There's a bit of art and science in every bottle of bourbon. And maybe a little magic, too. It all begins with the mash bill, the basic recipe for the bourbon. For Yellowstone, we use open-pollinated white heirloom corn for a slightly lighter whiskey flavor. Corn accounts for 75% of the grain bill, with 13% rye and 12% malted barley. A recipe, not so incidentally that came from Stephen and Paul Beam's grandfather's notes. The Hand Picked Collection is a series of single barrels, each hand-picked and sampled at the distillery. With each barrel comes its own complexities and one-of-a-kind flavors - every one different than the next. From our hearts to fill your glass.

From Lee Diaz, Topflight Series Panel Member:

The Yellowstone selection process for this specific barrel was unlike any other we have experienced. Not only were we greeted with heavy humidity and the searing heat of a seemingly endless summer, but our time was also led by a truly astounding ambassador and incredible personality in Stephen Fante. He walked us through an approach to bourbon selection that is unique to Yellowstone: We sampled three barrels, similar to many other tastings before. But at Limestone Branch, we tried each at 102, 109, and 115-proof. Each sample and proof revealed unique nuances from nose to finish. We landed on this barrel because of the depth that it gave us at this specific proof. On the nose, you'll discover brown sugar, graham cracker, a hint of mint, and thyme. The pour is incredibly complex, with orange rind, cherry, and cinnamon sugar toast, leading into a finish of cola, walnuts, charred oak, and leather. This will hit all the right notes at a perfectly balanced proof point. Yes, we could have pushed this barrel to 115, but the nuance found here was too spectacular to deny. I can't wait for you to try this pour.

TOPFLIGHT: Series 1, Barrel No. 21

PROOF: 109.00

MASHBILL: 75% Corn, 13% Rye and 12% Malted Barley

BARRELED ON: 6/7/16