Daviess County Lightly Toasted Barrel Finished Bourbon

I’d like to thank ByrnePR and Lux Row for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

IMAGE: a partially full bottle of Daviess County Lightly Toasted Barrel Finished Bourbon

As we are in the middle of the Autumn Bourbon Special Release season, I find myself getting increasingly crabby with producers putting out bottles far outside a regular consumer's price range. Old Man Eric remembers when limited editions were limited in quantity, not limited to the wealthy. But that ship has long since passed us by. And all this site's frugal readers (and writers) need to remember that these bourbons are no longer for us. As my grandfather used to say, they are for people with more dollars than sense.

Or do we need to remember that? Last week, I had a Limited Edition Bourbon land on my front step. And it breaks the trend of Limited Editions being limited to people of wealth. Look, I get it. Market forces being what they are means that as more people want something that is of limited quantity, prices go up to what the market will bear. It’s just that, unfortunately for those of us in the frugal category, what the market as a whole can bear is more than we want to bear personally. But some producers seem ok with putting out a special edition bourbon that is only about $10 or so more expensive than their standard releases. And I think that should be celebrated.

So let’s pour a drink of the newly released Daviess County Lightly Toasted Barrel Finished Bourbon to celebrate and learn what there is to learn about this Limited Edition bourbon. I did a very deep historical dive into the history of the brand back in 2020 when they initially released bourbon under the Daviess County name, so I will let you go read that if you wish. But today, I’ll let the press release talk for itself.

I mean, I’m out here yelling at clouds. I might as well let someone with some sense take over.

Daviess County Lightly Toasted features its namesake brand family’s signature combination of ryed and wheated bourbon mashbills, which is aged four-plus years in charred-oak barrels and comes in at 96 proof (48% ABV). The lightly toasted barrel finish is what gives this limited-edition release its own unique flavor profile, while giving consumers additional options within the Daviess County family. “I’m proud to honor the rich history and tradition started in 1874 by the Daviess County Distilling Co. with this latest expression of our Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” said Lux Row Distillers master distiller John Rempe.

Eighteen thousand bottles of Daviess County Lightly Toasted, the “first in a series of annually offered toasted-barrel finishes” for the brand, will be hitting store shelves soon, if they haven’t landed already. The suggested retail price is $49.99. But now, I suppose that you want to know if it is any good, don’t you? Well, let’s get on with it, then.

Daviess County Lightly Toasted Barrel Finished Bourbon

Purchase Price: This sample was sent by the producers for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $49.99.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $3.33

Details: 48% ABV. A blend of wheated bourbon and bourbon that uses rye as its flavoring grain.

Nose: Warm, buttered toast, Christmas spices, brown sugar, vanilla, and roasted nuts.

Mouth: Spicier than I'd have guessed from the nose. Notes of Christmas spices, almond, and oak.

Finish: Warm and long with lingering notes of cinnamon and almond.

A smiley face because I really like this.

Thoughts: Dry and spicy without a ton of sweetness. The added wood and the cinnamon notes really come through when you compare it to standard Daviess County. I tend to like sweet, fruity bourbons as my go-to’s, but on those days I want something dry and spicy, I'm going to reach for this one. I really like it.

This is a very tasty limited edition bourbon that doesn’t cost much more than the standard release. I like it quite a bit better, though, so if I see it, I will also buy it. Not to shit on the standard release. I’ve enjoyed quite a few bottles of that over the last year or so. Lightly Toasted is just really good.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, posters, and more.

Yellowstone Limited Edition 2022

I’d like to thank ByrnePR and Lux Row for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

IMAGE: 200 mL sample bottle of the 2022 Yellowstone Limited Edition Bourbon

It’s fair to say I’m in Vacation Mode already. By which I mean I’m having a hard time giving two fucks about anything.

Which kinda sucks because I’m not actually going to be on vacation for a couple of weeks yet. But man, do I need it. I haven’t taken a day off since September of last year. And the burnout is starting to show. The ‘ol fuse on the temper is shorter than usual. Which is weird, what with the “give-a-shit meter” also being at an all-time low. I never realized that those two things could happen simultaneously.

“I couldn’t care less about that, but I’m probably going to get angry anyway…”

So yeah. Let’s just take the easy way out for this special release and let the producer describe this one for us.

Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam announced the upcoming release of 2022 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Featuring a delicately balanced blend of 7-year, 15-year and 16-year aged bourbons hand-selected by Beam and aged in Marsala Superiore casks, the latest expression of Yellowstone Limited Edition will begin to be available in September with a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750ml bottle.

Since 2015, Beam has produced a unique, limited-edition bourbon annually under the Yellowstone brand, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2022, along with its namesake national park. For this year’s Yellowstone Limited Edition, Beam selected Marsala Superiore casks to finish select barrels of 7-year-old-bourbon to provide unique tasting notes to complement the extra-aged bourbons comprising this year’s Limited Edition.

And now you might be asking yourself: “so what exactly is a Marsala Superiore cask?” Well, luckily for me and my lazy ways, the producer was happy to answer that question too.

Marsala Superiore is a dry, sweet wine produced near the Italian city of Marsala in Sicily and aged at least two years. A fortified wine similar to Sherry, Marsala imparts tangy flavors of dried fruit and citrus and is often used in cooking or served as a dessert wine. 

But at the end of the day, the real question is how does it taste, and is it worth the asking price? Let’s find out.

Yellowstone Limited Edition 2022

Purchase Info: This sample was sent by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $99.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $6.67

Details: 50.5% ABV. A blend of 7-year, 15-year, and 16-year-old bourbons. A portion of the bourbon was aged in Marsala Superiore casks.

Nose: Brown sugar, vanilla, fruit, baking spice, leather, and almond.

Mouth: Salted caramel, leather, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oak.

Finish: Spicy and warm with notes of bubblegum, oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Thoughts: Delicious. Spicy but not overly hot. It has a nice subtle fruitiness backing up the oak, leather, and spice notes. I'm really digging this one. I will have to keep my eyes open for it for sure. And if I see it for near the suggested retail price, I’ll probably splurge on it.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, posters, and more.

Bourbon Companies Help Yellowstone Recover

I’d like to thank Wyoming Whiskey for providing the review sample of National Parks No. 2 for this story. It was provided at no charge with no strings attached.

IMAGE: Landscape shot of Yellowstone National Park. Two geysers are in the foreground with tree-covered mountains in the distance.

As I’m sure you have probably heard, Yellowstone National Park and the communities that surround it are in the process of recovering from devastating floods. And bourbon makers with ties to the park are not standing still in helping out.

Limestone Branch Distillery Donates $50,000 to Help With Flood Recovery

Limestone Branch Distillery, makers of Yellowstone Bourbon, and long-time supporters of Yellowstone National Park have stepped up to help the park and the surrounding communities recover from this month’s devastating floods. Quoting from the press release that landed in my email this morning:

In response to the devastating floods impacting Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas, Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery – makers of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – has donated $25,000 each to the National Park Service (NPS) and to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for long-term support of flood-relief efforts.

Additionally, Limestone Branch distillery has agreed to match up to $50,000 in donations made in conjunction with a fundraising event benefiting the Southwest Montana Flood Relief Fund – a joint effort between the Park County Community Foundation (PCCF) and Greater Gallatin United Way – and the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation. The event, hosted by National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), will be held June 28 at the Rialto in Bozeman, Montana.

 “We were saddened to learn of the devastation caused by flooding at and around Yellowstone National Park. Our Yellowstone Bourbon brand shares a long, storied history with the park, and our master distiller Stephen Beam has been an avid supporter of – and visitor to – our country’s national parks for many years,” said Limestone Branch Distillery Brand Manager Caitlin Palmieri Jackson.

Yellowstone Bourbon also has set up a website (www.limestonebranch.com/about/yellowstone-gives-back) to provide additional information about fundraising efforts as well as links to vetted support organizations, where consumers can learn more about donating and other ways to help. For more information regarding the fundraiser in Bozeman, Montana, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/rJK/.

On a personal note, a good percentage of my own annual charitable donations go to the National Parks Conservation Association. I’m glad to see them putting my money to good use.

Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Join us in giving back. Scan the code to donate.

Wyoming Whiskey Releases National Parks No. 2 to Support Yellowstone Forever

Now, this particular bourbon was announced prior to the Yellowstone Floods. The bottle was released to celebrate the 150th birthday of Yellowstone National Park. But as the organization that the bottle supports, Yellowstone Forever, is in the thick of things in the recovery efforts I thought it would be good to include it here. Quoting from the press release:

Wyoming Whiskey announces the release of its limited edition National Parks No. 2 straight bourbon whiskey in tandem with the brand's continuing partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. The collaboration was born in celebration of Yellowstone National Park's 150th anniversary. The Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 2 bottle is the second collectible Limited Edition release in an annual National Park series which debuted in April 2021. It is now available in Yellowstone National Park and throughout Wyoming. It is also available in select U.S. markets and online from ReserveBar, Flaviar and Caskers.

The inaugural release of Wyoming Whiskey's National Parks series contributed over $120,000 to the National Park Foundation in 2021. Wyoming Whiskey continues on a steadfast mission to support our nation's sacred outdoor spaces with this year's initiative and has committed to donating $150,000 to Yellowstone Forever in the park's historic 150th year.

Let’s see how it tastes.

IMAGE: A sample bottle of Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 2

Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 2

Purchase Info: This sample was provided by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $69.99

Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.67

Details: 52.5% ABV. 5 years old. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Made from non-GMO Wyoming-grown grains and water.

Nose: Strong oak notes followed by caramel, vanilla, and baking spice.

Mouth: Nicely spicy. Cinnamon, dark chocolate, and ginger.

Finish: Medium to long and spicy. follows the month with notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, and almond.

IMAGE: This is delicious, it gets a smile.

Thoughts: This is absolutely delicious. I really like it. If you have the opportunity. pick this one up. It's delicious and helps a good cause.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, posters, and more.

Yellowstone Family Recipe

I’d like to thank ByrnePR and Limestone Branch Distillery for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

IMAGE: A sample bottle of Yellowstone Family Recipe from Limestone Branch Distillery.

I am a huge supporter of the National Parks. About half of my annual charitable giving goes to organizations that support the National Parks and the Park Service. And Yellowstone is one of my favorites. I have a goal to visit every National Park and in light of that, I don’t do a lot of return trips. Yellowstone is one that I’ve returned to multiple times.

So, when I found out that the good people at Limestone Branch were honoring the 150th Anniversary of Yellowstone National Park with a new addition to their Yellowstone Bourbon lineup. I knew I needed to showcase it. And it was an easy decision as I’ve liked almost everything that has come out under the Yellowstone name since the brand moved production to Limestone Branch and their Master Distiller Stephen Beam.

So what makes this one so special? Here is what the distillery has to say about that:

Inspired by a recipe found in notes from Beam’s grandfather, Guy Beam, and containing cloned yeast using DNA from a yeast jug belonging to Beam’s great-grandfather, Minor Case Beam, Yellowstone Family Recipe reflects the original Yellowstone Bourbon mash bill and carries its original namesake’s six-year age statement. It is this recipe that Stephen Beam has been distilling at Limestone Branch Distillery since 2015 and is now ready to share with the world.

This will retail for about $70 and will roll out in three allocations throughout 2022. The first will be in Wyoming and Montana to celebrate their namesake Park’s momentous anniversary. Shortly after it will also release in Kentucky, both at the distillery and at retail. The second release will be nationwide in August 2022. The final will be sometime in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Going back to the press release for a quote from Stephen Beam:

“Even before opening the doors at Limestone Branch Distillery, I dreamed about producing a bourbon that was faithful to old family recipes and maintained my family’s heritage and tradition of distilling,” said Beam. “Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon is the culmination of decades of dreaming and more than 10 years of effort at the distillery. I believe bourbon lovers will enjoy drinking Yellowstone Family Recipe as much as I enjoyed recreating it!” 

So let’s see how it tastes.

Yellowstone Family Recipe

Purchase Info: This sample was provided by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is: $69.99

Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.67

Details: 50% ABV. 6 years old.

Nose: Clean Hay, tobacco, caramel, and apricot jelly.

Mouth: Apricot jelly, green apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, oak, tobacco, and mint.

Finish: Medium to long and warm. Notes of apricot jelly, tobacco, cinnamon, and menthol.

A smile because I like this one.

Thoughts: I like this, but it is certainly a "change-of-pace" bourbon for me. As it doesn't follow the stereotypical bourbon flavor profile (the apricot and tobacco combination is right up front and runs throughout), I wouldn't want it everyday. But I would happily grab this when I'm tired of the same ol' thing.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

Blood Oath Pact 8

I’d like to thank ByrnePR and Lux Row for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

In previous years, I’ve shared my love of many of Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe’s creations. Including many of the Blood Oath series. They are always one-time recipes. Most of them have included some sort of finished bourbon in the blend. This time they are using Calvados, which has me pretty excited. While I like a good brandy, I really like a good Apple Brandy. Which is what Calvados is: very good French Apple Brandy. Well, at least the ones that I’ve had have been good. I guess I can’t speak to the entire drink category.

Anyway, let’s hear what Lux Row has to say about all of this.

Blood Oath Pact 8 features a combination of the finest bourbons Rempe could find, including a 14-year ryed bourbon and an 11-year ryed bourbon, as well as an 8-year ryed bourbon finished in Calvados casks. Calvados is an apple or pear brandy from the Normandy region in northwestern France that is distilled from cider and aged for a minimum of two years in oak casks. These casks impart their unique aroma and flavor to make Blood Oath Pact 8 a one-of-a-kind pour.

So let’s see how this one tastes, shall we?

Blood Oath Pact 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Purchase Info: This sample was provided by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $119.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $8.00

Details: 49.3% ABV. 3 Bourbons: a 14-year-old bourbon, an 11-year-old bourbon, and an 8-year-old bourbon that was finished in Calvados casks.

Nose: Almond, caramel apple, and hints of brown sugar and cinnamon.

Mouth: Nicely spicy with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg to start. Notes of herbal vanilla, apple, and brown sugar follow.

Finish: Warm and long. Notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.

IMAGE: A smile because I like this and my wife really likes it.

Thoughts: This is quite tasty. I think that if I saw this on the shelf and passed it by, my wife would be quite upset with me, even at the newly increased price. I'm a fan, but she really likes it. This is odd and worth noting because she is not a fan of Calvados or any Brandy for that matter. Apple or otherwise. I guess that just goes to show the value of having a great blender.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.