Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon Honors 1800s Heritage
Yellowstone Bourbon has unveiled Recollection Bourbon, an eight-year expression that resurrects the ornate back bar decanter designs that graced American saloons in the late nineteenth century. Bottled at 110 proof and non-chill filtered, this release from seventh-generation Master Distiller Stephen Beam marries Yellowstone's visual heritage—embossed bottles featuring the iconic Lower Falls—with a contemporary bourbon that honors the distilling lineage connecting the Dant and Beam families across generations. Previously available only at Limestone Branch Distillery, Recollection now reaches a national audience at $69.99 for 700ml.
The Provenance Behind the Bottle
Yellowstone's history extends to 1872, when distiller Joseph Bernard Dant christened his whiskey after America's first national park. The brand's original back bar decanters, hand-painted with scenes of Yellowstone's natural grandeur, became fixtures in late-1800s establishments across the frontier. Stephen Beam—descendant of both the Dant and Beam distilling dynasties—revived the dormant Yellowstone name in 2015 when he established Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Recollection Bourbon draws directly from those early bottle designs, featuring classic embossing and the Lower Falls motif that defined the brand's identity during its first century. The 700ml format and ornate presentation echo the craftsmanship of an era when decanters themselves signaled premium spirits.
Distilling Tradition Meets Eight-Year Maturation
This expression represents Limestone Branch's commitment to time-honored bourbon-making principles. Aged for eight years, Recollection undergoes no chill filtration before bottling at 110 proof, preserving the congeners and oils that contribute texture and complexity. Stephen Beam's approach reflects his seventh-generation perspective on Kentucky bourbon tradition—balancing boldness with refinement through extended barrel aging and higher proof points that allow the liquid to reveal its character progressively. The non-chill filtered specification ensures drinkers experience the bourbon as it emerged from the barrel, with natural haze and full mouthfeel intact. Limestone Branch's location in Lebanon, Kentucky, positions the distillery within the historic bourbon corridor where generations of Beam family distillers have practiced their craft.
The Liquid's Character
Nose: Vanilla crème brûlée opens the experience, accompanied by dark cherry notes that signal Yellowstone's distinctive fruit-forward character.
Palate: Caramel and butterscotch provide sweetness, balanced by charred oak that speaks to the eight-year maturation and the char level of the cooperage.
Finish: Grain notes emerge alongside mocha, with Yellowstone's signature cherry character persisting through a warm spice conclusion marked by sweet cinnamon candy.
A Legacy Bottled for Contemporary Collectors
Recollection Bourbon exemplifies Yellowstone's broader mission to connect modern bourbon enthusiasts with nineteenth-century distilling heritage. The brand's partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association—over one million dollars contributed since 2018—reinforces the symbiotic relationship between the whiskey and the wilderness that inspired its name. In 2026, Yellowstone extended its conservation efforts to support the Vital Ground Foundation's grizzly bear habitat preservation work. For collectors, Recollection offers both substantive liquid and historical resonance: the bottle itself functions as an artifact of American distilling design, while the bourbon within demonstrates that extended aging and traditional methods remain relevant. The nationwide release marks the first time this expression has moved beyond distillery-exclusive status, making it accessible to those who value provenance and craftsmanship in equal measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon different from standard Yellowstone releases?
Recollection Bourbon distinguishes itself through its ornate decanter presentation inspired by 1800s back bar bottles, eight-year age statement, and 110-proof bottling strength without chill filtration. Standard Yellowstone Select expressions typically carry no age statement and lower proof points, while Recollection targets collectors seeking both historical design and a bolder liquid profile. The 700ml bottle format and embossed detailing further separate this release from the core range, positioning it as a premium offering that celebrates the brand's visual heritage alongside its distilling pedigree.
Who is Stephen Beam and what is his connection to Yellowstone Bourbon?
Stephen Beam serves as seventh-generation Master Distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery and descends from both the Dant and Beam distilling families. Joseph Bernard Dant founded Yellowstone Bourbon in 1872, making Stephen a direct heir to the brand's original creator. After establishing Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky in 2011, Stephen resurrected the dormant Yellowstone name in 2015, bringing the brand back into production after decades of absence. His family lineage connects him to multiple Kentucky bourbon dynasties, lending authenticity to Yellowstone's revival.
Where can I purchase Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon?
Recollection Bourbon became available at select retailers nationwide beginning February 2026 at a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 700ml bottle. Previously, this expression was available exclusively at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Interested buyers should contact premium spirits retailers in their area or check yellowstonebourbon.com for specific availability information, as distribution may vary by state and market depending on local spirits regulations and retailer selection.
What does non-chill filtered mean for bourbon quality?
Non-chill filtered bourbon retains the natural fatty acids, proteins, and esters that can create haziness when the spirit is chilled or diluted. Traditional chill filtration removes these compounds to ensure visual clarity, but many distillers and enthusiasts believe it strips away flavors and mouthfeel. By bottling Recollection at 110 proof without chill filtration, Yellowstone preserves the full texture and complexity developed during eight years of barrel aging. The result is a bourbon with greater viscosity and a more complete flavor profile, though it may appear slightly cloudy when cold or diluted with water.
How does Yellowstone Bourbon support national park conservation?
Yellowstone Bourbon has partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association since 2018, contributing over one million dollars to preservation efforts for America's national parks. The brand's commitment reflects its namesake connection to Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872—the same era when the bourbon was founded. In 2026, the distillery expanded its conservation support to include the Vital Ground Foundation, focusing specifically on threatened grizzly bear habitat protection. These partnerships align the brand's commercial success with environmental stewardship of the wilderness landscapes that inspired its identity.