Light charred oak | Nutmeg | Caramel | Vanilla | Brown sugar | Light candied orange

Oak | Rye spice | Cinnamon stick | Burnt brown butter | Faint dark berries | Light vanilla taffy | Touch of black tea

Light cinnamon syrup | Chewy oak | Vanilla | Mellow rye spice | Pleasing

Pursuit United Bourbon is produced by Pursuit Spirits, whose two co-founders got their start in the world of American whiskey as part of the podcast team at Bourbon Pursuit. Up until this point, the company has focused on their blended bourbon and rye products; however, that changed with their new Mellwood Legacy Collection. For the inaugural releases, the company is focusing on a 6 year bottled in bond bourbon and a 7 year barrel proof bourbon. Featuring vintage-inspired labels, this new collection is “a tribute to the rich distilling history of the site and the iconic Mellwood brand.” Notably, Mellwood Bourbon is the first bottled in bond whiskey released by Pursuit Spirits.

The bourbon starts off with mostly classic scents, with a light candied orange providing a pleasing variety. The midpoint pulls in a mix of flavors that slowly reveal themselves. Classic notes are easily distinguishable, and while light, intriguing notes of dark berries, vanilla taffy, and black tea add depth. Ending with a pleasing finish, light cinnamon syrup and chewy oak meld with vanilla and a mellow rye spice.

For their first attempt at a bottle in bond bourbon, Pursuit Spirits does a nice job of delivering a pleasing pour that focuses on traditional bourbon notes with a slight twist. While I would have liked to see more boldness from flavors in the palate, the combination still works well. Pricing feels spot on, and it’s nice to see companies actually bottle at 375mL so that those looking to try a bottle in the collection can do so at an affordable price.