According to the Yellowstone Select bottle, “In 2010 Stephen B. Beam and his family founded Limestone Branch Distillery with the intention of crafting only the finest whiskey and the dream of restoring Yellowstone brand to its former glory. In the spring of 2015, over a century after their great-grandfather, M.C. Beam sold his distillery to Yellowstone, that this dream came true. To celebrate the family reunion of sorts they bring us Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.”
The founders of Limestone Distillery are brothers Stephen and Paul Beam, who can trace their lineage to Jacob Beam, a farmer who sold his first barrels of corn whiskey around 1795. Run by these seventh-generation distillers, the distillery is a special branch on their family tree. The bourbon is named after our country’s first national park, and their Yellowstone-branded Kentucky straight bourbons give back to Mother Nature with every pour. For every bottle of Yellowstone purchased, they donate a portion of the profits to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).
Bourbon Review:Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 46.5% (93 Proof)
Age: Blend of 4-7 Years
Color: Gold
Mash Bill: Not Disclosed
Distillery: Limestone Branch Distillery Co. (Lebanon, Kentucky, USA)
The Nose: A wonderful sweetness encapsulates the nose without being too sweet. Notes of vanilla, cherries and caramel are the dominant aromas. Also present on secondary whiffs are oak, marshmallows and a subtle buttered corn.
The Taste: The finish of the bourbon has a hearty oak component but before that takes hold there is a toffee sweetness with nuances of brown sugar and caramel covered apples. Secondary sips see the brown sugar linger into the finish with the addition of peaches and a subtle leathery mouthfeel. The cigar on its own serves up notes of molasses, caramelized sugar, oak and leather with nuances of cinnamon.
The Pairing: We paired the bourbon with an Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion from RoMa Craft Cigars. The brand has appeared here numerous times because in the cool weather months its one of the few brands I get to smoke in the house since my wife loves the aromas. Plus the concept of the brand pairs well with this website. The Whiskey Rebellion refers to the outrage over the Whiskey Tax from 1791-1794. The size we are smoking is the Lee III which is a reference to Henry Lee III who commanded the 12,950 militiamen sent to quash the rebels.
When paired together the cigar brings out more oak components with some candied peaches from the Yellowstone Bourbon. Additional there a leathery finish that has a subtle floral component to it. As always our pairing never affects our scoring but if it did we would add 3 points.
The Finish: Yellowstone is what I would call a summer bourbon. For me these are usually sweeter with winter bourbons having more woodiness. If you like a bit of sweetness and slightly higher proof, Yellowstone is a match made in heaven. Does it do enough to stand out at a crowded price point, probably not. Does it do enough to deliver enough value, most definitely.
Score: 91
Price: $39.99 (New Hampshire / 750 ml)
