Yellowstone 2020 Limited Edition
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in Armagnac Casks
50.5% ABV
$100
Website
We would like to thank Limestone Branch and Common Ground PR for sending us samples to review.
What the Producer Says
The 2020 edition of Yellowstone® Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be on shelves in September, just in time for National Bourbon Heritage Month. This year’s edition features a seven-year-old straight bourbon finished in French Armagnac barrels. The new release brings a soft leather aroma with hints of honeydew melon, vanilla notes on the palate with hints of burnt orange and dried plum. The finish is toasted coconut with lingering oak making for a well-rounded, deeply satisfying bourbon.
“When I began working on this limited edition, I knew I wanted to finish our bourbon in a cask and I was looking for one that would add complexity and a dimension that expands the flavor profile,” says Steve Beam, master distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery. “Armagnac is a rustic, full-bodied spirit that contributes dark fruit notes, complementing the vanilla notes in the bourbon. Just like a chef adds spices to enhance flavors, I believe cask-finishing should be similar, where it simply enhances the natural flavors in the bourbon.”
Beam also notes that the French brandy, which uses several different grape varietals each with their own flavors and characteristics, creates a rich flavor and packs a bit more punch than cognacs.
The 2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition also boasts a stunning new bottle, which feels timeless and vintage, similar to Yellowstone Bourbon, which has been around since 1872. The new premium bottle, designed by David Cole, also highlights the year more prominently for collectors.
Approximately 5,000 cases of this bourbon are being produced at Limestone Branch Distillery, bottled at 101 proof in 750ml bottles. The suggested retail price is $99.99.
What Gary Says
Nose: Caramel, leather, oak, fudge, subtle notes of cinnamon baked apples, floral with a hint of brandy.
Palate: Vanilla, honey, orange zest, slight pepper bite, nutmeg and apricot.
Finish: Moderately long with oak, cinnamon and vanilla fudge trailing.
Comments: The Armagnac finish is subtle on the nose, a bit more pronounced on the palate, but balanced nicely throughout. It definitely adds a nice fruity layer of complexity. The packaging change is also a nice touch for this limited edition. A bit of water tamps the edge on the palate and brings out the fruit notes more. I’ve had the privilege to try samples for the past three Yellowstone Limited Editions, and this might be my favorite (don’t have any left to compare against – I also really liked the 2018). The more of these finishes that are done well (which in my opinion means they’re not too aggressive, and don’t overwhelm the base bourbon), the more I like what they bring to the bourbon party.
This is definitely worth $100, not $200 and up as I have seen online.