Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Amarone Casks (2021 Limited Edition)

Last year's expression was pleasant, but I question if it justified the cost. The 2021's ages and finishing process were more compelling, so I risked it. I can honestly say that if this falls short, it will likely be the last annual release I purchase from them. The aroma presents a favorable beginning. Delightful hints of brown sugar are intertwined with red berries. Here's to the taste being as pleasing... The initial taste is, in a word, intriguing. Light caramel and honey notes emerge on the front, followed by what I perceive as a dried apricot finish. While some wine finishes impart a raisin-like flavor, this is certainly not that, but the dried fruit is undeniably prominent, and apricot is my impression. A touch of alcohol warmth also joins in on the back end, though it's neither particularly harsh nor noteworthy. I can say I enjoy this. It's unconventional, and purists should look elsewhere. I'll need to revisit this against the 2020 bottle, as I believe this one offers more complexity. However, similar to the 2020 offering, I would be more satisfied paying around $70 for this. If you appreciate unique finishes and their effect on whiskey, this is a nice deviation. If your budget is limited, this probably isn't worth the indulgence.

On the nose: cherry and raspberry compote, cinnamon, allspice, honey-roasted peanuts, and caramel. After a few minutes, the fruit shifted to a grape jelly profile instead of the cooked fruit notes initially detected. A trace of ethanol remains but does not detract. Taste: Abundant bright red fruit from the start, with tannic red grape, raspberry, and tart cherry. However, it never becomes excessively tannic or tart, as caramel, molasses, vanilla, and allspice maintain a high level of sweetness. It's not heavy, but I appreciate the mouthfeel and finish. It has a minty character, reminiscent of both honey and chocolate Teddy Grahams. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Overall: I really liked this. The finish worked well for me, similar to the 7 and 15 year blend. Amarone wine typically features more dried fruit characteristics than the jelly-like notes perceived here. This is a beautiful blend from Yellowstone and the Beams. The price is a drawback, but I don't regret buying it. I would not purchase another bottle, though.

Aroma: Fruit-forward scent, with vanilla and subtle oak leading to caramel and cocoa. Flavors: Cocoa and dried fruit dominate initially, followed by oak, rich caramel, and vanilla. Sweetness: 6.5/10 - A very dessert-like bourbon. Dryness: 3/10 - This has a velvety, decadent mouthfeel, coats the palate well, and is very smooth. Burn: 6.5/10 - It delivers more warmth than its proof suggests, providing a pleasant chest heat. Rating: 7.75/10 - For me, this is an excellent lower-proof bourbon that I genuinely appreciate for its uniqueness. With the 7-year bourbon aged in Amarone casks, it develops a unique depth of flavor. Fruity qualities complement the sweet caramel and vanilla notes, with a hint of cocoa and oak. It's a robust bourbon with noticeable heat for its proof, and overall, it's a delightful sip! Happy I secured an extra bottle!

Nose: smells great. Quite fruity and like a classic bourbon. Also loads of honey. Palate: peculiar. A very strange, funky taste. Not the typical flavor of a finished bourbon. Reminds me of sour grapes. Still, it's very rich, as finished bourbons usually are. Finish: rather short, leaving only spice. Truly quite short. Underwhelmed. Overall: I'm uncertain if I can overlook that funk. I've never encountered this flavor in a bourbon before. The finish is short too. Certainly not worth the cost. This will likely be my only Yellowstone purchase.

Aroma: toffee, Carmel, vanilla Taste: light brown sugar, or maple sugar End: peppery spice. Silky wine fruit end Amazing pour. At 129 dollars it ought to be this good. I highly recommend it. If you looking for a similar dram try rabbithole “derringer” it has a lesser nose than this yellowstone but is very close in all other area. And surpasses in flavor profile IMO. It’s better still at 85 dollars than 129 dollars. Had I the choice I’d go with the RH

The 2021 is a very good effort from Yellowstone. Amarone is noticeable on the nose with some lemon, apricot, and tea notes as well. It's light on the palate with a clean finish that is a blend of sweet vanilla and citrus mint, but still has a nice spice.