Limestone Branch, a Kentucky whiskey distillery opened back in 2011, has debuted a new bourbon paying homage to the distilling traditions of founder Stephen Beam’s Beam and Dant family bourbon heritages. Known as Yellowstone Family Recipe, it is crafted from the recipe that Beam has been distilling since 2015 and is now ready to share with the world.
Yellowstone Family Recipe, according to those behind it, is a craft-distilled bourbon that is said to have been inspired by a recipe found in notes from Beam’s grandfather, Guy Beam, and containing cloned yeast using DNA from a yeast jug belonging to Beam’s great-grandfather, Minor Case Beam. It reflects the original Yellowstone Bourbon mash bill and carries its original namesake’s six-year age statement.
“Even before opening the doors at Limestone Branch Distillery, I dreamed about producing a bourbon that was faithful to old family recipes and maintained my family’s heritage and tradition of distilling,” said Beam in a prepared statement. “Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon is the culmination of decades of dreaming and more than 10 years of effort at the distillery. I believe bourbon lovers will enjoy drinking Yellowstone Family Recipe as much as I enjoyed recreating it!”
Plans call for Family Recipe to be offered annually. This year’s release will appear at retail in three allocations throughout 2022 – April, August and fourth quarter – with a limited total production of 6,000 cases. Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), it will have a suggested retail price of $69.99.
For the initial launch this month, what’s been dubbed as “a pre-launch” will take place at retail locations in Montana and Wyoming – with availability at Lebanon, Kentucky’s Limestone Branch Distillery and retail locations in the state of Kentucky following shortly thereafter – to honor the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park.
Family Recipe joins the Yellowstone brand family, which includes Yellowstone Select and Yellowstone Limited Edition bourbons. Official tasting notes make mention of “a nose of toasted caramel, candied nuts, tobacco and oak; a bold Kentucky straight bourbon flavor that includes citrus, toasted oak and hints of marzipan and spice; and a medium, nutty finish.”