LOUISVILLE, Ky. – July 7, 2026 – Pursuit Spirits, the independent whiskey blender founded by the creators of the world’s leading bourbon podcast, has officially joined the historic Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. The announcement marks a significant milestone for co-founders Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil, whose brand home on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row will now serve as an official destination for global bourbon enthusiasts.
The inclusion represents a full-circle moment for the founders. Eleven years ago, in April 2015, Coleman and Cecil recorded Episode #8 of Bourbon Pursuit, interviewing Adam Johnson from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Today, with more than 1,200 episodes recorded, their media venture has successfully transitioned into a premier physical destination, bridging digital storytelling with an immersive hospitality experience.
Unlike traditional distillery tours, the Pursuit Spirits Whiskey Row experience skips the conventional “51% corn tour” to focus on the art of barrel maturation and blending. Visitors can book “The Whole Shebang!,” an interactive experience where guests conduct their own private barrel selection, use a whiskey thief to fill their bottle, and label their own customized bottle of Pursuit United on a bottling line. For a casual visit, guests can access Trial + Error, a vintage-inspired basement cocktail lounge offering experimental cocktails and rare whiskey flights dating back to the brand’s 2018 debut.
“Pursuit Spirits is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that continues to propel Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. “We are proud to welcome them to the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience and look forward to introducing visitors from around the world to their distinctive perspective, passion for whiskey, and commitment to our timeless craft.”
Since opening on Whiskey Row in August 2025, Pursuit Spirits has seen rapid growth. The venue has booked 3,244 guests for experiences, including over 1,500 who completed “The Whole Shebang”, and served 4,163 signature Old Fashioneds at Trial + Error. To support this momentum and a footprint expansion into six new markets, the company has added 12 new positions across its hospitality and operations teams.
“This is only the beginning,” said Kenny Coleman, Co-Founder and COO of Pursuit Spirits. “We created Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Spirits to break the traditional whiskey mold. Joining the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® allows us to scale that mission, offering visitors the absolute best experience on the Trail®. Over 1,500 guests have already experienced ‘The Whole Shebang,’ and I look forward to welcoming hundreds of thousands more who will soon discover that Pursuit Spirits is the undisputed highlight of their trip to Kentucky.”
ABOUT PURSUIT SPIRITS: Pursuit Spirits is a Louisville, Kentucky-based whiskey brand founded by the innovative forces behind the number one bourbon podcast, Bourbon Pursuit. Their journey began with a deep curiosity and an unwavering dedication to the craft, leading them to seek out and blend exceptional American whiskeys. Rather than operating a traditional distillery, Pursuit Spirits has pioneered a modern, customized approach to blending, carefully selecting award-winning bourbon and rye barrels from multiple distilleries across the country. This unique method allows them to consistently craft small-batch expressions with unparalleled flavor complexity. Their award-winning Pursuit United line exemplifies this by harmoniously uniting diverse mash bills and barrel types. Additionally, their distillery-exclusive Mellwood Legacy Collection pays homage to the rich history of their distillery’s location. Beyond premium bottles, their venue on Whiskey Row offers curated, immersive experiences where guests can participate in exclusive barrel selections and bottle their own whiskey. The brand also features P. Club, an all-access, exclusive pass to Pursuit Spirits no matter your location , and Trial + Error, a basement cocktail lounge that seamlessly balances warm, lived-in charm with stylish modern comfort, complete with an extensive spirits menu and a variety of small bites.
LOCATIONS: Distillery Location: 1700 Mellwood Ave. Louisville KY 40206
Whiskey Row Location: 722 W. Main St, Suite 100, Louisville KY 40202
