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2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon

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Bourbon Review: 2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon

We review 2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a 7 year old straight bourbon that's been finished in ex-French Armagnac brandy barrels.
  • John Dover, creator of "Johnny Scotch," musician, and author.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
Finished in French Armagnac barrels, this 7-year old bourbon has an ABV of 55%. It prices around $100. About 5,000 cases of it being released nationwide.
Appearance:
The amber color is inviting and when swirled, the whiskey’s legs cling to the walls of the tumbler much like a fine wine.
Nose:
Notes of pear, brown sugar, and clove set up the nose followed by a hint of Red Hots candy and vanilla on the end.
Palate:
Unsalted butter was an interesting first note that hit me, defining both a flavor and the smooth buttery mouthfeel. The bourbon’s heat is a slow build that elevates its flavors. Cinnamon candy and black pepper are present for a zesty sipping experience. The firm presence of oak ushered in the next round of flavors of canned mandarin slices leaving me with a flavor reminiscent of warm spiced cider.
Finish:
Comments:
When you are going to trade on a well-known name as part of your marketing you best make sure you are either on par or exceeding the expectations that are associated with such an endeavor. Their marketing states they are delivering “top-shelf flavor with humble complexities,” and from my taste, I feel they are on target. The Yellowstone, 2020 limited edition is a fine addition to anyone’s liquor cabinet when looking for a small-batch option that can hold its own in flavor, character, and add to a fine family tradition of whiskey craftsmanship.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Limestone Branch. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The market for American whiskey and bourbon is flooded with heritage labels and fresh takes on the long tradition of small batch distilling. It is easy to get lost in the deluge of labels and names that claim to be rooted in the pioneers of whiskey. When researching my sampling of Yellowstone 2020 Limited Edition, I was intrigued by the name behind the brand.
From some members of the famous Beam whiskey family comes the Limestone Branch Distillery. Brothers Paul and Steve Beam opened the Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011 and take pride in the family name and business when developing their small batch spirits. Yellowstone 2020 Limited Edition may not tick all the boxes for everyone, but it sure will satisfy that thirst for a traditional bourbon with plenty of character to spare via an interesting cask finish.

For this release Limestone took a 7 year old straight bourbon and finished it in ex-French Armagnac brandy barrels. As Steve Beam noted at the time of its release, “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. Armagnac is a rustic, full-bodied spirit that contributes dark fruit notes, complementing the vanilla notes in the bourbon.”

Limestone targets the yearly Limited Edition towards collectors, which is reflected in the price tag of around $100 per 750 ml bottle.

2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon
2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon (image via Limestone Branch Distillery)

Tasting Notes: 2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Vital Stats: Finished in French Armagnac barrels, this 7-year old bourbon has an ABV of 55%. It prices around $100. About 5,000 cases of it being released nationwide.

Appearance: The amber color is inviting and when swirled, the whiskey’s legs cling to the walls of the tumbler much like a fine wine.

Nose: Notes of pear, brown sugar, and clove set up the nose followed by a hint of Red Hots candy and vanilla on the end.

Palate: Unsalted butter was an interesting first note that hit me, defining both a flavor and the smooth buttery mouthfeel. The bourbon’s heat is a slow build that elevates its flavors. Cinnamon candy and black pepper are present for a zesty sipping experience. The firm presence of oak ushered in the next round of flavors of canned mandarin slices leaving me with a flavor reminiscent of warm spiced cider.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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