Review of 2024 Yellowstone Bourbon Limited Edition

 

If it is almost September, it is time for many limited-edition American whiskeys to hit the market just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month. Well, the year has been flying by at warp speed, and somehow it is almost September.

 

Limestone Branch Distillery is tucked away in Lebanon, Kentucky. Founded in 2011 by Stephen Beam, his goal was to craft “the finest spirits” in small batches. If Stephen’s last name is familiar, that’s because he’s one of those Beams. He’s a seventh-generation distiller, and his family tree branches to both the Beam and Dant families.

 

In 2015, Limestone Branch released its first Yellowstone Limited Edition Bourbon. It was a blend of 7-year wheat, 7-year rye, and 12-year rye mashes. Subsequent years changed the Bourbon components, added in Limestone Branch’s own distillate, and utilized wine casks, double-seasoned casks, Armagnac casks, Amarone casks, and Marsala superiore casks. I’ve reviewed each of these since the 2017 release and have, for the most part, been impressed.

 

The 2024 edition will hit the market in a few weeks, and it is the first time Limestone Branch has produced a Bourbon with a double-brandy finish. One utilizes non-specific French brandy casks; the second is Cognac. The Bourbon itself is a blend of 7-year and 17-year whiskeys.

 

“The 2024 expression of Yellowstone Limited Edition represents my natural progression of experimenting with special finishes over the years. Now, finished Bourbon have become sought after by fans who want to push the flavor profile. I love experimenting and exploring new opportunities, and using a double finish with brandy and Cognac casks created a more complex  and nuanced Bourbon, opening a whole new experience for consumers to enjoy.” – Stephen Beam

 

There are currently 10,000 3-in-1 cases offered across the country beginning this month. A 750ml package is bottled at 50.5% ABV (101°); you can expect to pay about $99.99 when you find it.

 

Before I get to #DrinkCurious, I must thank Limestone Branch for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review. Let’s do this!

 

Appearance: I poured this whiskey into my Glencairn glass to sip neat. Inside, the liquid had a bright, orange-amber color. It produced a thick rim with a heavy curtain of tears.

 

Nose: This Bourbon was fragrant from the second I poured it into my glass. I smelled leather, orange peel, baked apples and pears, brown sugar, caramel, and red berries. Drawing that aroma through my lips, I found more baked apples. It was dessert-like.

 

Palate: The mouthfeel was dense yet silky. It rolled across my tongue. The front of my palate encountered apricots, lime zest, and vanilla. It was a different, but not unhappy combination. The middle offered caramel-coated apples and Bit O’Honey candy. I tasted dry oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg on the back of my palate.

 

Finish: The finish left me wanting. It clocked in at only 55 seconds. I took several sips to see if I could extend it past a minute and failed repeatedly. What remained included apples, pears, apricots, nutmeg, and Bit O’Honey candy.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: My only complaint about the 2024 Yellowstone Limited Edition is its finish. It was way too short. I was enjoying the flavors left in my mouth and throat and it would fall off too quickly. Aside from that, this was a softer pour than expected from a 101° Bourbon, yet it also had some typical brandy warmth to it. It is a complex, layered Bourbon that provides plenty of bang for the buck, and I believe it earns my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.