Yellowstone Toasted
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished with Toasted Oak Staves
Company: Limestone Branch Distillery
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Color: Light Honey
MSRP: $50 (2025)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose starts with a blend of sweet and earthy notes. There’s caramel reminiscent of a Payday bar, plus a creamy strawberry-banana fruitiness that brings a dessert-like quality. At the same time, the toasted barrel introduces more grounded notes—dry grass, grain, and even some wheat, making it smell almost like a wheated bourbon despite its mash bill.
On the palate, this whiskey drinks smooth with a silky mouthfeel. The flavor profile leans toward the lighter end, starting with a Twix-like caramel and cracker combo, followed by a crisp red apple note. But then the toasted oak barrels take over, adding a dry woodiness that may divide drinkers. There’s also a bit of bitter grain that shows up mid-sip, which may appeal to fans of stronger, more toasted bourbons.
The finish is where things get more divisive. Some sweetness tries to stick around, but it’s quickly overtaken by dry oak, grassy notes, and tobacco. The dry, bitter fade won’t be for everyone—especially those who prefer a lingering sweetness in their whiskey.
This 100 proof bourbon brings some interesting contrasts. There’s a nice balance of sweet and grainy up front, but the toasted barrel influence becomes more dominant as the pour goes on. It’s a bourbon that might shine in casual sipping but may not hold up under closer scrutiny.
Depending on your palate, the $50 MSRP may or may not match the value you're looking for. It’s a unique review for a bottle that feels caught between two styles—fruity and rich versus dry and oaky. If you see it on sale at a lower price, it could be worth a shot, especially if you enjoy toasted oak and grassy finishes in your whiskey.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Sweet caramel payday with a bit of fruitiness.
Strawberry-banana with rich cream.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is silky and smooth. The palate reminded me a bit of a Twix bar, although a touch less sweet and a touch less chocolatey, but the caramel and cracker is present.
There is also a bit of fruitiness similar to a bright red apple.
THE FINISH:
A bit of dry grassiness and tobacco starts to take center stage here.
BUY OR PASS?
I did get a bit of grassiness across all aspects of this pour which is not my favorite flavor.
However, it is a pretty enjoyable pour and certainly good enough to drink neat.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
It smells almost like a wheated bourbon, even though it’s not. Maybe the toasted staves are playing tricks on me.
I mostly get earthy notes like grass, grain, and wheat.
After a bit, everything settles into a strong oak presence.
THE TASTE:
The palate is pretty simple and leans heavy into grain and oak.
It’s a little bitter, and the toasted oak staves hit hard. If you’re into that strong toasted wood flavor, you might enjoy this more than I did.
Personally, it just didn’t land for me.
THE FINISH:
This is where it really falls off.
All I get is dry oak, and if you’ve read any of my other reviews, you know that’s my least favorite kind of finish.
BUY OR PASS?
When I’ve had this casually, without thinking too hard, I’ve liked it. But when I sit down and really pay attention, the bitter oak and lack of balance become hard to ignore.
This might be a bottle better enjoyed in the background than under a spotlight.
