Is there a Yellowstone bourbon?

Answered by James Porterfield

There is indeed a called Yellowstone. It is a brand that has been producing bourbon for over a century, and it has gained a reputation for creating high-quality and unique expressions. The brand's history dates back to 1872 when a man named J.B. Dant started distilling bourbon in Kentucky. Dant's distillery was located near the Yellowstone River, hence the name “Yellowstone” was chosen for the brand.

Over the years, Yellowstone Bourbon has gone through various changes in ownership and production methods, but it has always remained committed to crafting exceptional bourbons. Currently, the brand is owned by Limestone Branch Distillery, which is a family-owned and operated distillery based in Lebanon, Kentucky. Limestone Branch Distillery was founded by brothers Steve and Paul Beam, who come from a long line of distillers, including the famous Jim Beam family.

Yellowstone Bourbon is known for its small-batch, handcrafted approach to bourbon production. The brand takes pride in using traditional methods and carefully selected ingredients to create their whiskies. They source their corn, , and malted barley from local farmers, ensuring that only the finest grains are used in their bourbon.

One of the standout offerings from Yellowstone is their annual Limited Edition release. Each year, they release a small batch of specially crafted bourbons that showcase their creativity and expertise. These Limited Edition bottlings often feature unique blends and innovative aging techniques, making them highly sought after by bourbon enthusiasts.

In the past, the Yellowstone Limited Edition bottlings have included as many as three bourbons used in a blend. This blending process allows the distillers to create a harmonious and complex flavor profile by combining different bourbon mash bills and aging techniques. Additionally, the brand has experimented with aging their bourbon in various types of casks.

For example, some Yellowstone Limited Edition releases have been aged in casks, which imparts subtle fruity and tannic notes to the bourbon. Others have been aged in re-charred wine casks, which adds layers of caramelized sugars and oak spice to the . There have even been releases where the bourbon was aged in wine casks that were charred three different times, resulting in a truly unique flavor profile.

As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting several expressions from the Yellowstone brand. I have found their bourbons to be well-crafted, with a balance of sweet and savory flavors. The Limited Edition releases, in particular, have showcased the distillery's commitment to pushing the boundaries of bourbon production while maintaining a respect for tradition.

Yes, there is indeed a Yellowstone bourbon. It is a brand that has a rich history and a dedication to producing exceptional small-batch bourbons. Their Limited Edition releases, in particular, offer bourbon enthusiasts the opportunity to explore innovative blends and aging techniques. If you're a fan of bourbon and looking to try something new and exciting, I highly recommend giving Yellowstone a try.