In the rugged heart of Wyoming, where wide-open plains meet towering mountains, a unique collaboration has given rise to a bourbon that captures the spirit of one of the state’s most beloved fictional heroes. Pine Bluffs Distilling, a family-owned craft distillery, has teamed up with Wyoming author C.J. Box to create a Joe Pickett-inspired “Bottled in Bond” Bourbon. With only 1,000 bottles produced, this limited-edition release celebrates the down-to-earth game warden who has captivated readers across more than 20 novels since his debut in Open Season in 2001. Available at select Wyoming retailers starting April 18, 2025, and celebrated with a release party on April 19, this bourbon is a must-have for fans of Box’s work and whiskey enthusiasts alike.
A Bourbon Worthy of Joe Pickett
Joe Pickett, the mystery-solving Wyoming game warden created by C.J. Box, is known for his integrity, resilience, and quiet strength—qualities that shine through in the face of corrupt bureaucrats, cowboy hitmen, and environmental terrorists. These same traits are said to be embodied in the Joe Pickett Bourbon, a carefully crafted spirit priced at $65 per bottle. According to Chad Brown, co-owner of Pine Bluffs Distilling, the bourbon is “very, very easy to drink and delicious,” making it a fitting tribute to the character who often unwinds with a bourbon and water at the end of a long day.
The bourbon’s label features the “Joe Pickett” name alongside an elk rack design, a nod to the Wyoming wilderness that serves as the backdrop for Box’s novels. Crafted using locally sourced grains, the bourbon reflects the distillery’s commitment to showcasing Wyoming’s agricultural heritage. Brown emphasized that the final product is worthy of Pickett’s legacy, describing it as a smooth, flavorful whiskey that captures the essence of the character’s unassuming heroism.
C.J. Box himself played a hands-on role in the bourbon’s creation. “Chad and Theresa (Brown) set it all up so we could taste different barrels and choose the best blend,” Box said. “It turned out terrific.” The result is a “Bottled in Bond” bourbon, a designation that ensures the spirit meets strict federal standards for quality, including being aged for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. For Box, the collaboration was not only a chance to honor his iconic character but also an opportunity to learn about the intricate whiskey-making process.
A Celebration at Pine Bluffs Distilling
To mark the bourbon’s release, Pine Bluffs Distilling is hosting a lively release party on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at their tasting room located at 115 Bourbon St., Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. The event, running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., promises to be a memorable celebration for fans of Joe Pickett and bourbon lovers alike. C.J. Box will be on hand from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., signing bottles purchased at the distillery as well as bottles bought from retailers, which attendees are welcome to bring. He will also sign copies of his books, including his latest novel, Battle Mountain, released in February 2025.
The release party will feature a festive atmosphere, complete with live music from the band Winnie Brave starting at 7 p.m., barbecue food trucks, and a limited number of Joe Pickett whiskey glasses available for purchase. Proceeds from the glasses, like a portion of the bourbon sales, will benefit the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, a charity close to Box’s heart, as his wife serves on its board. The initiative, founded by Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon, supports efforts to combat food insecurity across the state.
Due to the limited supply of 1,000 bottles, the distillery has imposed a one-bottle-per-person limit for purchases at the release party, with sales beginning at 4:30 p.m. Brown anticipates that the distillery’s allocation will sell out quickly, likely by the end of the event. For those unable to attend, a small portion of the bottles is available for presale online through the Pine Bluffs Distilling website, with delivery expected to take about three weeks.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
The idea for the Joe Pickett Bourbon was sparked by Chad Brown, who approached Box with a vision to create a whiskey that honored the bourbon-drinking protagonist. “I just thought it would be really cool if we have this Wyoming game warden, who drinks bourbon in the book, if he had his own bourbon,” Brown said. Box, a bourbon enthusiast himself, was quick to embrace the idea, particularly because Pine Bluffs Distilling uses locally sourced grains, a detail he found “very important” for authentically representing Wyoming.
The collaboration began to take shape in 2024, when several of the distillery’s barrels reached the four-year mark required for the “Bottled in Bond” designation. Box, along with his wife and Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon, visited the distillery to sample various barrels and select the perfect blend. The process was a learning experience for Box, who gained a deeper appreciation for the craft of whiskey-making. “You know, Joe Pickett drinks bourbon, and I drink bourbon,” Box said, noting the personal connection he felt to the project.
The bourbon’s release coincides with the launch of Battle Mountain, the 25th novel in the Joe Pickett series, making 2025 a significant year for fans. While Brown was uncertain about whether copies of the book would be available for sale at the release party, discussions were underway to potentially offer some as giveaways. The timing of the bourbon and book releases creates a unique opportunity for fans to celebrate both milestones in Pickett’s journey.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
A portion of the proceeds from the Joe Pickett Bourbon sales will go to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, a cause that resonates deeply with Box and his family. The charity, led by Jennie Gordon, works to address hunger and food insecurity in Wyoming communities. Box’s wife, who serves on the initiative’s board, has been a key supporter of its mission. By choosing to donate a portion of the bourbon’s proceeds, Pine Bluffs Distilling and Box are not only honoring a fictional hero but also making a tangible difference in the lives of Wyoming residents.
The distillery’s commitment to community extends beyond this collaboration. Pine Bluffs Distilling, which opened in 2017, has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, hosting events like painting parties, board game nights, and yoga sessions. The distillery’s tasting room, described as a “community gathering spot,” reflects its mission to use local grains, provide local jobs, and operate with transparency.
Availability and Future Possibilities
The Joe Pickett Bourbon hit select Wyoming liquor stores on Friday, April 18, 2025, with bottles distributed by the state earlier that week. For those outside Wyoming, online presale orders are available through the Pine Bluffs Distilling website, with Big Thirst Inc., a Texas-based spirit distribution company, handling the logistics. The distillery is finalizing details for broader online ordering, with more information expected soon after the release party.
Given the limited run of 1,000 bottles, fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their own piece of Joe Pickett history. The bourbon’s $65 price point makes it an accessible yet exclusive addition to any whiskey collection, and its ties to Wyoming’s literary and cultural heritage add to its appeal.
Looking ahead, Box hinted at the possibility of future collaborations, perhaps creating a special brew inspired by another character from his novels, such as Pickett’s friend Nate Romanowski, who has been known to share a glass of Wyoming Whiskey with the game warden. When asked whether Joe Pickett himself would buy his own brand of bourbon, Box chuckled and replied, “I would hope so.”
Why This Bourbon Matters
The Joe Pickett Bourbon is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of Wyoming’s spirit, from its locally sourced grains to its connection to one of the state’s most iconic literary figures. For fans of C.J. Box, the bourbon offers a chance to connect with Joe Pickett in a new way, sipping a whiskey that reflects the character’s values and the rugged beauty of the Wyoming wilderness. For Pine Bluffs Distilling, it’s an opportunity to showcase their craft and commitment to community, all while supporting a worthy cause.
Whether you’re attending the release party, snagging a bottle at a local retailer, or ordering online, the Joe Pickett Bourbon is a limited-edition gem that’s sure to sell out quickly. So raise a glass to Joe Pickett, the game warden who’s been solving mysteries and winning hearts for over two decades, and savor a taste of Wyoming’s finest.
