Popular Kentucky Distillery: Limestone Branch Distillery

OriginLebanon, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerLimestone Branch Distillery
EstablishedFounded in 2010
OwnershipStephen & Paul Beam

Introduction

Limestone Branch Distillery has a rich history rooted in the Beam and Dant families’ 220-year legacy of bourbon and moonshine production. Under the leadership of Steve and Paul Beam, the distillery has revived iconic brands like Yellowstone and introduced new offerings like Minor Case Rye, while maintaining an intimate, family-like atmosphere for visitors. Through innovative products, a focus on heritage, and a commitment to quality, Limestone Branch continues to honor its distilling lineage while carving out a unique place in Kentucky’s bourbon landscape.

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Yellowstone American Single Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey

Timeline

  • 2010: Steve and Paul Beam, descendants of the Beam and Dant distilling families, founded Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky to continue their family’s 220-year legacy of making bourbon and moonshine.
  • 2011: Limestone Branch Distillery opened its doors, starting production of small-batch spirits.
  • 2012: The distillery began selling flavored moonshine, including the award-winning “Moon Pie Moonshine”.
  • 2014: Limestone Branch Distillery merged with Luxco, allowing them to revive the Yellowstone bourbon brand that was originally created by their ancestors.
  • 2015: Limestone Branch launched the revival of Yellowstone bourbon, honoring the family’s distilling heritage.
  • 2017: The distillery introduced Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, named after their great-grandfather Minor Case Beam.

Famous Product Releases

  • Yellowstone Select Bourbon: A blend of 4-7 year old bourbons, bottled at 93 proof.
  • Yellowstone Limited Edition: An annual limited release bourbon featuring unique finishes and recipes.
  • Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey: A rye whiskey aged in sherry casks, honoring the Beam family’s legacy.
  • Bowling & Burch Gin: A botanical gin featuring 19 botanicals, 8 of which are grown on-site.

Important People

  • Steve Beam: 7th generation distiller and co-founder of Limestone Branch Distillery. He oversees the distilling operations and product development.
  • Paul Beam: Co-founder of Limestone Branch Distillery, responsible for the business and marketing side of the operation.
  • Minor Case Beam: Great-grandfather of Steve and Paul Beam, whose yeast strain was used to create the Minor Case Rye Whiskey.
  • Guy Beam: Grandfather of Steve Beam, whose notes inspired the Yellowstone Family Recipe bourbon.

Significant Historical Events

  • 2010: Steve and Paul Beam founded Limestone Branch Distillery to revive their family’s distilling legacy.
  • 2014: Limestone Branch merged with Luxco, allowing them to bring back the Yellowstone bourbon brand.
  • 2015: Limestone Branch launched the revival of Yellowstone bourbon, reconnecting the brand to its Beam family roots.
  • 2017: The distillery introduced Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, honoring their great-grandfather Minor Case Beam.
  • 2022: Limestone Branch released the limited-edition Yellowstone Family Recipe bourbon, inspired by an original family recipe.

Interviews

  • Steve Beam, Master Distiller: “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.”
  • Paul Beam, Co-founder: “When Steve and I founded Limestone Branch in 2010, we wanted to create a space that made bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike feel right at home.”
  • Steve Fante, Brand Ambassador: “Sampling that bourbon out of the barrel was almost like trying cookie dough before it went into the oven. Yes, it was good. It would take a little more aging to see what this recipe could really do, and Beam and his team were eager to let you in on the whole process as if you were part of their family.”

Sources


[1] https://www.luxco.com/our-story/limestone-branch-distillery/
[2] https://www.courier-journal.com/in-depth/life/food/spirits/bourbon/2022/09/06/explore-kentucky-bourbon-trail-at-limestone-branch-distillery/7681176001/
[3] https://visitlebanonky.com/the-marion-county-trail/limestone-branch-distillery/
[4] https://kybourbontrail.com/limestone-branch-distillery-master-distiller-stephen-beam-rekindles-family-distilling-history-with-the-launch-of-yellowstone-family-recipe/
[5] https://bourbonveach.com/2022/02/04/limestone-branch-distillery/