Yellowstone 2021 Limited Edition
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in Amarone Casks
50.5% ABV
$100
Website
We would like to thank Limestone Branch and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.
What the Producer Says
Limestone Branch Distillery is releasing 2021 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Featuring the most mature and flavorful 7-year-old and 15-year-old bourbons hand-selected by Limestone Branch Master Distiller Stephen Beam – including select 7-year-old barrels finished in Amarone casks – the latest expression of Yellowstone Limited Edition will be available at retail starting in July 2021 at a suggested retail price of $99.99 per bottle.
Each year since 2015, Beam has produced a unique, limited-edition bourbon under the Yellowstone brand, which was established in 1872 by Beam’s great-great-grandfather and early bourbon pioneer, J.W. Dant. For this year’s Yellowstone Limited Edition, Beam selected Amarone casks to finish select barrels of 7-year-old-bourbon to complement the tasting notes of the extra-aged bourbons that make up this year’s Limited Edition.
“Amarone is a rich, red wine that – much like bourbon – takes time and patience to craft and requires at least two years in oak casks to age. Finishing select barrels in these Amarone casks brings notes of fresh cracked pepper and tobacco, as well as hints of black cherry, fig and dark chocolate to the classic bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla and hints of citrus,” explained Beam. “With a finish of oxidized fruit, cherry and black currant, this bourbon is reminiscent of pre-Prohibition whiskeys.”
2021 Limited Edition will be bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV) and sold in custom-designed bottles featuring embossing, a high-end natural cork and a label featuring the 2021 Yellowstone Limited Edition emblem. Beginning in July, 7,500 cases (3 bottles per case) will be available at retail locations nationwide – a 50% increase in production over 2020.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramel and vanilla complimented by dried fruit and chocolate
Palate: Vanilla and caramel with hints of citrus followed by black cherry, dark chocolate, and fig
Finish: Reminiscent of pre-prohibition bourbons, with a sweet cherry and black currant finish
What Gary Says
Nose: Rich salted caramel, honey, vanilla, oak tannins, rickhouse mustiness, hints of red wine and dried fruit with dark chocolate.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, subtle orange bitters with black cherry, cinnamon, black pepper and nutmeg.
Finish: Moderate in length, wet with vanilla and cherry cola.
Comments: I really appreciate the restraint and balance that the folks at Limestone Branch employ with these Yellowstone Limited Editions that are cask finished. It has been consistently well done in my opinion, in that the finishing is subtle – adding without distracting from the core bourbon. In fact, had I not known this was finished, not sure that would have jumped out – as the bourbon is the star. A bit of water brings out more cherry notes while tamping the spice edginess, although it drinks nicely neat.