.
But, the podcast and the bourbon brand isn't everything. I swear these two hate having free time. I think they are like sharks. If they stop moving they may die. So they are in constant motion. One podcast isn't enough. They have a second podcast called "Behind the Pursuit" where they are diving deep deep deep into the running of a whiskey business. And they are opening up a store front location on Whiskey Row (which should be open early 2025).
Kenny took us down to the store front location that was under construction at the time, and it looks like it's going to be a great place to hang out. Watch for the episode on the downtown location.
Of course we were there for the whiskey, and one of their latest releases "Double Oak" has everyone talking. The Big Human and I were able to snag the last two bottles they had (Sorry Kirk). And, I got to taste that batch and the next batch of Double Oak that they were getting ready to bottle. Absolutely delicious. Here's where it gets really fun, these two guys are trying this stuff all the time so when we were filming the tasting, Kenny and Ryan didn't drink all theirs and poured theirs out. The Big Human almost had a coronary on the spot. If you listen close enough to the episode when it comes out, you might here him cry a little. It's a great episode.
We tasted through their 5 core expressions and the Bourbon is quite delicious. You can watch the video of that tasting below.
All their whiskey's come out at 108 proof. And the story behind why it's 108 proof explains perfectly the sweet spot of whiskey and how it can unite. the name says it all. Pursuit Spirits. They are after the best flavors. No matter where it comes from. That's evidenced by the fact that they are contract distilling from Kentucky, Tennessee and New York. They are in Pursuit of the ultimate flavors and fantastic whiskey.
Visit Pursuit Spirits if you can and do the tour. Taste their whiskey. You will most certainly go home with a bottle. We of course went home with a box. If you have been to Pursuit Spirits or have tried any of their whiskies, let us know and comment on the post.
What am I drinking while writing this - Pursuit Spirits Double Oak
Proof: 108 (of course)
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Butterscotch, warm Wurthers candy, toasted Marshmallow's and some Oak
Pallet: Great mouthfeel, creamy, Crem' Brule, Caramel, Creamy, Sweet and Warm
Finish: Long, toasted Marshmallows, Good Kentucky hug, Carmel and some Warm Spice on the end
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