Yellowstone American Single Malt

It has been quite some time since any bottle was picked off the shelf as quickly as I did this one. Limestone Branch is definitely one of the most special distilleries in my heart and mind, and a single malt whiskey really shows creativity and a desire to showcase their unique profile through a different perspective. I especially love that this particular liquor store placed this next to the standard Yellowstone bourbon, which really made the beautiful teal color scheme pop. Once I got this home and isolated it on the "tasting queue" section of my shelves, it became apparent that this is certainly one of the most beautiful labels on the market, especially on such a simple bottle style. It hurt to take the teal cork paper off, but I prefer it all the way off rather than just hanging around, so oh well. Anyway, it's very intriguing that this distillery's first single malt whiskey is presented at the highest proof amongst any of their flagship products, but also at the least amount of aging (to my knowledge). In fact, this very well may be the youngest single malt whiskey I've ever had, American or otherwise; perhaps single malt whiskies can thrive at a young age after all. I am going into this with very little background experience or research, but am still just as excited to try it as I was to buy it. A very light golden-orange color that has hints of darker hues from the barrel in the center, but is still overall very light and bare. The nose is very layered, with raw barley and honey up front, cereal and cinnamon through the middle, & cacao and grass through the finish. All of this is approachable on the nose given the higher proof, and reminds me more of what I would smell from a rye rather than a single malt whiskey. My first sip is confusing, as the body initially tastes very light, but the proof starts to work fairly quickly by spicing up the palate. The barley is easily tasted up front, but is so raw and aggressive that the flavor is reminding me more of a white dog combined with just a touch of unaged rum rather than any kind of whiskey. The proof ensures that this raw flavor continues for quite some time, and doesn't allow many other notes through. I can tell there's a slight fruitiness and an even smaller tropical note that I get a whisper of at the very beginning, but isn't allowed to shine through over the younger aged grain. The finish is hot, and penetrates the gums somewhat, but burns the roof of my mouth more than anything else. No contest: this is a unique whiskey not only for Limestone Branch, but in the American whiskey market as a whole. However, it's far too young, and has been presented in the inverse of what it should be; a higher age and lower proof is what should have occurred. This is a little too "unique" to be used for most cocktails, and I am thinking it will be on my shelves for quite some time since it's also equally difficult to drink neat. I wouldn't buy this again, especially at this price point for their youngest product, but I would be interested in any single barrel variations that may come out, especially/mostly if they are aged longer than the base product.

This is my first go at a Yellowstone/Limestone Branch Distillery product. Ordinally, I’d have chosen one of their mainstays as my starting point, which would’ve been their small batch or single barrel bourbon. However, I was gifted this bottle, so this is where I begin my journey with the distillery—and it’s welcome because I have reviewed so precious few American Single Malts. Let’s check it out. Nose: Heavy on the nutty notes. Almond, walnut, and macadamia. Brown sugar. Heavy malt. Faint apple. Some apricot. An interesting smell I’d associate with a medium-well burger on the grill. Some youngish, greenish notes. Cereal grain. Unripe banana. Banana walnut muffin. Sawdust signals youth. Clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. It’s hot, it’s spicy, and a little on the youthful side. Palate: More of the almond, walnut, and macadamia. Caramel and brown sugar. Vanilla and toffee. Plenty of malt. A touch of grape, date, and fig. Dried cranberry. Just a bit of peppermint or spearmint. By Clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Finish: Powerful fig note. Almond, walnut, and macadamia. Vanilla and toffee. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, oak. Long finish, as you’d expect at 108 proof. Better than the reviews indicated. Admittedly, I did not enjoy the first pour I had from this bottle. But it’s grown on me, and I think this benefits greatly from oxidation at its ABV. It definitely drinks young times and doesn’t exemplify depth in a whiskey. But it is well-put together with its nutty profile and powerful finish—which is really what makes this one. $50 is relatively cheap for a high ABV whiskey these days. 3.75/5.

Nose: Young barley funk and dry grass are immediate. Behind that are some great savory herbs and frozen peaches. A touch of cinnamon and caramel round everything out. Palate: Sweet toasty cereal with a nice peppery bite. Not much else going on. Finish: long warmth with the same cereal grain from the palate. Adding a dash of water tones down the funk on the nose and brings out more of the sweetness. Same on palate. I definitely prefer it this way. Summary: Enjoyable for a young malt. Another 2 or more years in the barrel and I'm sure it'll be great.

Nose: Heavy Carmel and Vanilla. Underneath that layer there is a grassy nose that reminds me of the taste of wood sorrel. Green apple skins. Palate: I want to describe this palate as Single Malt cake with Bourbon icing. I was not disappointed. Reminds me of cereal in vanilla milk too. Rich mouthfeel Finish: Assisted by the proof but not too bitey. Its a medium finish. With the price point I would buy this whiskey again. This was fighting the cigar to see who could be more dramatic.

An intense, American Single Malt Whiskey by Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky crafted with 100% barley malt that is aged in new charred American oak barrels for 4 years & bottled at 108 proof. It has an aromatic birth with notes of grain, wood, fruits, flowers, nuts, herbs & spices; while a rich & spicy life adds notes of honey, pear, peach, dates, peach blossom; that led to a long & bold death with notes of oak, cinnamon & English walnuts. January 2024

Limestone Branch brand, but the label tells me it was distilled and aged in Indiana. Nose is grassy, with some ill-defined spice. Palate begins with grass, but quickly turns to pepper with lots of heat. Finish is consistent with the taste; pepper and heat that slowly fades leaving heat at the back of the pallette. I agree with others that this is too high an ABV and too young.