Review: Yellowstone Bourbon Special Finishes Collection – Rum Cask

By Jacob Kiper | November 2, 2024 |

In October 2024, Luxco dropped the 2024 Yellowstone Bourbon Giftpack with a suggested retail price of $50. This limited box set features 3 bottles, each with a volume of 375ml. The 2024 Bourbon Giftpack features Yellowstone Select, Special Finishes Collection Toasted, and Special Finishes Collection Rum Cask, which we’re reviewing today. This giftpack is the first multi-bottle pack by Yellowstone and the first time these Yellowstone expressions have been offered together in 375ml sizes.

Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection Rum Cask is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon is bottled and produced by Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Featuring a mashbill of 75% open-pollinated white heirloom corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, Limestone Branch commences with a bourbon aged at least 4 years and then introduces a rum cask finish. Over a period of 9 weeks, the bourbon rests in casks that formerly held a molasses-based rum distilled and aged in Havana, Cuba.

It’s refreshing that Limestone Branch is able to disclose the country and city of origin regarding the finishing casks. Does this Special Finishes Collection bourbon live up to the moniker of special? Let’s dig in!

As is common with rum cask finishes, the nose embarks with rich molasses, which soon unite with cinnamon and grilled pineapple. Adding to the intricacy, the nose rounds out with spicy fresh ginger and tropical aromas.

While the nose brings up tiki impressions, the palate aligns more with a classic bourbon profile, albeit with more richness. Vanilla custard and cinnamon start the show, and the rum cask adds notes of deep caramel and molasses. As the experience advances, the conventional bourbon profile takes a detour as star anise adds an alluring twist. These pronounced notes accompany a rather dense mouthfeel, and as the Cuban sunset draws near, allspice meets a mild tobacco note. The rum cask continues to influence the bourbon as decadent molasses turns into dark chocolate.

Yellowstone has put together a quality finished bourbon despite a relatively youthful age statement. While many rum cask finishes for other whiskeys offer funky and harshly tropical notes on the palate, this expression goes all in on more pleasing molasses notes. Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection Rum Cask Bourbon is gratifying neat, but can also make an excellent backbone for your favorite cocktail.

100 proof.

B+ / $50 / yellowstonebourbon.com