Pursuit Spirits announced its first-ever collaboration with Meat Church BBQ: “Pursuit x Meat Church Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon.” 

This cross-category release translates the flavor profile of Matt Pittman’s iconic “Honey Hog” seasoning into a 105-proof, honey-finished bourbon created specifically to pair with smoked meats, rather than competing with traditional dessert-style whiskeys. 

The project was initiated in October 2025 when Pittman introduced the blenders to Tim Burleson of Burleson’s Honey. Family-owned and operated in Waxahachie, Texas, since 1907, Burleson’s provides source-certified, premium wildflower honey, establishing a rare, completely traceable farm-to-barrel origin story for this release. 

In December 2025, more than 55 gallons of Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey traveled to the Pursuit Spirits blending facility in Louisville to coat the finishing barrels. Emptying the thick honey from the barrels in the chill of February proved to be an unexpected comedic challenge when the viscous liquid refused to budge. Founders Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil had to move the barrels one by one into a small room equipped with space heaters just to get the honey flowing. 

Once the bulk of the honey was removed, the team introduced a proprietary bourbon blend honoring the creators’ regional roots. Coleman and Cecil utilized Kentucky bourbon barrels from Bardstown Bourbon Co. (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley), blending them with a Tennessee distilling partner’s bourbon (80% corn, 10% rye, 10% malted barley) to represent Pittman’s birth state. The liquid underwent an additional three-month finishing period inside the honey-coated barrels before bottling.

“We selected this combination of regional mash bills to interact harmoniously with the wildflower honey, but it still needed enough punch to stand up to a bold BBQ spice like paprika,” Cecil said in a news release. “The palate plays out like baklava in a glass, coating the mouth with complex layers of pastry and nuts that can easily hold its own against one of Matt’s famous seasonings.” 

“This whiskey delivers a sweetness as bold as the pit that inspired it,” Pittman said. “At 105 proof, the viscous finish brings a powerful rush of baking spices intentionally dialed up to cut through heavy smoke and fat. It is the ultimate tabletop companion for smoked pork butt or spare ribs.” 

While the initial allocation window for Pursuit Spirits’ P.Club members has closed, the founders will host an exclusive launch and tasting event on Thursday, June 25, at their Whiskey Row destination, with tickets available on Eventbrite for $150. 

Pursuit x Meat Church Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon will be available in limited quantities at the Pursuit Spirits retail shop on Whiskey Row in Louisville starting July 1st for $79.99, and will roll out across Texas retail outlets and online via Seelbach’s shortly after. 

Read more: Pursuit Spirits to Produce 2026 Whiskey Row Series

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. For more information, visit https://pursuitspirits.com/.