For Day Eighteen of the 30 Days of Bourbon, I’m pouring the Yellowstone Special Release 2023 – Tokaji Finish. As you might have gathered by now, I’m a big fan of Yellowstone Bourbon, Limestone Branch Distillery, and Master Distiller Stephen Beam. This is the third Yellowstone product I’m drinking during the 30 Days of Bourbon, and each one has been distinctly different. What ties them together is the hallmark of quality that stems from a blend of honoring tradition and embracing creativity that makes Limestone Branch so exciting.
Yellowstone’s Limited Edition Series is something I look forward to each year, and I make it a point to visit the distillery to grab a bottle (or two) of their special releases. In fact, I’m planning to stop by again next Friday on my way to the Bourbon Country Burn to pick up the 2024 special release. These releases are known for their unique finishes and blends, and the 2023 Tokaji Finish was no exception.
The 2023 Special Release is a blend of 7 and 13-year-old bourbons, finished in Tokaji casks. Tokaji, a sweet wine from Hungary, is known for its rich, honeyed, and fruity notes, which impart an intriguing character to the bourbon. The result is a pour that offers layers of flavor that seem to shift with each glass. On the nose, you’ll find honey and apricot mingling with a touch of spice. The palate reveals the classic caramel and vanilla of the bourbon, but with added notes of stone fruits and honey that the Tokaji casks bring. The finish is medium to long, with lingering hints of dried fruit, honey, and gentle spice.
What I find interesting—and okay, a little frustrating—about this release is how the flavor seems to change with every pour. It’s probably the influence of the Tokaji finish, which brings out different fruit notes each time I open the bottle. One night, it’s apricot and peach; the next, it’s more of a rich raisin or fig. This evolving nature makes it a fascinating pour and one that keeps me coming back to see what I’ll find next.
While there may not be any of the 2023 Special Release left on the shelves, the 2024 edition is now available, offering the perfect opportunity to discover what Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone Bourbon have to offer. If you can get your hands on a bottle, you’ll be treated to a bourbon that showcases the artistry and creativity behind the brand, delivering something new and engaging with each pour.
Distiller: Limestone Branch Distillery
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Age: Blend of 7 and 13 years
Finish: Tokaji Cask
Proof: 101 (50.5% ABV)
Availability: Limited release
