Pursuit Spirits Chosen for the 2026 Whiskey Row Series Private Selection

LOUISVILLE, KY – April 22, 2026 – Pursuit Spirits, the award-winning whiskey brand founded by the creators of the “Official Podcast of Bourbon,” has been named the featured producer for the 2026 Whiskey Row Series. Organized by Whiskey Row Bourbon Ambassador John Shumake, this annual private selection brings together Louisville’s most influential industry figures to celebrate the return of spring and the city's iconic racing season.

While the Whiskey Row Series has typically been bourbon-focused, the 2026 selection committee opted to highlight Pursuit’s acclaimed rye whiskey over its bourbon counterpart, citing the brand's growing reputation for elite rye blending. The final selection, a Pursuit United Double Oak Rye, was chosen by a panel including Shumake, Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs (Watch Hill Proper), Stacy Pritchard (Kentucky Bourbon Festival), Mariam Zaki (Justin’s House of Bourbon), and Nic Deitrich and Tori Spalding (Doc Crow’s), alongside Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman of Pursuit Spirits.

The chosen single barrel (ID: 11CF-A-06-TB) features a custom “Tobacco” toasted stave profile from Independent Stave Company. This is only the second time this particular stave profile has been part of the Pursuit United Double Oak Rye program and the first time it has been made available to the public. This secondary maturation process, combined with a 108-proof bottling strength, delivers a profile specifically curated for the spring season. The whiskey features complex notes of black walnut, maple, and sweet cherry pipe tobacco, finishing with the warmth of toasted oak.

“The Whiskey Row Series is about showcasing the best of what our city’s whiskey scene has to offer as the horses return to the track,” said John Shumake. “Pursuit Spirits is doing incredible things with their blending program right now. The committee was unanimous in the decision. The rye is exceptional, and we knew it had to be the choice for 2026.”

This limited release yielded only 160 bottles. The Pursuit United Double Oak Rye: Whiskey Row Series 2026 will be available for $69.99 beginning April 22, 2026. Bottles will be sold at Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row, Doc Crow’s, Justin’s House of Bourbon, and multiple Cox’s and Evergreen locations throughout Louisville.

ABOUT PURSUIT SPIRITS: Pursuit Spirits is a Louisville, Kentucky-based whiskey brand founded by the innovative forces behind the number one bourbon podcast, Bourbon Pursuit. Their journey began with a deep curiosity and an unwavering dedication to the craft, leading them to seek out and blend exceptional American whiskeys. Rather than operating a traditional distillery, Pursuit Spirits has pioneered a modern, customized approach to blending, carefully selecting award-winning bourbon and rye barrels from multiple distilleries across the country. This unique method allows them to consistently craft small-batch expressions with unparalleled flavor complexity. Their award-winning Pursuit United line exemplifies this by harmoniously uniting diverse mash bills and barrel types. Additionally, their distillery-exclusive Mellwood Legacy Collection pays homage to the rich history of their distillery's location. Pursuit Spirits provides more than just bottles; their venue on Whiskey Row offers curated, immersive experiences where guests can participate in exclusive barrel selections and bottle their own whiskey; P. Club, an all-access, exclusive pass to Pursuit Spirits no matter your location; and a cocktail lounge called Trial + Error that seamlessly balances warm, lived-in charm and stylish modern comfort, complete with an extensive spirits menu and a variety of small bites.