Pursuit Spirits, the Louisville-based whiskey brand founded by Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil of the award-winning Bourbon Pursuit podcast, announced the release of Old Anvil.

Back in 2019, Coleman and Cecil secured four barrels from a renowned Kentucky distillery and envisioned a future limited release. Along with the rare 70/21/9 mashbill, the five-year-old barrels were too tempting to pass on, and the duo rushed in with excitement despite never sampling the whiskey. 

These barrels came from a prestigious place so what could go wrong? By the time the barrels reached their loading dock, they revealed their harsh truth. Instead of rich complexity, the whiskey tasted of grass and hay. For a young brand taking bold risks, it felt like an expensive misstep. 

With no other choice, the barrels were tucked away in the back of the rickhouse and left to father time. After forgetting about them for a few years, they went back and tasted them. At eight-years-old, they began to show promise but didn’t align to their main focus with the Pursuit United line. So back into storage they went.

Fast forward to 2023, Pursuit Spirits moved into their new distillery and uncovered the historic distilling legacy of Mellwood Avenue. Finally at 11-years-old, the once distasteful barrels had finally captured the perfect balance of rich oak and nutty flavors. The timing was perfect for a special release.

Enter Old Anvil, the third release in the Mellwood Legacy Collection. Inspired by a long-lost label once bottled by General Distillers in Louisville, Old Anvil is a one-time, distillery-exclusive release.

Bottled at cask strength (119.4 proof), Old Anvil offers a bold yet balanced sip. 

“Old Anvil is proof that time can change everything,” Cecil, Pursuit Spirits Master Blender and CEO, said in a news release. “We once thought these barrels were a mistake, but years later, they became something truly remarkable. It’s a good thing we had a ton of distractions because I’m excited to see what this bourbon has become.”

Available exclusively at Pursuit Spirits’ new Whiskey Row location (which just opened this month!) starting Thursday, August 28, Old Anvil comes in 375mL bottles at $99.99 SRP. Only a limited number of cases will be sold each day but booking the Mellwood Past & Present experience (available here) guarantees the opportunity to purchase while supplies last. 

Read more: Pursuit Spirits to Open Whiskey Row Location Aug. 14

ABOUT PURSUIT SPIRITS

Pursuit Spirits is a Louisville, Kentucky-based whiskey brand founded by the forces behind the Bourbon Pursuit podcast. 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. 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. For more information, visit https://pursuitspirits.com/.