Distillery: Limestone Branch Distillery – Lebanon, Kentucky
Proof: 110.0 (55.0% ABV)
Age: Eight Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed – See Below
MSRP: $70
A rich and rewarding bourbon that earns its throwback presentation.
Yellowstone Recollection Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon could have easily leaned too heavily on nostalgia. The decanter-inspired bottle design, historical references, and “honoring the classics” bottle statement, all create expectations before you ever pull the throwback cork. At 110 proof and eight years old, this bourbon carries specifications that would suggest a sharper, more aggressive sipping experience.
Instead, Yellowstone Recollection takes a different approach.
At its 110-proof point, I expected this bourbon to come in much louder than it actually does. Instead of trying to overwhelm the palate, Yellowstone Recollection settles into a rich and gradual progression that moves from a mature sweetness to a measured spice and oak influence. The proof never overwhelms the Palate. The whiskey consistently favors flavor progression over shock value.
While the mashbill remains undisclosed, the overall profile strongly suggests a more traditional Kentucky bourbon style and rooted in corn-forward richness with a rye influence that is restrained. The result – this is a whiskey that feels less interested in show individual notes and more interested in creating a complete sipping experience.
Yellowstone Recollection Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2026) Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.4/5
Warm baked apples. Sweet corn richness. Brown sugar. Soft oak. Pie crust warmth.
Strengths: Rich maturity. Not heavy or syrupy. Inviting. Proof restraint – no alcohol overtones. Strong revisit appeal.
Why It’s Not Higher: Note definition limits complexity and separation.
Rating Justification: Deeply enjoyable and mature. Encourages exploration. Does not fully separate into defined layers
Palate – 4.8/5
Sweet corn richness. Brown sugar. Fully coating mouthfeel. Gradual baking spice. Soft oak structure. Controlled proof.
Strengths: Excellent progression from entry forward. Full mouthfeel. Controlled proof. Deeply satisfying development from sweetness on entry then into spice and oak.
Why It’s Not Higher: Leans more toward composed richness than explosive complexity.
Rating Justification: Satisfying and intentional. Immersive mouthfeel. Mature sweetness. Steady development. Highly rewarding sipping experience.
Finish – 4.6/5
Lingering warmth. Gentle baking spice. Drying oak. Mature.
Strengths: Strong continuity from the Palate. Lingering warmth. Controlled spice. Encourages repeated sipping.
Why It’s Not Higher: Favors steadiness over dramatic evolution or fade.
Rating Justification: Mature and satisfying. Feels like a natural evolution. Strong revisit appeal.
Value – 4.7/5
At $70, Yellowstone Recollection competes extremely well within the mid-to-upper shelf category. An eight-year age statement, 110 proof, distinctive bottle presentation, and an excellent overall pour makes for a bottle that feels expertly designed rather than elevated through gimmick or packaging alone.
Simply stated, the whiskey itself validates the shelf placement.
This is not a bottle built around hype or sheer intensity. It is built for experienced enthusiasts and traditional bourbon drinkers who value a paced and intentional sipping experience. The bottle presentation enhances the experience.
Yellowstone Recollection Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2026) Review: The Verdict
Yellowstone Recollection Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon succeeds because rather than chasing explosive proof, overwhelming oak, or flavor extremes through secondary finishing, it delivers a tasting experience rooted in mature sweetness, gradual progression, and restrained well paired proof.
The whiskey feels intentional designed from Nose through Finish. The proof supports rather than dominates. The overall sipping experience rewards drinkers who are willing to slow down and spend time with the glass.
For sippers looking to remember what classic bourbon character without excessive heat or aggression is all about, Yellowstone Recollection delivers a polished and memorable pour.
Verdict – 4.6/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.