Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon Release: 8-Year 110 Proof
Yellowstone Bourbon just expanded distribution of its Recollection expression, a 110-proof, eight-year-old bourbon that started life as a distillery-only exclusive. The release resurrects the brand's late 1800s back bar aesthetic with an ornate decanter design featuring hand-painted-style embossing and imagery of Yellowstone Lower Falls. Master Distiller Stephen Beam crafted the non-chill filtered expression to honor the legacy bottles that once lined saloon shelves across America, now available nationwide at $69.99 for 700ml.
The Bottle Design and Heritage Story
Yellowstone Recollection channels the brand's original visual identity from the late 19th century, when ornate decanters served as both packaging and status symbols in saloons and hotel bars. The bottle features intricate embossing and a rendering of Yellowstone Lower Falls, nodding to the bourbon's 1872 namesake connection to America's first national park. Stephen Beam, a seventh-generation distiller from the historic Dant and Beam families, brought Yellowstone back to Limestone Branch Distillery in 2015 after decades of dormancy. The Recollection line represents his effort to bridge historical packaging aesthetics with modern distilling standards—non-chill filtration preserves mouthfeel while the 110-proof bottling strength delivers amplified flavors without veering into barrel-proof territory.
Production Specs and Availability
Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon clocks in at eight years of aging and 110 proof (55% ABV), bottled without chill filtration at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. The expression moved from distillery-exclusive status to broader retail distribution this month across select markets nationwide. Pricing sits at $69.99 MSRP for a 700ml bottle, positioning it in the premium bourbon segment below many allocated releases but above standard shelf expressions. The brand belongs to Luxco's portfolio, which operates under MGP Ingredients' Branded Spirits division following a 2021 acquisition. Production happens at Limestone Branch, one of four distilleries in the Luxco network alongside Ross & Squibb, Lux Row, and Destiladora Gonzalez Lux in Mexico.
Why This Drop Matters
The Recollection expansion reflects a broader industry trend toward heritage storytelling as differentiation in an increasingly crowded bourbon market. Yellowstone's approach—linking historical packaging to contemporary liquid—offers collectors both shelf appeal and substantive juice rather than relying solely on novelty bottling. The eight-year age statement provides transparency in an era when many brands drop age declarations, while 110 proof hits the sweet spot for bourbon enthusiasts seeking intensity without the palate fatigue of higher-proof offerings. For Limestone Branch, the nationwide release tests whether distillery exclusives can scale beyond tourism-dependent sales channels. Yellowstone's partnership commitments, including over $1 million donated to the National Parks Conservation Association since 2018, position the brand within values-driven consumer trends that prioritize environmental stewardship alongside product quality.
Flavor Profile
Nose: Vanilla crème brûlée and dark cherry dominate the opening, with classic Kentucky bourbon aromatics.
Palate: Caramel and butterscotch sweetness layered with charred oak influence from eight years in barrel.
Finish: Grain-forward notes transition to mocha, cherry character, and warm baking spices including sweet cinnamon candy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon?
Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon is available at select spirits retailers nationwide starting February 2026, with distribution expanding beyond its previous distillery-exclusive status. Check with specialty liquor stores or use the brand's website locator at yellowstonebourbon.com to find retailers in your area carrying the expression. Availability may vary by state due to local distribution networks and allocation practices.
Is Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon worth $70?
At $69.99 for 700ml, Yellowstone Recollection offers an eight-year age statement and 110-proof non-chill filtered bourbon with distinctive packaging, positioning it competitively against other premium expressions in the $60-80 range. The value proposition depends on whether you prioritize the ornate decanter presentation and heritage design alongside the liquid quality. For collectors interested in display bottles with substantive bourbon backing the aesthetics, the pricing aligns with similar decorator releases from established distilleries.
What makes Yellowstone Recollection different from regular Yellowstone bourbon?
Yellowstone Recollection differs from the core Yellowstone Select lineup through its higher proof (110 vs. typically lower-proof expressions), eight-year age statement, non-chill filtration, and ornate decanter packaging inspired by 1800s back bar bottles. The flavor profile emphasizes darker cherry notes and baking spices compared to the brand's standard offerings. Recollection positions as a limited heritage release rather than an everyday pour, with packaging and presentation elevated beyond typical retail bourbon bottling.
Who is Stephen Beam and why does his name matter for Yellowstone?
Stephen Beam is a seventh-generation Master Distiller descended from both the Beam and Dant distilling families, making him directly connected to Kentucky bourbon's founding lineages. He founded Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011 and resurrected the dormant Yellowstone brand in 2015, which was originally created by distiller Joseph Bernard Dant in the 1870s. His family heritage provides historical continuity and technical credibility to the Yellowstone revival, linking modern production to the brand's 19th-century origins.
Is Yellowstone Recollection a limited release or permanent product?
While Yellowstone has not specified whether Recollection will be an ongoing release or limited production run, its transition from distillery-exclusive to broader retail distribution suggests the brand intends to maintain availability beyond a single batch drop. The Recollection name implies a series or line extension rather than a one-time commemorative release, though quantities may remain limited compared to core lineup expressions. Monitor the brand's social channels at @yellowstonebourbon for updates on future batches or variations.