Yellowstone is one of those names that carries weight in American whiskey circles. The brand has been around since the late 1800s, and while it's changed hands more than a few times over the decades, the Select expression represents the current stewards' attempt to honour that heritage with a solid, accessible bourbon. At 46.5% ABV, it sits in that sweet spot just above the legal minimum for "bottled in bond" territory — enough proof to deliver flavour without being a challenge for newer drinkers. No age statement here, but that's increasingly common and frankly not the dealbreaker some make it out to be.
What to Expect
Yellowstone Select is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which tells you a few important things right away. By law, that means at least 51% corn in the mashbill, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. The "Kentucky Straight" designation also guarantees a minimum of two years in wood, with no added colouring or flavouring. These aren't just labels — they're quality guardrails, and they matter. At 46.5%, you're getting a bourbon that hasn't been watered down to the bare minimum 40%, which suggests the producers want you to actually taste what the barrel did to this spirit.
Style-wise, this is firmly in the approachable, everyday bourbon category. It's not trying to be a barrel-proof beast or a limited-edition trophy bottle. It's the kind of whiskey you reach for on a Wednesday evening without thinking twice about it, and that's a genuine compliment. The higher-than-standard proof gives it a bit more backbone than your typical mixing bourbon, but it's still smooth enough to sip neat if that's your preference.
The Verdict
At £46.50, Yellowstone Select sits in a competitive bracket. You're up against some very capable bourbons at this price — but it holds its own. The 46.5% ABV is a real plus; it shows confidence in the liquid, and it means you're not paying for water. For a NAS bourbon, the quality-to-price ratio is genuinely solid. I'd score this a 7.9 out of 10. It's not going to rewrite your understanding of what bourbon can be, but it's a reliable, well-constructed whiskey that does exactly what it sets out to do — and does it with enough character to keep things interesting. If you're building a home bar or looking for a bourbon that works across multiple occasions, this deserves a spot on the shelf.
Best Served
This is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. The proof can stand up to dilution and the sweetness of the sugar without losing its identity. Two dashes of Angostura, a barspoon of demerara syrup, a good stir with ice, and an orange peel expressed over the top. That said, it's equally at home neat in a Glencairn or with a single large ice cube. The versatility here is part of the appeal — it's a bourbon that doesn't box you in.
