Yellowstone American Single Malt

Incredible whiskey for the price! Spicy rich flavors

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.

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.

I am a Yellowstone fan. Love the 93 proof, Minor Case and hand picked collection. I cant put my finger on the notes but there was a note on the nose that transitioned to the palate that was lingering and not Too good.