Pursuit Spirits, the Louisville-based craft whiskey blender founded by the hosts of the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, has unveiled its first collaboration with Texas-based Meat Church BBQ. The limited-edition “Pursuit x Meat Church Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon” is a 105-proof, honey-finished bourbon designed to pair with smoked meats, launching July 1 at $79.99.
The project traces its origins to October 2025, when Meat Church founder Matt Pittman introduced the Pursuit team to Tim Burleson of Burleson’s Honey, a family-owned operation in Waxahachie, Texas, dating back to 1907. More than 55 gallons of Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey were shipped to Pursuit’s Louisville blending facility in December 2025 to coat the finishing barrels.
The production process was not without its challenges. Emptying the honey from barrels during a cold February required co-founders Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil to move each barrel individually into a small room fitted with space heaters to coax the viscous liquid into flowing.
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The bourbon blend itself draws from two regional sources. Kentucky bourbon barrels from Bardstown Bourbon Co. (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) were combined with bourbon from a Tennessee distilling partner (80% corn, 10% rye, 10% malted barley), a nod to Pittman’s birth state. The liquid then underwent a three-month finishing period in the honey-coated barrels.
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“We selected this combination of regional mash bills to interact harmoniously with the wildflower honey, but it still needed enough punch to stand up to a bold BBQ spice like paprika,” said Ryan Cecil, co-founder and master blender at Pursuit Spirits. “The palate plays out like baklava in a glass, coating the mouth with complex layers of pastry and nuts that can easily hold its own against one of Matt’s famous seasonings.”
“This whiskey delivers a sweetness as bold as the pit that inspired it,” said Matt Pittman, founder of Meat Church BBQ. “At 105 proof, the viscous finish brings a powerful rush of baking spices intentionally dialed up to cut through heavy smoke and fat. It is the ultimate tabletop companion for smoked pork butt or spare ribs.”
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READ THE STORYAn exclusive launch and tasting event is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, at the Pursuit Spirits Whiskey Row location, with tickets priced at $150 via Eventbrite. The bottle will be available at the Pursuit Spirits retail shop on Whiskey Row starting July 1, with distribution across Texas retail outlets and online via Seelbach’s to follow.
The collaboration reflects a growing trend in American whiskey toward cross-category partnerships that extend beyond traditional spirits boundaries. Pursuit Spirits has built its reputation on a blending-focused model.
