For day three of the 30 Days of Bourbon, it’s fitting to highlight Yellowstone Bourbon, especially since September 3rd is in my calendar as National Yellowstone Bourbon Day. I’ll be honest—I’m not sure why I marked this date, but it’s as good a day as any to celebrate one of my favorite bourbons!
The connection between Yellowstone Bourbon and the national parks goes beyond the name—it’s a story rooted in the brand’s origins. Back in 1872, when Yellowstone National Park was established as America’s first national park, J.B. Dant, the brand’s founder, named his new bourbon after the park. The inspiration came from a salesman who had just returned from visiting the park and was so moved by its natural beauty that he suggested the name. This decision was a way to capture the grandeur and majesty of Yellowstone in a bottle, and it has defined the brand ever since.
Today, Yellowstone Bourbon continues to honor that connection, not just symbolically, but through active contributions to the preservation of natural beauty. The brand partners with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), donating a portion of their sales to support the conservation of the very landscapes that inspired its creation. This ongoing relationship between the whiskey and the parks makes enjoying a pour of Yellowstone Bourbon feel like a small way of contributing to the preservation of our nation’s natural treasures. The careful craftsmanship of their bourbon mirrors this deep connection to the park’s heritage.
Now, let’s talk about the Yellowstone Toasted Single Barrel Bourbon itself. This distillery-exclusive offering is part of the Toasted Barrel Collection—a series of single barrels, each hand-picked and sampled at the distillery. With each barrel comes its own complexities and one-of-a-kind flavors. This particular bottle is from barrel 12/30, which has been given additional aging in custom-toasted barrels specially selected to enhance the depth and complexity of flavors. The toasted barrels bring out rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and smoky oak, creating a bourbon with a distinct character that’s perfect to savor on National Yellowstone Bourbon Day, even if it isn’t an official holiday. This bottle is one of two from the Toasted Barrel Collection in my personal collection, and it’s a great example of what Stephen Beam and his team are doing with this unique series.
Being a huge fan of Limestone Branch Distillery, I can’t wait to introduce you to more of their creations this month. I hope this post convinces you to explore their offerings if you haven’t already—they’re a distillery worth your attention.
Distillery: Limestone Branch Distillery
Series: Toasted Barrel Collection
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Barrel Number: 12/30
Age: No Age Statement
Availability: Distillery exclusive, limited release
