I picked up this bottle of Yellowstone Small Batch 107 at a really good price—just $43—which is frankly a steal for what this whiskey delivers. Given the Beam family influence on this bourbon and the Cherry-forward profile reviewers had highlighted online, I had to grab it and crack it open to see for myself. For those that don’t know, Stephen Beam, the master distiller at Yellowstone, descends not only from the Beam family but also the Dant family, another famous bourbon making family. I remember Dant’s bourbon being on my parent’s bar growing up. I am also a fan of 107 proof. It is an old school alcohol level that reflected what was barrel entry proof for a very long time in the United States.

For a bit of history, following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the Federal Alcohol Administration Act of 1935 established the initial barrel entry proof regulations, setting a maximum of 110 proof and a minimum of 80 proof. During this era (1935–1962), barrel entry proof generally ranged from 100 to 110 proof, with around 107 proof being typical. This lower barrel entry proof resulted in richer, more robust flavored bourbons, though it required distillers to use more barrels for production—a significant cost factor. In 1962, the U.S. Treasury raised the legal maximum barrel entry proof to 125 proof, where it has remained for over 60 years. This regulatory change was driven primarily by economics: higher barrel entry proof allowed distillers to produce approximately 18% more whiskey from the same barrel capacity, as less water was needed before barreling. The flavor of bourbon suffered accordingly. However, Stephen Beam is still using a 107 entry proof, and that is a good thing for the flavor of the whiskey.

Visual Presentation

The color on this is a deep amber, really showing off the six-year maturation and the fact that this bourbon wasn’t proofed down very much from the 107 barrel entry proof. On the swirl is a thick film with legs that cling stubbornly to the sides of the glass—this is an oily whiskey through and through, which is always a good sign of a full-flavored, well-integrated bourbon.

Nose

The nose is really engaging. Rich vanilla comes through first, but then waves of dark fruits emerge—cherry, plum, some raisin notes. Underneath all of that is the unmistakable character of the Beam family yeast strain used by Jim Beam and Heaven Hill. If you’ve spent any time with those distilleries’ bourbons, you’ll recognize that sweet-and-sour interplay immediately. It’s a really nice, classic nose.

Palate

Now this is where Yellowstone Small Batch 107 shines. The palate opens with a cherry bomb—and I mean that literally; the cherry note is front and center and really dominates. But it’s not one-dimensional. Underneath that cherry is rich vanilla custard, charred oak, and baking spices that gradually build as the whiskey sits on your tongue. The mouthfeel is thick and oily, coating your mouth and delivering real depth. The Beam yeast character is absolutely present but well-integrated, adding complexity without overwhelming the bourbon’s natural fruit notes. Allowing this whiskey to breathe for a bit helps the little bit of peanut funk I get from this year to dissipate. Twenty four hours later, the yeast funk is completely gone and this bourbon is really delicious after getting some oxygen. My wife gets citrus and orange both on the nose and palate in addition to the notes above, and she really likes it.

Finish

On the finish, the cherry begins to fade, giving way to cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pleasant oak dryness. The finish lingers—not aggressively, but with enough presence to remind you of what you just tasted. It’s a satisfying conclusion to a really well-crafted pour.

Overall Impression

At $43 a bottle, Yellowstone Small Batch 107 is an absolute bargain. This is classic Kentucky bourbon done right—cherry-forward, richly flavored, and spicy in just the right way. It reminds me of both Knob Creek and Russell’s Reserve store pics that often highlight the wonderful cherry notes. The six-year age statement combined with the proof delivers a bourbon that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. I am not a particular fan of Yellowstone Select, but I am a real fan of this. It’s exactly the kind of solid, unpretentious bourbon that belongs on any bar, particularly at this price point.