Pursuit Spirits Revives Iconic Louisville Bourbon Brands with Mellwood Legacy Collection

Pursuit Spirits, located on the historic corner of Frankfort and Mellwood Avenues, today announced the launch of the Mellwood Legacy Collection, a tribute to the rich distilling history of the site and the iconic Mellwood brand. This new collection will feature revivals of vintage labels starting with Mellwood and Derby Town bourbons.

Mellwood Distillery Co. was founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865 by George W. Swearingen. Located on Reservoir Avenue, which was later renamed Mellwood Avenue in its honor, the distillery grew to become a significant operation. Rectifiers like George Garvin Brown bought their whiskey from Mellwood to be blended, bottled, and sold. By the late 1880s, Rudolph Balke had become involved with the distillery, eventually serving as its president and held a leading role in the Bottled-in-Bond act of 1897. In 1899, Mellwood Distillery was acquired by the Whiskey Trust and, despite this change in ownership, the distillery continued to operate until National Prohibition forced its closure in 1918.

Following the repeal of Prohibition, the former Mellwood Distillery buildings were taken over by Walter Leonard Borgerding, who established the General Distillers Corporation of Kentucky in 1933. Borgerding renovated the dilapidated facilities, installed new equipment, and resumed distilling operations by December 1935. General Distillers sold bulk whiskey and introduced their own popular labels. Distilling operations ceased in the 1960s, though bottling continued for a short time before the majority of the buildings were demolished by 1974, marking the permanent closure of the business.

Pursuit Spirits is renewing the legacy of Mellwood Avenue. Every release in the Mellwood Legacy Collection will be bottled in 375ml hip flasks to tie old world charm with today’s modern aesthetic. Giving consumers a showpiece on the bar while having a connection to brands of the past.

“It’s an honor to restore these labels,” said Kenny Coleman, Co-Founder of Pursuit Spirits. “This is an opportunity to celebrate Kentucky’s bourbon heritage while introducing these brands to a new generation of whiskey connoisseurs. We paid attention to every detail.”

Mellwood Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Mellwood Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon is the first bottled-in-bond whiskey from Pursuit Spirits and is a nod to the original label of Mellwood Distillery Co. This 100-proof, 6-year-old bourbon adheres to the stringent standards of the Act, ensuring an authentic and exceptional experience.

Tasting Notes: Inviting aromas of praline and browned butter, followed by salted caramel and a hint of orange peel. The palate offers creamy sweetness with a touch of oak, and a warm finish with baking spices.

Proof: 100

Mashbill: 78% corn, 12% rye, 10% malted barley

Price: $29.99

Derby Town Barrel Proof Bourbon

Derby Town Barrel Proof Bourbon revives a brand once produced by General Distillers Corporation. This 7-year-old barrel-proof bourbon features graphics that embody the spirit of Louisville with horses, balloons, and fireworks that kick off the Derby festivities. 

Tasting Notes: Rich spiced fruitcake and cherry on the nose, followed by notes of clove and walnut on the finish.

Proof: 122.8 (will vary by batch)

Mashbill: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley

Price: $49.99

The Mellwood Legacy Collection is only available at the Pursuit Spirits Distillery and to P.Club members beginning on April 9th 2025. For a complete history of Mellwood Distillery Co. and General Distillers Corporation, featuring drawings, pre-prohibition artifacts, and more visit our website and follow the links.