Pursuit United Triple Mash Rye Review: 121 Proof Blend Twist
The nose is clean and a little sharp thanks to that sturdy proof that presents as white pepper, but it moves quickly to sweetened cereal grain (think Frosted Flakes before they're drowned in milk), raisin, cinnamon, toasted oak and bitter chocolate.
BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Sagamore Spirit
- MASH BILL: A blend of three recipes: Bardstown Bourbon Co. (95% Rye | 5% Malted Barley); Sagamore Spirit 55% Rye | 43% Corn | 5% Malted Barley); and Sagamore Spirit (95% Rye | 5% Malted Barley)
- AGE: Not stated, but at least 4 years
- YEAR: 2025
- PROOF: 121.8 (60.9% ABV)
- MSRP: $79.99
- BUY ONLINE: Pursuit United Spirits Online Bottle Shop
STEVE'S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Fans of exceptionally well-blended ryes, and any whiskey fan who loves balanced and approachable spirits that drink well below their proof.
WORTH THE PRICE: Yes. Stuff this good and blended by a small NDP should spur an appreciation within all drinkers for craft producers.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. You'll want all of this liquid.
OVERALL: Pursuit Spirits owners Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman dove deep into the bourbon scene a decade ago with their Bourbon Pursuit podcast. What started out as something fun to do while living in the heart of Bourbon Country soon became a profitable business with hundreds of thousands of people listening in and a thriving Patreon community.
With the creation of Pursuit Spirits five years ago, they began sourcing bourbon and rye whiskeys which they blended to their own liking. Like the podcast, people loved their whiskeys and didn't mind parting with the extra cash ($60s and up per bottle) to buy it.
The pair jokes often about the headache and $8 million debt created to form the brand, but it's done very well. And as if their lives weren't already challenging (each still has his day job and is married with children), they created a visitor experience dubbed Pursuit Spirits: A Whiskey House, on Louisville, Ky.'s, Whiskey Row.
Theirs is a story of good, likable guys getting into a tough business on their own terms and being successful at every step. The brand story is no nonsense, nothing hidden or tricky, which makes them easy to approach about all matters whiskey related. That simple and straightforward take on business is echoed in their well-made whiskies, such as this triple mash made from three unique rye expressions.
The nose is clean and a little sharp thanks to that sturdy proof. It starts off with white pepper before moving quickly to sweetened cereal grain (think Frosted Flakes before they're drowned in milk), raisin, cinnamon, toasted oak and bitter chocolate.
Classic rye aromas of dill and mint that didn't present on the nose show up on the palate alongside wild and dark cherries, toasted oak, warm chocolate ganache and Demerara syrup. That it's nicely honeyed helps this drink well below its stated proof. The finish is laden with toasted oak and dark chocolate creating a perfect balance across all three mash bills. Just imagine the perfect offspring of a Maryland-style rye and a Kentucky-style rye, and you'll get it.
And do, by the way, get it if you see it.
BRAND NOTES
Pursuit United Barrel Proof Rye exhibits a rich nose of toasted marshmallow, Demerara sugar, and vibrant citrus marmalade. The palate reveals luscious notes of marshmallow fluff, crème brûlée crust, and blueberry lemon pie. The finish is remarkably bright and warm, highlighting lemon zest, cardamom, and sweet nutmeg. Available at an SRP of $79.99.
Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.