LOUISVILLE, KY – March 2, 2026 – Pursuit Spirits, the Louisville-based whiskey brand founded by the creators of the number one whiskey podcast, Bourbon Pursuit, today announced its latest innovation with the launch of Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon. This release marks the successful conclusion of a year-long research and development project, continuing the brand’s continuous pursuit to defy convention and discover new flavors with the introduction of Japanese cherry wood. 

Timed to coincide with the arrival of spring and the annual blossoming of cherry trees across the globe, Sakura Bloom Bourbon represents a bridge between traditional American bourbon and the delicate floral profiles often found in Japanese whiskey. After testing various non-traditional woods like European chestnut and beechwood, the team discovered that Sakura wood sourced directly from Japan created a transformative and seasonal flavor profile unlike anything else in the domestic market. 

"When we first started this experiment over a year ago, we weren't sure how the Sakura wood would interact with the bold profile of our Pursuit United bourbon," said Ryan Cecil, Co-Founder and Master Blender. "But once we did the first test, the room filled with this incredible floral aroma. It was like walking right past a cherry blossom tree in full bloom." 

The name Sakura Bloom Bourbon was developed to reflect both the literal translation of the wood and the whiskey’s peak maturity. "Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, but adding Bloom was essential to the story," added Kenny Coleman, Co-Founder and COO. "The Japanese cherry blossom has an ephemeral beauty that comes and goes. We wanted to capture the exact point where the whiskey reaches its peak maturity or its full bloom after its interaction with this wood."

Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon is bottled at its cask strength point of 113.8 proof. The nose offers fresh cut flowers and sun-ripened berries that mingle with the sweet, bready scent of toaster strudel jam. The palate provides a nostalgic combination of cherry pop-tarts and wild berries balanced by sweet oak and a savory hint of demi-glaze. The medium-bodied finish delivers a bold punch followed by a lingering sense of rose petals and a subtle touch of star anise. While bottled at barrel proof, the founders recommend adding a few drops of water to bring the spirit to approximately 108 proof to watch the delicate floral layers come alive. 

Members of P.Club, the premier subscription service from Pursuit Spirits, will receive first priority access to this limited release starting Tuesday, March 3. P.Club provides the best deal in bourbon by offering an all-access pass to the most innovative projects from the brand regardless of a member’s location. Members can customize their orders with distillery-only releases and enjoy benefits such as free shipping or access to exclusive Whiskey Row pick-up parties. Beyond the bottle, the club offers virtual tastings and Q&A sessions with the team, along with discounts on immersive experiences and items in the gift shop. 

For those visiting Louisville, Pursuit United Sakura Bloom will also be available at the Pursuit Spirits destination on Whiskey Row towards the end of March. 

Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon will be available at a suggested retail price of $89.99. For more information on P.Club and upcoming releases, visit https://pursuitspirits.com/pclub. 

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. This unique method allows them to consistently craft small-batch expressions with unparalleled flavor complexity. Their award-winning Pursuit United line exemplifies this by harmoniously uniting diverse mash bills and barrel types. Additionally, their distillery-exclusive Mellwood Legacy Collection pays homage to the rich history of their distillery's location. Pursuit Spirits provides more than just bottles; their venue on Whiskey Row offers curated, immersive experiences where guests can participate in exclusive barrel selections and bottle their own whiskey; P. Club, an all-access, exclusive pass to Pursuit Spirits no matter your location; and a cocktail lounge called Trial + Error that seamlessly balances warm, lived-in charm and stylish modern comfort, complete with an extensive spirits menu and a variety of small bites. 

LOCATIONS:
Distillery Location: 1700 Mellwood Ave. Louisville KY 40206
‍Whiskey Row Location: 722 W. Main St, Suite 100, Louisville KY 40202