As a ninth generation Louisvillian, I love seeing the city’s history revived. Mellwood Avenue in Louisville was named for the Mellwood Distillery, a pre-Prohibition era distilling company that went through several changes, went out of business during Prohibition, and was bought up by another entity after Prohibition ended. Pursuit Spirits has resurrected this once popular brand after discovering that their warehouse was once part of the Mellwood Distillery.

The Mellwood Distillery was started by George Swearingen in 1865. The company produced their own brands and also contract distilled for nondistiller producers or rectifiers. Kenny Coleman, co-founder of Pursuit Spirits, has the whole history of the Mellwood Distillery here.

The two labels they chose to revive were Mellwood Bourbon, a bottled-in-bond Bourbon with a mash bill of 78-12-10 distilled at nearby Rabbit Hole Distillery, and Derby Town, a cask strength Bourbon with a mash bill of 78-10-12 distilled in Bardstown.

The Mellwood Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon has a delicate floral nose with hints of brown sugar. The palate includes brulee sugar, dark red cherry, and baking spices. It is available at the distillery only in a 375ml flask-style bottle.

The Derby Town Bourbon is 7 years old with a mash bill of 78-10-12 and a proof of 122.8. It’s a bit bolder and spicier without overwhelming the palate. This is also only available at the distillery in a 375ml flask-style bottle.

For those of you looking for Bourbons you can only get in Kentucky, specifically in Louisville in this case, these are two great ones to pick up.

Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl