Introduction
I’ve had a soft spot for the Old Fashioned for years. It’s one of the few cocktails that manages to showcase the spirit without masking it. So when I heard that Limestone Branch had released a pre-bottled version under their Yellowstone label, I was curious. Pre-mixed cocktails can be hit or miss—and with something as simple and transparent as an Old Fashioned, there’s nowhere for a bad blend to hide.
Nose
Pouring it straight into a rocks glass, the aroma was pretty inviting. There’s a clear bourbon character up front—caramel, a bit of char, and that warm vanilla you’d expect. A subtle orange zest note lingers behind it, along with a mellow sugar sweetness. It feels balanced and not overly forced—nothing artificial jumps out. Compared to making my own with a muddler and bitters, this version felt surprisingly well-rounded on the nose.
Palate
The whiskey shines through right away. There's a pleasant caramel warmth, oak depth, and a light burn that reminds you it’s still a bourbon at heart. The sugar doesn’t overwhelm; instead, it smooths the edge a bit without tipping into syrupy territory. Bitters are present but kept in check—more of a background accent than a dominant player. What surprised me most was the orange influence—it’s subtle, slightly oily, and neatly woven in.
It's not overly complex—it’s not meant to be—but it delivers what you'd want from a well-made Old Fashioned. If anything, it slightly underplays the sweetness compared to bar-made versions, which I personally appreciated.
Finish
The finish sits medium-short. The citrus fades quickly, but the bourbon lightly lingers with vanilla, dry oak, and a faint bitters echo. There’s no cloying aftertaste or sticky sweetness, which is something I often find myself wary of with bottled cocktails. It wraps up cleanly, leaving the palate ready for another sip without fatigue.
Price and Value
At its current shelf price (which lands around £30-£35 per 750ml bottle), this strikes a fair balance. You can certainly make your own Old Fashioned for less per glass, but convenience plays a role here. If you're the kind of person who enjoys good bourbon but doesn't want to build out a full cocktail cupboard, this offers a solid shortcut without cutting corners on flavour. It’s also strong enough ABV-wise to feel like a proper cocktail—not a watered-down rendition.
Background
This release comes from Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, known for their Yellowstone Select and the more limited Yellowstone Limited Editions. The Old Fashioned bottling is part of their recent foray into the ready-to-drink cocktail scene. Made with their own Yellowstone bourbon as the base, the mix includes cane sugar, bitters, and unspecified "natural flavours"—likely the source of that orange peel note I picked up.
The distillery itself is a smaller operation, but it has deep roots in bourbon history, with ties to the Beam family. You can learn more about them or plan a visit through their website over at Limestone Branch.
Final Notes
Would I buy this again? Yes—as a no-fuss bottle to keep on hand for casual evenings or when hosting guests, it’s both practical and enjoyable. That said, if you’re someone who enjoys the ritual of building a cocktail from scratch, you may still prefer the traditional route.
Is it good for newcomers to bourbon? I'd say so. Its smoother profile and restrained sweetness make it more approachable than some stronger pours or over-proof mixes.
When would I reach for this? For me, it's best suited to casual nights when mixing isn’t on the agenda—maybe a small dinner party where guests just want a reliable drink without the wait.
Lastly, how does it compare to other bottled Old Fashioneds I’ve tried? This one stands near the top. It doesn’t try to overcomplicate things, and importantly, it respects the bourbon rather than burying it.