Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The Yellowstone American whiskey brand has a long and storied history, dating back to its inception by one J.B. Dant in 1872. What we know of it today begins, however, in 2015, when seventh generation distiller Stephen Beam, descended from the historic Kentucky distilling names of Beam and Dant, brought Yellowstone back into his family after a period of it being owned by others.
Beam, who opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, leads a team producing Yellowstone under several variants, including Select, American Single Malt and Limited Edition. Joining these as of this past October is the Special Finishes Collection, the first of which is the focus of today’s review, Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Toasted Staves.
This new Kentucky bourbon, bottled at 100 proof, was first aged for four years after having been distilled from Yellowstone’s traditional bourbon mash bill. It was then finished in barrel with the addition of a combination of five different toasted staves – high toast, American oak double-toast, vanilla, rick house and spice rack – to get what’s described as the desired flavor profile.
“I began experimenting with toasted barrels in 2016, 2017, and 2018 with Yellowstone Limited Edition releases and again more recently with distillery-exclusive Yellowstone Toasted Single Barrel,” noted Beam at the time of its release. “My experience helped in crafting what stave flavors to use and at what percentage to get the right flavor profile for Yellowstone Toasted.”
What is now Yellowstone’s latest full time family member is distinguished from the rest of the group by a brown top-wrap. The packaging is a bit more distinct as well, featuring the brand’s iconic bottle and Roosevelt Arch artwork, among other touches. It is priced at $49.99 per 750 ml bottle.
Tasting Notes: Yellowstone Bourbon Finished With Toasted Staves
Vital Stats: Aged four years and finished in barrel with the addition of a combination of five different toasted staves; 100 proof; priced at $49.99 per 750 ml.
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Appearance: Some warm colors in glass, including a very typical golden amber reflecting a slightly younger bourbon. Nice lines inside reflect good viscosity.
Nose: Orange, vanilla, candy corn, brown sugar and warm, slightly melted butter dance out of the glass into my nostrils. The whole smell is very ethereal and light, like floating somewhat on a cloud.
Palate: Oak, spice, caramel, buttered popcorn, green apple and peppercorn zing around my mouth, with only some vanilla milling around the edges. The finish is a quick pop and then fades pretty fast, not completely wowing or disappointing me – it is just kind of there, much like this bourbon in general.
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