Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon (2022 Release)

To complete my last purchased bottle from this distillery, I held onto the most intriguing one for last. Given the scarcity of details and the apparent confusion among many sources, I anticipate extreme results from this product; it will either astound me as the finest Limestone Branch whiskey or be clearly identified as a profit-driven disappointment. The concept of a historically revived yeast strain from earlier family generations is fascinating, but its impact on the consumer isn't as apparent as it is to the distillery's family employees. As a six-year bourbon with a proof only slightly higher than the standard Yellowstone bourbon, the expectation is that the flavor will be noticeably superior or at least significantly different, as creating artificial exclusivity and charging a hefty premium for a different yeast strain is an awkward method to generate more revenue. The color is rather light, despite a familiar caramel tone, which is surprising for a whiskey of moderate proof and a considerable aging period. The aroma barely fills the room, consisting mostly of ethanol and a hint of oak. Up close, the oak is prominent, with strong notes resembling a toasted barrel, including citrus, tropical fruit, and specifically banana. There isn't much else, apart from a well-balanced ethanol that enhances the oak notes, this time dry and almost 'green.' The body possesses a pleasant spice and a balanced ethanol burn, with initial flavors reflecting that same 'toasted barrel' profile, featuring notes of light, oily citrus, accompanied by a subtle floral touch. Some chocolate emerges, highlighting orange oil as a specific citrus flavor, creating a very appealing combination. The rye grain contributes a touch of cinnamon, but with a more herbaceous character than the original Yellowstone Select, reinforcing a profile similar to certain popular toasted or French oak bourbons on the market, yet noticeably younger with a focus on raw corn in the finish. In my opinion, this is quite enjoyable and showcases a subtler spectrum of the Yellowstone bourbon line, distinct from their other current offerings. Curiously, the actual toasted oak finished Yellowstone was the most recent one I tried, but it falls short compared to the desired flavors found in this bottle. Then again, there were no real expectations for this product, as it seems unlikely anyone alive experienced such an old yeast strain or the whiskeys it was used in. Still, it's engaging to present and sample similar whiskeys with different yeast strains, as I've encountered many whiskeys where all other components are ideal for my preferences, but the yeast is the sole disqualifying factor, demonstrating its crucial role. I would certainly be pleased to purchase this again, but I would only consider spending this amount of money on a single barrel selection, and I'd want the batched version (this one) to be priced at nearly half the cost, especially if it's intended as a semi-permanent, annual release. Moreover, I believe the distillery missed a prime opportunity to market this whiskey as a completely new product, given its history and the significant alterations made solely for the yeast strain. With the distillery named Limestone Branch, yet all products lacking such a designation or resemblance, and the Yellowstone line already having an excessive number of variations, this could have launched a higher tier of whiskey products or at least a separate line alongside the existing Minor Case. Speaking of which, knowing that Minor Case is the distillery's sole permanent rye whiskey, it suggests that while excellent new whiskeys CAN be produced by this distillery, something like this Family Recipe might be better suited as a limited edition, occasionally available only at the distillery.

NOSE Earthy, sugary corn, wood, toffee, almond paste, lemon rind, garden herbs, hide, hint of spice and black licorice. Sugary, grounded, slightly spiced, and rich with wood and fruit. An intricate and captivating scent. PALATE Earthy, sugary corn, wood, toffee, cinnamon, spice, nutty candy, sweet chewy candy and some citrus zest and hide. Intricate and profound, a gorgeous presentation of harmonious flavors. FINISH Extended -> Wood, earthy, sugary corn, and citrus zest.

This is the worst whisky I have ever purchased. The aroma is earthy, reminiscent of my grandmother's damp cellar in the spring when old vegetables were being discarded. To call it a disappointment would be an understatement.

Unusual. Not in a negative way, but different. Not your standard bourbon. Worth buying if you can find it. An old recipe from 150 years ago. What bourbon was like back then.

Mild oak flavor without any harshness. Very smooth. Almost too subdued.

Attended Kenny Coleman night at Drake’s. Had a peculiar, locker-room-like taste.