Yellowstone 6 Year Small Batch Bourbon 107 Proof

Even though it remains my preferred distillery, Limestone Branch has recently engaged in some questionable actions that place them on a watchful list, so here's to hoping this new permanent offering isn't another one. This is the first bottle of any Limestone Branch product I've purchased that isn't signed by the master distiller. I really wanted to make the trip and try to get one, but I couldn't justify the 6.5+ hour drive this time, which is noteworthy, considering I wouldn't have hesitated before. I can't find much information about this new product, but I assume it's simply the standard Yellowstone, with the only changes being an increase in age from 4 years to 6, and the proof rising from 93 to 107. With very minor adjustments, I'm at least pleased to see this at a reasonable price, and a lovely label color scheme, as is consistently the case. The color is a mix of fairly light maple syrup with a burnished sherry. The nose is incredibly potent regarding ethanol, almost excessively so, but still allows for notes of mixed berries (predominantly cherries), lemon, cinnamon candies (that characteristic cracked rye scent), with less prominent notes of toffee, shortbread, and butterscotch. The initial taste is quite fruity, with a general artificial blend of berries and citrus, similar to Fruity Pebbles. The burn hits hard here, with the cinnamon and rye notes present alongside it, but the aggressive ethanol is very unrefined. The finish features notes of toasted oak rather than a sweeter, heavier oak I'd anticipate from an older spirit, with the fruitiness still present, and only beginning to fade slightly. Subsequent sips make it increasingly difficult to detect any additional or hidden flavors, as the coating and overall mouth burn seem to intensify after each drink. The initial flavor of this is genuinely quite good, but I cannot overlook how aggressive and off-putting the proof is here. I've encountered spirits exceeding 135 proof that were far more approachable than this, so I refuse to believe it's solely a proof adjustment issue. Naturally, I could likely add water or ice and effectively resolve this problem, but the distillery put their name on what's in the bottle and nothing more, and for that, I will unfortunately be looking towards other Yellowstone products in the future.

Prepare yourself, the initial sip will grab your attention! Consumed neat... There's some heat right at the start, but it smooths out nicely. The second and third sips are much gentler. A pleasant full flavor is definitely present, as one would expect from Yellowstone whiskey. I added three drops of water, which really brought out the aroma of caramel and perhaps a hint of nuttiness. The flavor developed a bit more smokiness and became certainly smoother. Now, about five sips in, I must say I could enjoy this drink all day!

It's 107 proof, with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. Notes include charred oak, cinnamon, corn, marshmallow vanilla, pepper, apples, brown sugar, and honey, with hints of smoked peaches.

Cherry and vanilla with a sweet finish. A gentle warmth.