For Day Fourteen, I’m revisiting Yellowstone, this time with one of their new Finished Series—the Rum Cask Finish. The Yellowstone Bourbon brand was created in 1872 by J.B. Dant to honor the opening of Yellowstone National Park. It became widely popular in Kentucky, known for its quality and connection to the natural beauty of the park. However, like many bourbon brands, it went through a period of decline, especially during the mid-20th century when whiskey sales were down.
The brand was resurrected by Stephen Beam, a descendant of J.B. Dant and a member of the storied Beam family. In 2015, he brought the brand back at his Limestone Branch Distillery, in partnership with Luxco. This collaboration helped provide the support and distribution network needed to reintroduce Yellowstone to a wider market, blending tradition with innovation. Stephen’s approach focuses on maintaining the brand’s rich history while exploring new ways to enhance their bourbon. This philosophy is evident in the new Finished Series, which allows for experimentation with different cask finishes to add unique layers to their bourbon’s flavor profile.
The Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish is the second release in this series, taking their classic bourbon and aging it in Caribbean rum casks. This finishing process allows the whiskey to absorb additional flavors from the rum-soaked wood, bringing out tropical notes that complement the traditional caramel and vanilla flavors found in Yellowstone’s whiskey.
On the nose, you’ll find a mix of molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of tropical fruit—think bananas and a touch of pineapple. The palate is where the rum influence really shines through, with flavors of toffee, honey, and a subtle spiciness. There’s a rich, almost buttery quality to this bourbon, with the rum cask adding depth and complexity without overpowering the whiskey itself. The finish is long and warming, with those tropical fruit notes lingering alongside hints of oak and spice.
Rum finishes have been gaining popularity lately, adding an extra layer of complexity and sweetness to bourbon. It’s been interesting to see how different distilleries bring their own approach to this finish, each one adding its own twist to the bourbon. Whether it’s adding tropical fruit notes, molasses richness, or just a hint of extra spice, these finishes offer a fascinating look at how a change in the finishing process can influence the final product.
Yellowstone continues to impress with its innovation, and the Rum Cask Finish is a testament to their willingness to push boundaries while staying true to their heritage. If you’ve been exploring rum-finished bourbons like I have, this one should definitely be on your list. It’s a reminder that even a brand steeped in tradition can still find new ways to delight and surprise.
Distiller: Limestone Branch Distillery
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Age: No Age Statement (Kentucky Straight Bourbon)
Finish: Caribbean Rum Cask
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Availability: Limited release
