Behind the Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand Podcast

Behind the Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand

C+C Pursuit Spirits
Take part in a journey to build a bourbon brand. Brian Beyke sits down with the founders of the top whiskey podcast, Kenny and Ryan of Bourbon Pursuit, to figure out what it takes to bring their whiskey label to life. Experience the highs, lows, and everything in between from investments, filling barrels, and shipping bottles. Special episodes will feature in-depth tasting notes for single barrel releases. It's your chance to have the first ever inside look into the bourbon business and learn about the whiskey industry with Pursuit Spirits.
091 - PursuitPalooza Recap 2025
Another PursuitPalooza is in the books! Each year, the guys host a unique and immersive experience here in town for their listeners and fans. The event includes distillery tours, barrel picks, tastings, and social gatherings from relationships they’ve built over the years of running the podcast. This year, the event featured visits to Angel's Envy, Lux Row, and the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. Participants had the opportunity to taste rare and limited-edition whiskies, learn about the distillation process, and connect with fellow bourbon enthusiasts. The event also included a whole lot of Shebanging at the Pursuit HQ, as well as guests having their own Whiskey Quickie for Bourbon Pursuit from blind samples in the building. On today’s episode, we recap it all.  P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up today⁠⁠⁠⁠. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Jun 18
31 min
090 - 30 Days From 30 Days
We know - Whiskey Row still isn’t open. But don’t worry, we’re just a “soft 30 days out.” Delays in buildouts are pretty much inevitable, but what does that really mean for the team, the experience, and the products at Pursuit Spirits? In this episode, we dig into how shifting timelines affect more than just the grand opening. We hit on: The Current Status of Downtown Challenges and Delays in the Project Impact of Delays on Business Operations Employee Management and Training Financial Projections and Revenue Loss Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Expectations and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. ⁠⁠⁠Sign up today⁠⁠⁠. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit⁠⁠⁠ pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠⁠ and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.
Jun 4
32 min
089 - Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey
It's another solo episode today with Ryan, and we dive into the complexities of entrepreneurship, discussing the entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges anxiety can bring, and even the balance between content creation and business realities. We dig into the current state of the whiskey industry, financial stability, and navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. From maintaining a positive mindset to setting achievable goals, we end on the balance between personal fulfillment and family responsibilities, highlighting the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. We hit on: Navigating anxiety in entrepreneurship The power of positive mindset Setting goals: small wins vs. big dreams Strategic planning in the whiskey industry The entrepreneurial drive and personal fulfillment Balancing family and business responsibilities and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. ⁠⁠Sign up today⁠⁠. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit⁠⁠ pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠ and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.
May 21
42 min
088 - The Year of Pursuit
Six months ago (back on Episode 077) we mentioned an upcoming packaging update, one that not only helps us stand out against other brands on the retails shelves but also simplifies the language we use in an effort to help consumers understand our product better. Today we launch that new packaging, and with it comes new 88 proof and cask strength offerings of our classic United Bourbon and Rye. On today's podcast the guys talk about some of the struggles with the design over the last 18 months, the new products in the collection, and the broader audience we hope the brand may reach with the changes and additions. We hit on: Overview of the New Packaging and Design Launch The Journey of Custom Glass and Cork Design Label Language and Consumer Clarity Bottling Process Challenges and Innovations New Flagship Products and Market Strategy Looking Ahead: Future of Pursuit Spirits and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. ⁠Sign up today⁠. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit⁠ pursuitspirits.com⁠ and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.
May 7
32 min
087 - Allocation
As we’ve seen increased success with Double Oaked, the announcement Mellwood Collection rolling out, and downtown opening in sight - what does it look like when talking about how to distribute products best, especially products that need allocation? Today's episode highlights the challenges of maintaining relationships with distributors while ensuring sales across all products, the complexities of incentivizing sales in the whiskey market, navigating distribution, and the importance of consumer education. Plus, how to make these decisions while weighing out relationships with distributors that have been crucial to their success. We hit on: Packaging Changes and New Product Launches Simplifying Product Names for Consumer Clarity Product Allocation and Market Demand Strategizing Product Distribution and Market Relationships Balancing Single Barrels and Batch Products Understanding Market Dynamics and Sales Strategies Incentivizing Sales and Market Dynamics Building Strong Distributor Relationships and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. Sign up today. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected].
Apr 23
35 min
086 - The Squeeze
Tariffs, the pull back of larger brands from International distribution to domestic distribution, shelf space, and the pricing of barrels all make this an interesting time for a brand like Pursuit that sits right in the middle. In this episode we dive into the impact of tariffs on the market, the challenges faced by new brands in a saturated market, the dynamics of barrel prices and consumer trends, the future of bourbon in international markets, and the evolving landscape of the whiskey enthusiast and the strategies needed to succeed in a competitive market during the squeeze. We hit on: Impact of Tariffs on the Bourbon Industry Market Dynamics: Barrel Prices and Consumer  Challenges for New Brands in a Saturated Market  International Markets and Brand Strategies The State of the Whiskey Market Building a New Brand Today Consumer Behavior and Brand Loyalty Navigating Economic Challenges in Whiskey and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. Sign up today. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected].
Apr 9
43 min
085 - Meet Stace
In this episode we welcome Stace Stewart, the new General Manager of Pursuit Spirits, who shares her journey through the restaurant industry, her passion for bourbon, and her experiences in management roles. We dive into her background, the challenges of opening new establishments, the importance of transparency in bourbon branding, and the importance of training staff in spirits knowledge. Stace reflects on her time at various restaurants, including Milkwood and NAMI, and discusses her transition to Pursuit Spirits, emphasizing the significance of hospitality and teamwork in the industry. We hit on: Stace's Journey in the Restaurant Industry The Evolution of Management Roles The Ongoing Relationship with Spirits Training and Knowledge in Bourbon Opening a Restaurant During Derby Season Transitioning to Pursuit Spirits The Role of a General Manager Bridging Retail and Bar Operations Challenges in the Whiskey Space Building a Strong Team and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. Sign up today. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected].
Mar 26
41 min
084 - Updates! Updates! Updates!
With so many moving pieces it can be easy to miss the latest with all the things happening behind Pursuit. In today’s episode we run down a series of updates from P. Club to the Mellwood Collection to downtown and what comes next.  We hit on: Transitioning to Full-Time Pursuit P-Club Launch and Membership Growth New Releases from Pursuit Spirits Exploring Future Product Opportunities Creative Outlets Milestones and Celebrations Updates on Downtown Development Foot Traffic and Visitor Expectations Operational Efficiencies and Future Planning Challenges in Production and Bottling and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. Sign up today. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected].
Mar 12
37 min
083 - The Launch of P.Club
Today on the podcast we introduce you to P.Club - the inner circle of Pursuit Spirits. Ryan has long romanticized about a bourbon version of his beloved Napa Valley wine clubs, and with countless hours behind the scenes he and Kenny have finally unveiled the ultimate all-access pass to all things Pursuit. No secret handshake, just great whiskey. Tune in as we dive into it all. We hit on: Why the name P.Club? what exactly is P.Club? What does P.Club look like from a selection standpoint? In additional to preparations for the doors downtown opening, how do you forecast inventory for both in-person as well as for P.club members? and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. Sign up today. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected].
Feb 26
33 min
082 - Building a Team
Building a team can be hard. Not just finding people who jive with the brand but also passing the baton on responsibilities. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the team at Pursuit Spirits, the challenges of hiring in the whiskey industry, and the importance of building a strong team culture. We dive into the dynamics of communication within a startup, the significance of defining roles and responsibilities, and the need for adaptability as the company grows to push the vision of the brand forward.  We hit on: What unique challenges exist coming from a larger brand to Pursuit? What have you learned from your first hires to what you are looking for in your new hires? Kenny what responsibilities are you wanting to pass off, and in turn move on to focus on? Ryan do you see yourself beginning to start passing off responsibilities, and what would you pass off? and much more. Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected].
Feb 12
35 min
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