Yellowstone 2016 Limited Edition Bourbon Finished In Wine Barrels

About a year ago, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery set out on a mission to seriously raise the bar on the once bottom-dwelling Yellowstone Bourbon. At that time, they released the first ever Limited Edition variant, which we found to be pretty tasty, despite the over $100 price tag. Limestone is back now with the Yellowstone 2016 Limited Edition Bourbon, once again with a higher dollar amount, but also this time finished in special barrels.

The Yellowstone 2016 Limited Edition Bourbon, according to Limestone, combines two sourced, rye mashed bourbons – a 12-year-old and a seven-year-old – and finishes them for several months in new toasted wine barrels before bottling at 101 proof.

“We used 28 new wine barrels with varying levels of toast – I was interested in how toasting versus charring would contribute to the bourbon,” said Steve Beam, president and distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery, in a prepared statement. “The 2016 limited edition Yellowstone is all about the subtle nuances that can be achieved through manipulating the barrel. While last year’s edition was more about big, bold flavors achieved through char and age, this year’s is softer with a subtle complexity.”

Information from Limestone indicates only 7,000 bottles signed by Beam will be made available nationwide in commemorative tubes. The price? About $100 each. This is definitely yet another bold move by the folks at this distillery to make this revived bourbon brand compete well above its traditional weight. Official, very limited tasting notes are below.

A taste profile of spiced oak, roasted coffee with creamy notes of vanilla, rich chocolate and fresh berries, and a smoky caramel finish.