Limestone Branch distillery

Introduction to Limestone Branch

A distillery with passion for craft

Limestone Branch is an authentic Kentucky distillery that beautifully marries traditional craftsmanship with contemporary finesse. Located in the heart of bourbon country, this small-batch distillery has built a reputation for delivering spirits of exceptional quality – created with profound respect for ingredients, technique, and heritage.

The distillery stands as a testament to Kentucky’s rich distilling tradition, bringing authentic family recipes back to life while honoring the time-tested methods of America’s native spirit.

Why we have a soft spot for Limestone Branch

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something truly distinctive – both in flavor and identity. Limestone Branch stands out for its commitment to historical authenticity, use of heirloom grains, and small-batch production methods that allow for meticulous quality control.

Their dedication to reviving pre-Prohibition recipes and techniques creates a bridge between bourbon’s storied past and its exciting future.

The Story Behind Limestone Branch

Origin and Development

Limestone Branch was founded in 2011 in Lebanon, Kentucky, by brothers Steve and Paul Beam – direct descendants of the legendary Beam and Dant bourbon families. Their vision was to resurrect their family’s distilling legacy by creating authentic Kentucky whiskeys with a connection to their ancestral recipes.

The distillery is built on land not far from where their ancestors once distilled whiskey before Prohibition changed the American spirits landscape. Since opening, Limestone Branch has steadily grown while maintaining a commitment to small-batch production and historical accuracy.

The People Behind

Led by master distiller Steve Beam, the team at Limestone Branch shares a deep passion for whiskey making that spans seven generations. Steve’s expertise combines family knowledge passed down through generations with formal training in distillation techniques.

Every batch, bottle, and decision reflects the dedication and heritage embedded in their work. The Beam family’s distilling roots date back to 1795, giving them one of the deepest whiskey pedigrees in America.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Materials to Finished Product

Production at Limestone Branch begins with carefully selected grains – often including heirloom varieties like Bloody Butcher corn that would have been used in pre-Prohibition whiskeys. The distillery uses a 150-gallon copper pot still named “Pattie” – a nod to their great-grandfather’s original still.

Their production process emphasizes traditional methods, including open fermentation in cypress wood fermenters, which allows wild yeast to contribute to the flavor development. The sour mash process they employ connects their current production to historic Kentucky whiskey-making techniques.

Maturation and Aging

Aging takes place in charred American white oak barrels, allowing the spirits to develop depth, complexity, and balance over time. The limestone-filtered water of Kentucky, rich in minerals but free of iron, plays a crucial role in both fermentation and proofing.

The Kentucky climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, creates ideal conditions for barrel aging, as the fluctuating temperatures force the whiskey in and out of the wood, accelerating maturation and flavor extraction.

Selected Products from Limestone Branch

Yellowstone Select Bourbon – An Introduction to the House Style

This carefully crafted bourbon serves as an excellent entry point to understand the distillery’s signature style. With notes of leather, caramel, and citrus, complemented by a hint of smoke and a smooth, balanced mouthfeel, it has become a favorite among both newcomers and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.

At 93 proof, it offers enough intensity to showcase its character while remaining approachable and versatile.

Yellowstone Limited Edition – An Experience for Connoisseurs

A more complex expression from the distillery, the Limited Edition releases showcase innovative finishing techniques and expert blending. Expect rich, layered flavors with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spice, culminating in a long, warming finish.

Each annual release features a unique approach to finishing or blending, making these bottles sought-after collectibles that tell the evolving story of Limestone Branch’s craftsmanship.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Limestone Branch offers guided tours where visitors can witness the entire production process – from grain to glass. The intimate scale of the distillery allows for a personal experience rarely found at larger operations.

The tasting experience typically includes 4-5 expressions, providing excellent insight into their portfolio and the distinctive character of their spirits. Visitors can also explore the on-site museum showcasing the Beam family’s extensive distilling heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Limestone Branch?

Limestone Branch is a craft distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, producing authentic Kentucky whiskeys with a focus on historical accuracy, quality ingredients, and traditional production methods. Their approach combines time-honored family recipes with careful attention to detail, creating spirits that honor bourbon’s rich heritage.

Where is Limestone Branch located?

The distillery is situated in Lebanon, Kentucky, in the heart of bourbon country. This location provides the perfect combination of limestone-filtered water, ideal climate conditions for aging, and deep connection to the region’s distilling traditions.

What characterizes Limestone Branch?

Limestone Branch is particularly known for its revival of pre-Prohibition recipes, use of heirloom grains, small-batch production methods, and deep family connections to bourbon history. Each bottle reflects both the Beam family’s distilling legacy and their vision for authentic Kentucky whiskey.

Where can I buy whiskey from Limestone Branch?

You can find selected bottles from Limestone Branch at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the best expressions – both core releases and limited editions – to ensure you have access to these exceptional spirits that bridge bourbon’s past and present.