Saddle up, partners, and pull back the reins as we journey to 1872, an era where legends were born under vast, open skies, and the air was thick with the grit of ambition and adventure. Enter J.B. Dant, a Kentucky distiller whose vision ran as deep as the roots of the mighty oaks shading the rolling hills of Gethsemane. With a heart as bold as the bourbon he bottled, Dant captured the spirit of the American West—a liquid rebellion, unbridled and timeless, ready to be tamed by only the bravest palates.
A Bourbon That Braved the Storm
Yellowstone Bourbon didn't just tip its hat to the good times; it stared down the bad ones with a swagger as steady as a gunslinger’s hand. When Prohibition darkened the saloons and stilled the barrels, many a bourbon blinked, folding faster than a card shark’s hand. But not Yellowstone. It danced through the storm, navigating the shadows with a defiant grin, determined to keep the good stuff flowing for those who refused to let a little thing like the law stand between them and a smooth pour. It wasn’t just survival—it was a daring act of resilience, a whiskey that had earned its badge and would wear it for generations to come.
By the swinging sixties, Yellowstone Bourbon was no longer just the spirit of Kentucky; it had earned a reputation that stretched from the honky-tonk bars to the finest lounges. Dubbed the “Greatest American Whiskey,” it was toasted by connoisseurs who understood that a real bourbon is as rich in character as it is in flavor. Yellowstone was as smooth as a well-played poker hand, as nuanced as the changing light over Monument Valley. This wasn’t a whiskey for the faint of heart—it was a companion for those who knew how to savor the fine art of a well-crafted bourbon, one sip at a time.
Fast forward to 2015, and the reins were handed over to the Beam family—Kentucky whiskey royalty, with a lineage as deep as a mine shaft and twice as storied. Under the watchful eye of Master Distiller Stephen Beam, Yellowstone Bourbon embarked on a new adventure at Limestone Branch Distillery, where it would emerge, refined yet rugged, in a modern-day masterpiece: Yellowstone Select. A bourbon born of tradition but refined with a fresh twist, this was a spirit that honored its past while daring to imagine its future.
Yellowstone Select is no ordinary bourbon; it’s a carefully composed symphony for the senses, a harmonious blend of 4- and 7-year-old bourbons. Meticulously bottled in a design worthy of the finest saloon shelf, it is a love letter to the American frontier.
As the bottle opens, notes of spearmint, dried grass, and a subtle rye spice whisper out, like a prairie breeze carrying the scent of wild adventure. Caramel, smoke, and a hint of cherry round out the bouquet, an invitation to taste the story that has been aged to perfection.
From the first sip, Yellowstone Select is a journey through the wild frontier. Sweet caramel rides in on the tongue, balanced with a burst of baking spice, as warm and inviting as the crackling fire of a cowboy camp. A second taste reveals a hint of citrus, subtle peanut undertones, and the earthiness of dried grains, all embraced by the sturdy presence of oak—a steady companion, grounding each sip like a saddle snug against leather. The mouthfeel is creamy, a luxurious texture that wraps around your senses, as comforting as the worn reins of a beloved horse.
But it’s the finish that truly tells the tale. Like the last rays of a desert sunset that linger on the horizon, Yellowstone Select leaves an impression of savory umami, molasses sweetness, and a delicate dusting of baking spice. The oak whispers quietly, a soft reminder of its time spent aging in the barrel, leaving you with a taste that begs for one more sip, one more moment.
The Verdict: A Bourbon That Stands the Test of Time
Yellowstone Select isn’t a bourbon that shouts. It doesn’t need to. With a balance of sweetness and spice, this is a spirit that invites you to slow down, lean back, and savor every drop. It’s the perfect companion for quiet fireside evenings, contemplative conversations, or simply for a moment of stillness. Pour a glass of Yellowstone Select, close your eyes, and let your taste buds drift back to the wild, untamed West. But beware—one taste, and you might find yourself booking a one-way ticket to Kentucky, with dreams of tracking down more of this rare liquid gold.
Here’s to Yellowstone—a bourbon that defies time, captures the spirit of a frontier, and gives you a taste of history with every pour.
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Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Yellowstone.