Mellwood Distilling Co. was founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865 by George W. Swearingen. Located on Reservoir Avenue, which was later renamed Mellwood Avenue in its honor, the distillery grew to become a significant operation, producing well-known brands such as “Mellwood Whiskey,” “Dundee Club “and “Montpelier Rye”. Rectifiers like George Garvin Brown bought their whiskey from Mellwood to be blended, bottled, and sold under private labels such as Old Forester. By the late 1880s, Rudolph F. Balke had become involved with the distillery, eventually serving as its president and held a role in the passing of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The Mellwood Whiskey brand became nationally known and favored, being sold at retail in quart bottles and pint flasks. It was considered in high regard and was supported by vigorous marketing and advertising in publications across the nation. In 1899, Mellwood Distillery was acquired by the Whiskey Trust, officially known as the Kentucky Distilleries & Warehouse Company. Despite this change in ownership, the distillery continued to operate until National Prohibition forced its closure in 1918.

 

Following the repeal of Prohibition, the former Mellwood Distillery buildings were taken over by Walter Leonard Borgerding, who established the General Distillers Corporation of Kentucky in 1933. Borgerding renovated the dilapidated facilities, installed new equipment, and resumed distilling operations by December 1935. General Distillers continued to produce the “Mellwood” brand and introduced their own popular labels, including “Old Kentucky General,” “Derby Town,” and “Kentucky Nectar”. During World War II, the company shifted its production to industrial alcohol for the U.S. Government. Distilling operations ceased in the 1960s, though bottling continued for a short time before the majority of the buildings were demolished by 1974, marking the permanent closure of the business.

 

Pursuit Spirits is renewing the distilling legacy of Mellwood Avenue in Louisville, KY. As we continue our work at the same location on Mellwood Avenue today, we’re inspired to honor this 100-year heritage with the same passion and craftsmanship. We feel we’re not just occupying a space, but continuing a storied legacy of exceptional whiskey.