Name: Yellowstone Select Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 46.5%

Proof: 93

Nose: Tobacco, Oak, Cherries, Oranges

Palate: Tart cherries, cedar, rye, juniper, brown sugar

Finish: Sweet, spicy, and moderate in length.

Overall: I was a big fan of the Yellowstone Bourbon released late last year and was anxious to get my hands on the select. I was able to get a bottle in early December and have had my fair share of time to spend with it since then. On the nose there are some nice light aromas playing together. It begins with a robust tobacco scent reminiscent of a fine pipe tobacco with a trace of oak, cherries, and citrus, mostly oranges. At first sip I was greeted with a tart cherry flavor with noticeable rye and sweet brown sugar flavors. There was a light cedar taste that was quickly overpowered by a juniper flavor which reminded me of a good gin. The finish is sweet and spicy, a combination of the brown sugar and rye flavors which slowly fade away. This is definitely a complex whiskey. It quickly lived up to my expectations and I was impressed with the quality and flavors. Since I had some time to experiment with the bottle I tried it several different ways including neat, on the rocks, with a splash, and in a cocktail. I also allowed the whiskey to sit a bit and open up. In my opinion this whiskey is best enjoyed neat. It is nearly perfect right out of the bottle but I prefer to let it sit for a few minutes before having the first sip. If you enjoyed the first Yellowstone release you will want to get your hands on this bottle as it is just a delicious whiskey. For around $50 for a bottle it can fit in with most budgets and is priced right in my opinion. The flavors of the whiskey although unique, definitely mix well together. If you pick a bottle up, let us know your thoughts and how you enjoyed it.

History: Bottled at 93 proof and available in a 750ml bottle with a commemorative tube, Yellowstone Select is crafted using hand-selected barrels of 4-year and 7-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

 “Yellowstone Select uses some of the finest hand-selected barrels available to create a well-rounded bourbon –  a spicy rye taste at first rounding out with caramel notes and a rich, brown sugar finish that highlights Kentucky tradition,” says Steve Beam, president and distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery. “In 2010, my family and I founded Limestone Branch Distillery with the intention of crafting only the finest whiskey and the dream of restoring the Yellowstone brand to its former glory. In the spring of 2015, that dream came true, and to celebrate this family reunion of sorts, we bring you Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.”