Brown sugar | Light crushed mint | Charred oak | Toasted caramel | Light rye spice | Interesting foundation of scents

Toasted oak | Burnt caramel | Brown sugar | Green peppercorn | Dried raisins | Light syrup | Rye spice

Leather | Charred oak | Hints of vanilla | Mellow rye spice | Lingering heat

2021 started off with Pursuit Spirits releasing their first bourbon, and ended with the company releasing their first rye. Consisting of a blend of three mashbills, Pursuit Spirit chose to blend rye produced at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky and Sagamore Spirits out of Maryland. This unusual blend resulted in the first release consisting of only 2,076 bottles, with the company stating in their press release that this will be an annual release.

The use of high rye mashbills and a low rye mashbill resulted in a lively blend. The sip opens with a light array of flavors that mingle well together. From there, the sip transitions to drier notes that are enhanced with the addition of sweeter flavors of caramel and brown sugar. This is surprisingly  easy drinking considering the 108 proof that it comes in at. Whether this was pure coincidence or done on purpose, this proof aligns with the same proof that the brand’s bourbon came in too. The end result is a manageable sip that delivers defined flavors that will please rye drinkers. It may not reach the same height as the brand’s inaugural bourbon did, but it’s still a good first showing for Pursuit Spirits as they enter the world of rye.