Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 100 proof — a $70 expression that merits close attention.
Nose
More on the orange side of whiskey than copper. Light caramel, a little brassy. Bananas. Like a lot of bananas. That’s not bad: I mean, think of all the banana desserts that exist and entice, right? Bananas drizzled with alcohol and set on fire, bananas sliced lengthwise as a boat for ice cream, bananas processed into homemade protein bars on Instagram (which seem to be coming up a lot on my feed ever since I wrote this review). But this smells more of, like, countertop bananas. Other than banana, I get new-mown grass, and baked apples (I know, more fruit.) And hay. There is something very autumnal about the nose of this whiskey. And although spring is my favorite season, I ain’t mad. If you get past the banana, this smells like fall in a Glencairn.
Finish
This is 100 proof. It wants to tell you! It’s shouting! There’s a slight prickle and burn at the start and finish, respectively. I want more depth of flavor, but this comes across as one-note. Some whiskeys taste more expensive than they are. This isn’t one of them. I understand the care involved in crafting a whiskey, but I wanted more and don’t find the value to be there. It’s a middle of the road whiskey. Banana lingers with a prickle and burn on the finish.
Verdict
Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a modest offering that, at $70, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
