Yellowstone American Single Malt Review
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B-
(Credit: Richard Thomas)
American Single Malts are poised to become an official thing, with a Federal designation from the TTB expected to come around the corner this year. Limestone Branch has become the latest company to join the movement with their latest brand extension, putting Yellowstone American Single Malt into regular release.
Except the whiskey doesn’t actually come from Limestone Branch, although it is inside a recently expanded family. MGP, long known as America’s most important maker and trader in aged stocks of whiskey, chose to expand its business into marketing its own wares. Accordingly, the firm bought one of its major customers, Luxco, in 2021. Luxco, in turn, is the owner of Limestone Branch. So, it’s an odd thing to call Yellowstone Single Malt “sourced.” Technically, it is, but sourced from the parent company.
So, it’s a four years old expression of MGP’s single malt, bottled at 108 proof. The interesting thing here is that its not like the customers for MGP’s single malt are widespread or well-known. When I sat down and started writing, it occurred to me that I couldn’t think of anyone sourcing the stuff off-hand. I therefore say if you’re curious about MGP single malt, Yellowstone is probably the most accessible bottle.
The Whiskey
Color-wise, my pour sits on the borderline between bronze and light amber. The nose smacks of honey and cereals, with traces of vanilla and cocoa. The palate brought on more honey, while adding a strong current of damp hay. The cocoa note from the nose grows into a larger, milk chocolate presence in the flavor. The finish goes down warm, very warm, and surprisingly so from something that is just 54% ABV.
The Price
This is tagged at $55.
I found this at a place trying to sell it out. They told me they couldn’t sell it. So I bought a bottle for $19.99. I really liked it. I don’t like the 108 proof because I like to set by a fire and sip Whiskey/Whisky and a little of this goes a long way because of the 54% ABV. For $19.99 it is a fabulous find. I plan on picking up a couple more bottles and just setting them back for winter. It was warm going down but it is really a pretty good whiskey. I had no idea about the link with MGP. Not sure I’d buy it at $55, but I really like it. Good taste, finished well, very smooth but a bit warm but not overpowering warm. I really like Canadian Club Rye, Alberta Premium Rye, Pendleton 1910 Rye and Pendleton Whisky. This is different because it is an American Single Malt and it is a nice change. If you like whiskey/whisky and you see this, give it a try.
I have wondered if the new American Single Malt category was large enough to support all the new names moving into it.