The Kentucky bourbon and rye scene has always been about storytelling. From old family distilleries to modern craft producers, every bottle tells a tale. One of the most exciting new stories in the last few years is Pursuit United, the house label born from the minds behind the Bourbon Pursuit podcast. The latest expression, Pursuit United Blend of Straight Rye Batch 8CD, stands as a testament to their commitment to transparency, blending artistry, and premium whiskey-making. Bottled at 108 proof and priced at around $75, this rye offers an intriguing balance of power, nuance, and drinkability that speaks to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
Brand Background: Pursuit United
To understand Pursuit United Rye, one must first understand the brand. The creators, Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman, built their reputation in Kentucky through the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, a widely followed show that engages with distillers, blenders, historians, and enthusiasts from across the whiskey industry. Their vision was straightforward but ambitious: instead of just talking about whiskey, why not make it?
Thus, Pursuit Spirits was born. Unlike many startup brands that buy barrels from a single source and slap a label on them, Pursuit United has leaned heavily into transparency and blending innovation. They source from multiple distilleries across Kentucky, Tennessee, and other regions, then blend the components to create something distinct. The “United” name reflects this philosophy: uniting different whiskeys into a harmonious whole.
For the rye line, that means blending straight rye whiskeys from different origins. Each batch is named with a unique code (such as 8CD) to reflect the evolving journey. This model allows Pursuit Spirits to remain nimble, experiment with blending, and release products that aren’t constrained by one distillery’s stock.
The Specs
- Name: Pursuit United Blend of Straight Rye Batch 8CD
- Style: Straight Rye Whiskey (blended from multiple distilleries)
- Proof: 108 (54% ABV)
- Price: ~$75
- Release: Limited batch
- Origin: Multi-distillery blend, crafted and bottled by Pursuit Spirits
At 108 proof, Batch 8CD offers a sweet spot between full barrel strength and approachable bottled-in-bond level. It’s potent enough to command attention but not so high that it scares off moderate-proof drinkers.
Tasting Experience
Appearance
In the glass, Pursuit United Rye pours a deep golden amber, with hints of copper glinting against the light. It shows strong legs, suggesting a rich mouthfeel to follow.
Nose
The first nosing is a lively mix of baking spice, mint, and herbal rye grain. There’s also a pleasant layer of citrus zest—orange peel and lemon oil—cutting through the spice. As it opens, sweeter notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel emerge, mingling with earthy undertones of tobacco and cedar.
Palate
The palate opens with rye-forward spice: clove, black pepper, and cinnamon make an immediate statement. This is quickly softened by sweeter flavors of brown sugar, toffee, and candied orange peel. Mid-palate, the whiskey expands with herbal dill, spearmint, and toasted oak, hallmarks of well-aged rye stock.
At 108 proof, the heat is present but well integrated—it delivers warmth without burning out the flavors. The sip has depth, offering multiple layers that unfold with each taste.
Finish
The finish is long, spicy, and slightly dry, with lingering notes of peppercorn, citrus peel, and oak tannin. A subtle sweetness—like maple candy—hangs on the edges, balancing the spice. For rye enthusiasts, this finish is deeply satisfying; it invites another sip while leaving a memorable impression.
Advantages (Pros)
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Proof Point: At 108 proof, the whiskey strikes a great balance between strength and drinkability. It’s versatile for neat pours, water dilution, or cocktails.
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Complex Flavor: The blending of different rye styles creates complexity—spicy, herbal, citrusy, and sweet all play together.
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Transparency & Innovation: Pursuit United emphasizes honesty about sourcing and blending, refreshing in a market where many brands remain vague.
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Value for Price: At $75, this rye sits in the premium but not luxury tier. Given its proof, quality, and small-batch status, it delivers strong value compared to competitors.
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Versatility: It works beautifully neat, shines with a splash of water, and can make an extraordinary Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Disadvantages (Cons)
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Limited Availability: As a batch release, 8CD may be difficult to find consistently. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and flavor profiles may vary in future batches.
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Not for Proof-Sensitive Drinkers: At 108 proof, the whiskey may be intense for those used to standard 90-proof pours.
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Blended Identity: Some traditionalists prefer single-distillery rye expressions, while Pursuit’s multi-origin blending might not appeal to purists.
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Price vs. Age Statement: While the flavor is excellent, some buyers might hesitate to spend $75 on a non-age-stated bottle, particularly when age statements often influence perceptions of value.
Potential Side Effects
Like any high-proof spirit, Pursuit United Rye should be enjoyed responsibly. Potential side effects from overconsumption include:
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Immediate effects: Impaired judgment, reduced coordination, flushed skin, dizziness.
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Short-term aftereffects: Dehydration, headaches, nausea, and “rye spice heartburn” in sensitive individuals.
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Long-term risks: Regular overconsumption increases the risk of liver damage, high blood pressure, and dependence.
Because this is a 108-proof rye, its effects can hit harder than lower-proof spirits. A 2-ounce pour packs more alcohol than standard bar pours of 80–90 proof spirits. Hydration, food pairing, and pacing are recommended.
How it Compares to Other Ryes
Kentucky shelves hold plenty of ryes, from heritage brands to new-wave craft bottles. Pursuit United Rye sits comfortably in the premium midrange.
- Compared to classic 100-proof bottled-in-bond ryes (like Old Forester Rye or Rittenhouse), Pursuit United offers more complexity, depth, and proof.
- Compared to luxury rye releases ($90–$150), it offers a better value-to-complexity ratio while still feeling special.
- Its blend-of-origins approach makes it stand out in a landscape where most ryes trumpet a single distillery lineage.
Occasion Suitability
- Neat sipping: Perfect for a contemplative evening pour.
- Cocktails: A knockout rye for Manhattans, Boulevardiers, or Sazeracs, where its spice and citrus can shine.
- Gifting: The Pursuit United brand story (podcasters turned whiskey makers) makes it a thoughtful gift for whiskey fans.
- Collecting: Each batch is unique, making bottles collectible for enthusiasts who enjoy tracking flavor evolutions.
Serving Suggestions
- Neat in a Glencairn glass: Best for exploring its full complexity.
- With a few drops of water: Opens up additional sweetness and citrus.
- On a large ice cube: Tames the spice, emphasizes caramel and vanilla, and makes for easier sipping.
- Cocktail pairing: Try it in an Old Fashioned with orange bitters—it highlights the rye’s citrus and spice notes beautifully.
Final Verdict
The Pursuit United Blend of Straight Rye Batch 8CD is a bold, flavorful, and thoughtfully crafted rye that demonstrates the blending skill and vision behind Pursuit Spirits. At 108 proof, it delivers the spice and heat rye lovers crave, while its layered sweetness and herbal complexity make it approachable and engaging. For $75, it offers excellent value in today’s rye market, especially considering the transparency, small-batch nature, and innovative spirit of the brand.
For Kentucky drinkers, this bottle is not just another rye—it represents the evolution of the state’s whiskey culture, where enthusiasts are stepping out from behind the mic and into the blending lab to create something worthy of the shelves. Batch 8CD is proof (literally and figuratively) that innovation in whiskey doesn’t always come from century-old distilleries.
Quick Reference
- Name: Pursuit United Blend of Straight Rye Batch 8CD
- Proof: 108 (54% ABV)
- Price: $75.00
- Style: Blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys
- Brand: Pursuit United (by Bourbon Pursuit podcast founders)
- Tasting Notes: Baking spice, mint, citrus peel, honey, brown sugar, dill, toasted oak, long peppery finish
- Advantages: Complexity, transparency, proof, versatility, value
- Disadvantages: Limited availability, no age statement, higher proof may be intense for some
- Best Uses: Neat sipping, premium cocktails, gifting, collecting
✅ Verdict: Pursuit United Rye Batch 8CD is a thoughtfully blended, premium rye that successfully balances heritage spice with modern creativity. A must-try for Kentucky whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate both tradition and innovation.
