Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon Brings Back Bar History
Yellowstone Bourbon is reaching back to the saloon days with Recollection Bourbon, an eight-year expression bottled at 110 proof that resurrects the brand's ornate back bar decanters from the late 1800s. Crafted by seventh-generation Master Distiller Stephen Beam and non-chill filtered to preserve every drop of flavor, this release expands beyond its original distillery-only availability to reach bourbon enthusiasts nationwide at $69.99 for a 700ml bottle starting this month.
The Story Behind the Decanter
Walk into any serious whiskey bar and you'll spot the fancy bottles on the back shelf—the ones saved for special occasions and regular customers who know what they're looking for. Yellowstone Recollection takes that tradition seriously, packaging its bourbon in a vessel that mirrors the hand-painted decanters that graced saloon back bars more than a century ago. The embossed design features Yellowstone Lower Falls, connecting the spirit to the national park that inspired its name back in 1872 when distiller Joseph Bernard Dant first put this bourbon on the map.
Stephen Beam brought Yellowstone to Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky back in 2015, determined to honor more than just a label. This Recollection release represents eight years in the barrel and a commitment to non-chill filtration—a choice that keeps the oils and congeners intact for fuller body and richer mouthfeel. At 110 proof, it sits in that sweet spot where barrel character comes through strong without overwhelming the palate.
What Makes This Release Special
The bourbon landscape is crowded with limited releases and special editions, but Recollection stands out by connecting production quality with genuine historical roots. Non-chill filtration matters more at higher proofs—it's the difference between a bourbon that coats your glass and one that just passes through. At 110 proof, those retained oils carry flavor compounds from eight years of warehouse aging, bringing char and caramel notes forward in a way that filtered bourbon can't match.
The packaging isn't just window dressing either. Those old back bar bottles served a purpose beyond looks—they announced to customers that this was the premium pour, the whiskey you ordered when you wanted something with heritage. By making Recollection more widely available after its initial distillery-exclusive run, Limestone Branch is expanding access to a bourbon that bridges Yellowstone's saloon-era past with modern barrel-proof expectations. For collectors and bourbon drinkers who appreciate distilling lineage, having a Beam family descendant at the helm adds another layer of authenticity to the story.
From the Barrel: Flavor Profile
Nose: Vanilla crème brûlée leads, backed by dark cherry—a signature note that runs through Yellowstone's lineup. The proof brings forward baking spices without alcohol burn.
Palate: Caramel and butterscotch sweetness balanced against charred oak from those eight years in the rickhouse. The non-chill filtration gives it substantial weight, coating the tongue with rich, oily texture.
Finish: Grain character emerges alongside mocha and that distinctive cherry note, rounded out with warm cinnamon candy spice that lingers without overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon?
Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon is bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV). This higher proof point allows the eight-year-aged bourbon to deliver bolder barrel character while remaining approachable for sipping neat or with a splash of water to open up the flavor profile.
Is Yellowstone Recollection a single barrel bourbon?
Yellowstone Recollection is not designated as a single barrel release—it's a small-batch bourbon aged for eight years and bottled non-chill filtered. Master Distiller Stephen Beam selects barrels to create a consistent flavor profile that showcases Yellowstone's signature cherry character and balanced oak influence.
Where can I buy Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon?
Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon is available at select retailers nationwide starting February 2026 with a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 700ml bottle. Check with specialty liquor stores and bourbon-focused retailers in your area, or visit yellowstonebourbon.com for more purchasing information.
What's the mash bill for Yellowstone Recollection?
Yellowstone has not publicly disclosed the specific mash bill for Recollection Bourbon. Based on the tasting profile—vanilla, caramel, cherry, and oak—it likely features traditional bourbon ratios with corn as the base grain, complemented by rye for spice and malted barley for enzymatic conversion during fermentation.
Why is Yellowstone Recollection non-chill filtered?
Non-chill filtration preserves the natural oils, esters, and fatty acids that develop during barrel aging, which would otherwise be stripped out through cold filtration. At 110 proof, these compounds contribute to fuller body, richer mouthfeel, and more intense flavor delivery—especially important for showcasing eight years of warehouse character.