Louisville Bourbon Experience Earns Top North American Tourism Honor
Pursuit Spirits' "The Whole Shebang" named North America's Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour, advances to global finals
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 29, 2026) – Louisville's reputation as a premier bourbon tourism destination continues to earn international recognition. Pursuit Spirits, located on downtown Louisville's historic Whiskey Row, has been named North America's Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour 2026 by the World Travel Awards for its signature experience, The Whole Shebang.
The honor places Pursuit Spirits among just four finalists worldwide competing for the title of World's Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour 2026, a prestigious distinction for the Louisville attraction and another milestone for the city's growing bourbon tourism industry.
"Louisville has built something truly special around bourbon tourism, and experiences like The Whole Shebang are exactly why visitors continue to discover new reasons to come here," said Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. "It's the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit behind our bourbon scene that sets us apart, and we're proud to see that innovation recognized on the world stage."
The Whole Shebang is a 90-minute, hands-on whiskey experience that invites guests to sample small-batch bourbons and ryes, select their favorite and draw whiskey directly from the barrel before hand-filling, corking and labeling their own bottle to take home.
Created by Bourbon Pursuit podcast founders Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil, the experience debuted in 2023 and moved to Pursuit Spirits' Whiskey Row location in August 2025. More than 1,500 guests had participated by summer 2026.
"Picking a barrel used to be something most people don't get a chance to do," said Ryan Cecil, Co-Founder and Master Blender at Pursuit Spirits. "We wanted guests to taste through the options and walk out with a bottle that speaks to their taste profile. That's what makes this experience special."
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize excellence across the global travel and tourism industry. The winner of the world title will be announced December 12 at the organization's Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Tanzania.
The Whole Shebang is offered at Pursuit Spirits, 722 W. Main Street, in downtown Louisville. The $150 experience includes a hand-filled bottle and whiskey tastings. Reservations are available at pursuitspirits.com/visit-us.