In the heart of Wyoming’s rugged wilderness, a unique tribute to a beloved grizzly bear is capturing the attention of bourbon enthusiasts and conservationists alike. Wyoming Whiskey, a distillery rooted in the spirit of the American West, has partnered with BlockBar to auction off Bottle No. 399 of its limited-edition Queen of the Tetons bourbon. This special release honors Grizzly 399, a legendary bear who roamed Grand Teton National Park for 28 years before her tragic death in a car accident on October 22, 2024. The auction, which runs from April 22 to April 29, 2025, isn’t just about owning a rare bottle of bourbon—it’s a chance to support the preservation of the wild habitats that Grizzly 399 called home.
A Bourbon Born from a Bear’s Legacy
Grizzly 399 was no ordinary bear. Known as the “Queen of the Tetons,” she was a 7-foot, 400-pound matriarch who became an icon of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Over her nearly three-decade life, she raised 18 cubs, often near the Snake River, drawing tourists and photographers from around the world. Her resilience and grace made her a symbol of the wild, and her death sent shockwaves through the community of wildlife lovers. To honor her, Wyoming Whiskey crafted Queen of the Tetons, a bourbon as bold and unforgettable as the bear herself.
Image credit: Wyoming Whiskey
Released in late 2024, only 720 bottles of Queen of the Tetons were produced, and they sold out in just 36 hours. Bottle No. 399, named after the bear’s identifier, is the crown jewel of the collection. This bottle, along with a carefully curated auction package, is now up for grabs on BlockBar.com, with bidding starting at $300 and a current bid reaching $4,500. The estimated value of the lot is $1,800, but its true worth lies in its connection to a cause that resonates far beyond the bottle.
What’s in the Auction Package?
The auction lot is a collector’s dream, offering more than just a bottle of fine bourbon. Here’s what the winning bidder will receive:
- Queen of the Tetons Bottle No. 399: This is the only chance to own the 399th bottle of the sold-out release. The bottle features an image of Grizzly 399, captured by renowned wildlife photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, making it a striking piece of art as well as a premium spirit.
- Sample Bottle of Queen of the Tetons: A second bottle is included for the winner to sip and savor without opening the collectible No. 399. This ensures the rare bottle can remain sealed while still allowing the buyer to experience the bourbon’s rich flavors.
- Signed and Framed Print of “Spring’s Surprise”: The lot includes a 17” x 30” framed and signed print of Mangelsen’s iconic photograph, “Spring’s Surprise.” Taken in 2020, the image captures Grizzly 399 emerging from hibernation with her four cubs—a rare and powerful moment that coincided with the reopening of Grand Teton National Park after COVID-19 closures. The photograph, featured on the bottle’s back label, symbolizes renewal and the enduring spirit of the wild.
Every penny from the auction will go directly to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, which works to protect and preserve the park’s wildlife and habitats. Wyoming Whiskey and BlockBar have committed to donating 100% of the proceeds, ensuring that Grizzly 399’s legacy lives on through conservation efforts.
The Spirit of Queen of the Tetons
Queen of the Tetons isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s a bourbon crafted with care to reflect the strength and character of Grizzly 399. Bottled at 49.5% ABV (99 proof), it offers a complex flavor profile that’s as memorable as the bear it honors. The nose greets you with aromas of honey, ripe field berries, and a hint of cinnamon spice. On the palate, expect a smooth blend of white chocolate mocha, red fruit, and rich brown sugar. The finish lingers with notes of candied ginger and soft vanilla, making every sip a tribute to the wild.
Wyoming Whiskey, based in Kirby, Wyoming, has a deep connection to the land. The distillery uses locally sourced corn, winter wheat, winter rye, barley, and water from the Bighorn Basin to create spirits that embody the state’s rugged beauty. For Queen of the Tetons, master blender Brendan Cook selected three barrels from different parts of the warehouse to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. The result is a bourbon that’s both substantial and nuanced, designed to be a “memorable sip” that reflects Grizzly 399’s impact on the world.
A Cause Worth Raising a Glass To
The auction of Bottle No. 399 is more than a chance to own a piece of bourbon history—it’s an opportunity to make a difference. The Grand Teton National Park Foundation uses funds to support grizzly bear education, conservation, and research programs. These efforts are critical in protecting the habitats of bears and other wildlife in the 310,000-acre park, where the Teton mountain range towers over the Snake River valley. Wyoming Whiskey has a long history of supporting conservation, having previously donated $20,000 to the foundation with the initial release of Queen of the Tetons in 2024. This auction builds on that commitment, ensuring that Grizzly 399’s story inspires action for years to come.
The involvement of Thomas D. Mangelsen adds another layer of significance to the auction. His photograph, “Spring’s Surprise,” is a testament to the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Mangelsen, a celebrated conservationist and photographer, has spent decades capturing the essence of wildlife, and his work on the Queen of the Tetons bottle and the auction print elevates the lot to a true collector’s treasure.
How to Bid and Why It Matters
The auction is hosted on BlockBar.com, a platform known for offering exclusive wines and spirits authenticated via blockchain technology. Bidding opened on April 22, 2025, at 8 AM MST (10 AM EST) and will close on April 29, 2025, at the same time. With a starting bid of $300, the lot is accessible to a wide range of bidders, but the current bid of $4,500 reflects the high demand for this one-of-a-kind package. The lot is available for immediate redemption, meaning the winner can take possession of their prize as soon as the auction ends.
Bidding on Bottle No. 399 is a chance to own a piece of Wyoming’s heritage while supporting a vital cause. Grizzly 399’s life touched countless people, from park visitors who marveled at her cubs to locals who saw her as a symbol of the state’s untamed spirit. Her death was a reminder of the challenges wildlife face in a world increasingly shaped by human activity. By participating in the auction, bidders can help ensure that the habitats of grizzly bears and other animals remain protected for future generations.
A Lasting Tribute to a Wyoming Legend
Wyoming Whiskey’s Queen of the Tetons is more than a bourbon—it’s a celebration of a bear who became a global ambassador for her species. Grizzly 399’s story is one of resilience, motherhood, and the enduring power of nature. The auction of Bottle No. 399, complete with a sample bottle and Mangelsen’s signed print, is a fitting tribute to her legacy. It’s also a call to action for anyone who believes in preserving the wild places that make Wyoming so special.
As the auction unfolds, bourbon collectors, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation supporters are coming together to honor Grizzly 399. Whether you’re drawn to the rich flavors of the bourbon, the artistry of Mangelsen’s photography, or the chance to support the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, this auction offers something truly unique. Place your bid on BlockBar.com before April 29, 2025, and raise a glass to the Queen of the Tetons—a bear whose spirit will live on in every drop of this remarkable bourbon.
