Pursuit United: Triple Mash Rye (Barrel Proof) Review

 

Some people think those who have podcasts can’t do anything with them, and for the most part, they’re correct. So many fall by the wayside, only garnering a few followers. But the ones who do it are passionate about their podcasts and have a good time, and that’s all that matters, right?

 

Then you have those who do big things with their podcasts. There is one called Bourbon Pursuit, which has been around since March 2015. Founded by Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil, they’ve been wildly successful. In 2018, they formed a company called Pursuit Spirits, which sourced Straight Bourbons and Ryes to create its blends.

 

In May, Pursuit Spirits rebranded as Pursuit United and subsequently opened its own tasting room on Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row. One thing to come out of the rebranding is that everything offered is available in three proofs: 88°, 108°, and barrel proof (whatever that turns out to be), allowing drinkers of all levels of experience to enjoy its whiskeys.

 

Today, I’m exploring the barrel-proof version of its Triple Mash Rye, a blend of straight American Ryes sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky and Sagamore Spirit in Maryland. It can be purchased from Pursuit United’s online store or from Seelbach’s. Kenny suggests this is his whiskey of the year for 2025.

 

“This expression unites three rye whiskeys from two states known for their rye producing heritage. Unlike most ryes that pack a walloping spice, ours is more sweet thanks to a corn-heavy mashbill. Creating an unparalleled experience with rich and mellow flavors.” – Pursuit United

 

So, is it truly a whiskey of the year? The only way to answer that is to #DrinkCurious, and before getting to that, I must thank Pursuit United for sending me a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

• Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Distiller(s): Bardstown Bourbon Company & Sagamore Spirit
• Age: NAS
• Mashbill: A blend of:
• Bardstown 95% rye, 5% malted barley
• Sagamore 95% rye, 5% malted barley
• Sagamore 52% rye, 43% corn, 5% malted barley
• Cooperage: New, 53-gallon charred oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 60.9% ABV (121.8°)
• Price per 700mL: $79.99
• Uncut, Non-chill filtered

 

Appearance: I poured this Rye into my Glencairn glass with the intention of sipping it neat. Its cognac color was pleasing to the eye, and the liquid produced a thin rim with tightly packed, fast, thick tears.  

 

Nose: After allowing the whiskey to rest for about 15 minutes, I brought the glass to my face and started sniffing. The aroma featured notes of brown sugar, toffee, cherries, plums, and nutmeg. There was also a muted oak component. When I drew the air through my lips, I found cinnamon and leather.

 

Palate: With the first sip, there was a slick, yet dense mouthfeel and a palate shock of clove. The second allowed me to taste brown sugar, vanilla, and soft mint on the front. Midway through, I encountered dried tobacco leaf, fresh rye bread, and clove. Flavors of older oak, cinnamon spice, and chocolate hit the back of my palate.

 

Finish: The finish started easy and then ramped to highlight spicy notes of rye, cinnamon, clove, mint, and dry oak. It numbed the roof of my mouth and made my tongue tingle slightly. The long duration lasted 1:54 before suddenly fading into oblivion.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: First and foremost, Whiskey of the Year is highly subjective (I don’t even name one anymore). I savored the sweeter notes; I’m happy, though, that they didn’t subdue what’s expected in a 95/5 Rye’s finish.

 

Secondly, even at cask strength, Triple Mash Rye is very approachable. It drank perhaps ten or so points below its stated proof – it was warm but nowhere near hot. Blending is an art form; Kenny and Ryan seem to have a handle on it. There’s value here, one that will appeal to a variety of whiskey fans – and I believe it is worth picking up. As such, it takes my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.