Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon Review & Price Guide

Yellowstone Bourbon is bringing back a piece of whiskey history with its new Recollection Bourbon, a throwback to the ornate back bar decanters that lined saloons and restaurants in the 1800s. Bottled at 110 proof and aged eight years, this non-chill filtered bourbon from Master Distiller Stephen Beam hits shelves nationwide this month at $69.99 for a 700ml bottle. Previously only available at the Limestone Branch Distillery, it's now reaching a wider audience with packaging that recreates those hand-painted bottles from Yellowstone's earliest days.

What You're Getting for $70

Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon delivers solid specs for the price point. It's an 8-year-aged Kentucky bourbon bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV), which puts it in that sweet spot between standard 80-proof offerings and barrel-proof heavyweights. Stephen Beam, a seventh-generation distiller from the legendary Beam family, crafted this expression to honor the brand's connection to Yellowstone National Park, which dates back to 1872 when founder Joseph Bernard Dant named the whiskey after the newly established park.

The bottle itself is the real showpiece here. It's designed as an ornate decanter with embossing and artwork featuring the iconic Yellowstone Lower Falls, mimicking the hand-painted bottles the brand used over a century ago. You're paying for presentation as much as the liquid inside, which makes this a solid pick if you're looking for a gift bottle or something that looks impressive on the shelf. The 700ml size is a bit unusual—slightly smaller than the standard 750ml—so keep that in mind when comparing prices.

Why This Release Matters

This isn't just another limited edition cash grab. Yellowstone has been on a serious upward trajectory lately, landing on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies of 2025 and racking up awards at multiple competitions. The brand was resurrected by Stephen Beam and Limestone Branch Distillery back in 2011 after years of dormancy, and they've done a solid job of balancing heritage with quality liquid. Releasing Recollection more widely signals that Yellowstone is confident enough in their brand recognition to push a premium-priced expression beyond distillery-only status.

For bourbon drinkers, this sits in an interesting middle ground. At eight years and 110 proof, it's more developed than entry-level bottles but still approachable compared to barrel-proof options that can hit 120+ proof. The non-chill filtered aspect means you're getting more flavor oils and texture, which fans of craft bourbon appreciate. It's also part of a broader trend of heritage brands leaning into their visual history—think of how Old Forester brought back their vintage labels or how Buffalo Trace uses nostalgic packaging for certain releases.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vanilla crème brûlée and dark cherry lead, with classic Kentucky bourbon sweetness
• Palate: Caramel and butterscotch dominate, backed by charred oak that adds depth without overpowering
• Finish: Grain and mocha notes emerge, along with Yellowstone's signature cherry character and warm spices like sweet cinnamon candy

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon?

Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon is available at select liquor retailers nationwide starting February 2026. Check with your local liquor store or use the store locator at yellowstonebourbon.com to find it near you. Since it's a premium release with special packaging, not every shop will carry it, so calling ahead is a smart move. Expect to pay around $69.99 for the 700ml bottle.

Is Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon worth $70?

At $69.99, Yellowstone Recollection offers an 8-year-aged, 110-proof bourbon in a collectible decanter-style bottle. You're paying a premium for the packaging and limited availability, but the specs are solid—non-chill filtered bourbon at this age and proof typically delivers good flavor complexity. If you're buying it purely to drink, there are comparable bourbons for less money, but if you want something gift-worthy or shelf-worthy, the price is reasonable for what you're getting.

What makes Yellowstone Recollection different from regular Yellowstone Bourbon?

Yellowstone Recollection is aged longer (8 years versus the 4-7 year blend in Yellowstone Select), bottled at higher proof (110 versus 93), and is non-chill filtered for added texture and flavor. The biggest difference is the ornate decanter packaging inspired by 1800s back bar bottles, which sets it apart visually from the standard Yellowstone lineup. It's positioned as a premium, heritage-focused expression rather than an everyday sipper.

Who is Master Distiller Stephen Beam?

Stephen Beam is a seventh-generation distiller who comes from both the Beam and Dant distilling families—two legendary names in Kentucky bourbon history. He founded Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky in 2011 and brought the dormant Yellowstone brand back to life, starting with Yellowstone Select in 2015. His family connection to the original Yellowstone founder, Joseph Bernard Dant, gives him a direct link to the brand's 150-year heritage.

What proof is Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon?

Yellowstone Recollection Bourbon is bottled at 110 proof, which equals 55% alcohol by volume. This is higher than standard bourbon bottlings (typically 80-100 proof) but lower than barrel-proof releases that can exceed 120 proof. The 110-proof level delivers bold flavor while remaining approachable for most bourbon drinkers, especially when you add a splash of water or an ice cube to open it up.