Description
About Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been hand-picked by Paul and Steve Beam, and is a marriage of two high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon whiskies, one aged four years and another aged seven years. According to the Beam brothers, the idea was 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.”
What It Is — Key Specs & Background
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand / Distillery | Yellowstone, now produced by Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. |
| ABV / Proof | 46.5 % / 93 proof. |
| Blend / Ages | A blend of bourbons aged 4 years and 7 years. “Select casks chosen” to represent the Yellowstone heritage. |
| Type | Kentucky Straight Bourbon — new charred American oak barrels. |
| Mash Bill | The composition: ~ 75% corn, ~ 13% rye, ~ 12% malted barley. |
| NAS (No Age Statement) | Yes — the total blend is NAS, though the individual component ages are disclosed. |
Tasting Profile — What People Say You’ll Taste / Smell
Here are the commonly reported tasting notes:
| Stage | Notes & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Nose | Rye spice; soft leathered cherries; vanilla; caramel; oak; some sweetness (brown sugar) with touches of smoke/hint of wood. |
| Palate | Smoked caramel; honey; vanilla; a mix of sweet and spice; toasted oak; leathered fruit (cherry, etc.); buttery notes in some descriptions. |
| Finish | Smoky oak & brown sugar; some spice lingering; not overly long but satisfying; hints of burnt caramel or bittersweet oak in some batches. |
Strengths — What It Does Well
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It has good balance: sweetness + oak + spice without any one thing completely dominating. For its proof (93), it gives respectable depth.
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Because it’s a mix of 4‑ and 7‑year bourbons, there’s a decent maturation effect (especially from the 7‑yr portion) while keeping cost somewhat moderate.
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Solid mouthfeel & smoothness with enough character to be interesting for sipping neat or using in premium mixed drinks.
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Has earned recognition (awards) which suggests consistency and acceptance among enthusiasts.
Weaknesses / What Some Critiques Mention
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Finish is sometimes seen as “just okay” — not extremely long or evolving. Some review‑ers feel it fades a bit.
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Parts of the flavour profile can feel youthful (especially from the 4‑yr component) — sharper oak, less deep barrel complexity.
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While there is oak and smoke/wood, it’s not strong in smoke/peat — if you’re into heavy smoke, this isn’t going to satisfy that side.
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Some batches are regarded as more herbal or “grassy” in flavour — which some people like, others find distracting.
Who It’s Good For
This bourbon is likely to appeal if you:
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Prefer bourbons that are not ultra‑old but have good character; you like both sweetness (vanilla, caramel) and a decent dose of spice / oak.
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Want something sippable but not timid; a bourbon that holds up but isn’t “overproof.”
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Enjoy exploring bourbons that show a mix of ages, somewhat traditional but with personality.
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Use bourbon sometimes in cocktails but also want one that tastes good neat.
It might be less ideal if you:
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Are seeking very aged bourbons; deep oak, heavy barrel complexity, or long finishes.
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Like bold peat or smoke — this is lightly smoky at best.
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Want extremely high proof or very intense mouth‑feel.
Reviews
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