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.
Released in August of this year is the 2023 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey using a blend of bourbon selected by seventh-generation Master Distiller Stephen Beam.
Bottled at 101 proof, Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a blend consisting of 7-year, 13-year, and 16-year aged bourbons that have been finished in Tokaji casks. Master Distiller Stephen Beam hand selected these bourbons just as he has since 2015 for his limited-edition Yellowstone expressions. Tokaji, or Tokay, is a traditional sweet wine that’s made exclusively from white-wine grapes affected by noble rot, a style of Hungarian wine-making that’s been practiced for centuries. The Tokaji region of Hungary is home to some of the most celebrated wine producers in the country.
“With each year’s Yellowstone Limited Edition offering, I seek a finish that I both personally love and believe will make for a flavorful, well-balanced bourbon. This year, I found the perfect finish in the Tokaji casks sourced from northern Hungary,” said Beam in a prepared statement. “Consumers can expect aromas of honey, green grapes and freshly baked cinnamon; a body highlighted by dry spice, followed by caramel, dark cherry, citrus and white pepper; and a finish containing notes of dry tobacco, honeysuckle and smoky oak. Fans of Yellowstone Limited Edition offerings will have a new contender for their favorite!”
Located in Lebanon, Kentucky, Limestone Branch Distillery was opened in 2011 by Beam and his brother James (Paul) Beam Jr. Stephen and James are seventh-generation descendants of Jacob Beam, who started the Jim Beam brand in 1795 after selling his first barrel from a corn whiskey recipe created by his father. Stephen and James are also fourth-generation descendants of distilling pioneer J.W. Dant, who is famously known to have used a hollowed out log to distill whiskey as he could not afford to purchase a copper still.
After multiple changes in ownership, Stephen brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family in 2015.
Yellowstone bourbon was originally produced by J.W. Dant’s son, J. Berand Dant, at his distillery in 1872. It was named as a tribute to the establishment of the first U.S. National Park. Limestone Branch Distillery’s whiskey-making process entails using open-pollinated white heirloom corn. Their whiskey is typically made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, which is a recipe handed down to Stephen and Paul Beam from the whiskey-making notes of their grandfather, along with a strain of yeast used by their grandfather and great grandfather.
Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available nationwide for an MSRP of $99.99 for 750ml bottles.
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Tasting Notes: Yellowstone Limited Edition Bourbon 2023
Vital Stats: 101 proof (50.5% ABV); 750ml bottle; MSRP $99.99.
Appearance: Russet/muscat.
Nose: The nose offers subtle aromas of wood polish, lemon zest, green pepper, old wood floorboards, black tea bags, and cinnamon.
Palate: The palate is slightly medicinal, with notes of spice, grass, burnt orange, walnut, and dry toast. The finish offers hints of leather and cherry cola.
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