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Yellowstone Limited Edition Bourbon 2026 Review

Can two Port casks capture the contrast of light and shadow in a single pour? We taste Yellowstone Limited Edition 2026 to find out if it lives up to the vision.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Yellowstone Bourbon has released Yellowstone Limited Edition 2026, the 11th expression in its annual Limited Edition series. Crafted by master distiller Stephen Beam, the release blends seven- and 14-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons finished separately in Ruby and Tawny Port casks before being married and bottled at 101 proof. This year’s expression draws inspiration from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone National Park, reflecting the contrast between light and shadow that defines the landscape.

Beam finished each bourbon separately to capture the opposing elements. The Ruby Port casks evoke the flare of the canyon’s sunset, while the Tawny Port casks reflect the shadow of the valley floor. “Every Yellowstone bottle is inspired by the park, and this year I kept coming back to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone National Park,” said Stephen Beam, master distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery. “The way the sunlight moves across the canyon transforms what you see from moment to moment. Using Ruby and Tawny Port casks allowed me to capture that contrast and translate it into a bourbon that feels dynamic and complete.”

Vital Stats:
Blend of 7&14year old bourbon finished in Ruby and Tawny port cask.
72% Corn and 18% Rye (Luxrow Mashbill)
Blend – Prior to going into cask. 14Y was picked to bring extra depth, 7Y is the body and main profile. Blend whiskey at around 105 and drop down to 101 when bottling.
Port – 50/50 split. What percent of aged whiskey is proprietary but large amount of 14.
Appearance:
Clear tawny color with long legs which hold the glass. Tremendous cork ‘pop. Tasted neat in a Glencairn.
Nose:
Charred oak, ruby port wine, plums and well aged wood. Some clove mixed with dried orange peel.
Palate:
Oxidized fruit, bitter chocolate, and soft caramels. Velvety mouthfeel. Nicely balanced ruby and tawny ports with softer sugars from red grapes with just a fain nuttiness.
Finish:
Soft and creamy with a drying component across the tongue. Taste of light cinnamon, tawny oxidized wine toward the back end. The flavors start quite robust on the finish before fading softly as it warms your chest.
Comments:
This dram is extremely approachable and easy to drink. I think you could pair this with a mild to medium cigar and be quite happy.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to a virtual tasting with Mr. Stephen Beam. I agree with his tasting notes, “damn good bourbon.” At this price pick it up and share it. You won’t regret it!

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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