Sometimes, everything seems to align perfectly. I just returned home from Bozeman, Montana last week, and my calendar reminded me it was time to submit my next column on bourbon tourism. Bozeman, a beautiful city located just north of Yellowstone National Park, was the perfect backdrop for my recent experience. We even watched the first episode of the new season of Paramount’s Yellowstone—one of my favorite TV shows—while we were there. After returning home, I celebrated my birthday with my extended family, and my daughter gifted me a bottle of Yellowstone bourbon. It felt like the universe had already decided the theme for my column.
Many successful Kentucky distillers share a common thread through their family names. A prime example is Limestone Branch Distillery, founded in 2010 by brothers Stephen and Paul Beam, who revived the Yellowstone brand for their premium bourbon offerings. If the Beam name sounds familiar, it should; Stephen and Paul are 7th generation Beams, tracing their lineage back to Jacob Beam, who began distilling bourbon in 1795.
They broke ground on their new distillery in 2011 and celebrated the grand opening of their Visitors Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February 2012. While relatively small, the distillery impresses visitors with what it offers.
Limestone Branch is located in the small town of Lebanon. Although I have visited the distillery, I have not taken their tour. However, it boasts one of the highest ratings among distilleries, achieving 4.9 stars out of 5 from 724 Google reviews—quite an accomplishment. Merce captured the experience perfectly in her review. “We started our Bourbon Trail with Limestone Branch, and they set the bar so high no other distillery compared.”
Limestone Branch is one of the few producers that exclusively use pot stills for distillation, which the Beams believe results in a richer spirit. Initially, they produced only a few barrels each month, but their craft distillery now produces over 40 barrels monthly.
Yes, the Yellowstone brand has its origins linked to our first national park of the same name, with the brand first introduced in 1872. In keeping with this theme, Limestone Branch is the largest annual corporate donor to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), contributing $250,000 last year.
If you’re looking to branch out (pardon the pun), consider their rye whiskey or the new American single malt whiskey. The single malt, the latest addition to their product lineup, is made from a mash bill of 100% barley, similar to Scotch. I didn’t sample it during my visit, as it was too early in the morning for me, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.
The distillery features a small bar and a beautiful rustic patio at the front of the building—a great spot to relax and enjoy a drink before heading to the next distillery on your list.
They are open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It’s worth noting that the town of Lebanon is situated near the boundary between the Eastern and Central time zones, while the distillery itself is located in the Eastern time zone.
Mark Meade is the author of The Bourbon Journey, a travel guide that highlights our iconic bourbon distilleries and the experience of bourbon tourism. This column serves as a natural extension of the book. All rights reserved. For questions or comments, contact the author at [email protected].
