Pursuit Spirits Episode 001

A little background

Pursuit Spirits is an independent whiskey label created by Kenny and Ryan of Bourbon Pursuit fame.  Each release (or Episodes as they are called) are single barrel expressions bottled at cask strength.  Episode 001 is an 11yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled in TN and bottled uncut and unfiltered at 59% ABV or 119⁰.  Show notes from Pursuit Spirits: “95% of the world’s bourbon comes from Kentucky.  This barrel made us interested in the other 5%.”

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)

Color in the glass

Dark copper

Nose

Butterscotch, mixed berries, vanilla cream pie, marshmallow fluff, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon.  Rich and balanced with an inviting sweet and savory tinge.

Palate  

Heavy cola at the front of the palate then transitions to butterscotch, vanilla, and brown sugar.  The spices from the nose are present along with a dash of cornmeal.

Finish

Roasted almonds and marshmallows.  Spices swell in the chest with a pleasant warming sensation.

In closing

The guys at Pursuit Spirits were able to find a barrel of what I consider to be a classic profile bourbon for their first release.  It has all the sweet and spicy notes I have come to associate with bourbon with enough age to create a well-rounded and deep tasting experience.