On April 9, 2025, Pursuit Spirits announced the debut of its new Mellwood Legacy Collection, a tribute to the historic Mellwood Distillery and the broader bourbon-making heritage of Louisville. Located at the intersection of Frankfort and Mellwood Avenues, the site holds deep historical significance for Kentucky bourbon. The initial releases in the collection include revivals of the Mellwood and Derby Town bourbon labels, which were once well-known names in the local and national whiskey market.
History of Mellwood Distillery Co.
The Mellwood Distillery Co. was originally established in 1865 by George W. Swearingen on Reservoir Avenue—renamed Mellwood Avenue in the distillery’s honor. It became a major player in bourbon production, with noted industry figures like George Garvin Brown purchasing Mellwood whiskey for blending and bottling. Rudolph Balke, who later became the company’s president, played a key role in the creation of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Mellwood was acquired by the Whiskey Trust in 1899 and continued operations until Prohibition shut it down in 1918.
Post-Prohibition Revival and Decline
After Prohibition, Walter Leonard Borgerding purchased and revitalized the former Mellwood facilities, founding the General Distillers Corporation of Kentucky in 1933. By 1935, distilling had resumed with updated equipment and new product lines. However, distilling operations ceased by the 1960s, and by 1974, most of the original buildings were demolished, ending the legacy—until now.
Details of the New Bourbon Releases
The first release in the Mellwood Legacy Collection is Mellwood Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, a 6-year-old, 100-proof expression that adheres to Bottled-in-Bond Act requirements. It features a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% rye, and 10% malted barley. Tasting notes include praline, browned butter, salted caramel, and a touch of orange peel. The bottle is priced at $29.99 and comes in a 375ml hip flask.
The second release, Derby Town Barrel Proof Bourbon, revives a brand once produced by General Distillers. This 7-year-old bourbon comes in at 122.8 proof (subject to batch variation) with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. Flavor notes include spiced fruitcake, cherry, clove, and walnut. The bottle also features Louisville-inspired imagery like horses, fireworks, and hot air balloons, and is priced at $49.99.
Available Exclusively at Pursuit Spirits
These releases are available exclusively at the Pursuit Spirits Distillery and to members of the P.Club starting April 9, 2025. All bottles in the Mellwood Legacy Collection are packaged in 375ml flasks, combining historical packaging styles with a modern look. “It’s an honor to restore these labels,” said Kenny Coleman, Co-Founder of Pursuit Spirits. “This is an opportunity to celebrate Kentucky’s bourbon heritage while introducing these brands to a new generation of whiskey connoisseurs.”
For more on the history of Mellwood Distillery Co. and General Distillers Corporation, including vintage artifacts and historical documents, visit pursuitspirits.com.
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