Pursuit Spirits, the independent whiskey blender founded by the creators of the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, has officially joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The move makes the brand’s Louisville home on Whiskey Row an official destination for bourbon enthusiasts, co-founders Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil confirmed on 7 July 2026.
The inclusion marks a full-circle moment for the founders.
Eleven years ago, in April 2015, Coleman and Cecil recorded Episode #8 of Bourbon Pursuit. They interviewed Adam Johnson of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Quick whisky question
Single malt is everywhere, but what does it mean? We want to know what the word “single” means to you. Three quick questions, under a minute.
The pair have since recorded more than 1,200 episodes. Their media venture has now transitioned into a physical destination.
Pursuit Spirits does not operate a traditional distillery. Instead, the brand sources award-winning bourbon and rye barrels from multiple distilleries across the country to create small-batch expressions.
Its Whiskey Row experience skips the conventional “51% corn tour” to focus on barrel maturation and blending.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYVisitors can book “The Whole Shebang!”, an interactive experience where guests conduct a private barrel selection, use a whiskey thief to fill their bottle, and label their own bottle of Pursuit United on a bottling line.
Guests can also visit 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 KDA.
“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 in August 2025, the venue has booked 3,244 guests, including over 1,500 who completed “The Whole Shebang”. It has served 4,163 signature Old Fashioneds at Trial + Error.
To support expansion into six new markets, the company has added 12 new positions across its hospitality and operations teams.
“This is only the beginning,” said 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.”
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
