Wyoming Whiskey, the first legal distillery in Wyoming, is once again raising a glass to the state's breathtaking landscapes. This time, the distillery is honoring the beauty of Yellowstone National Park with two new bourbon releases in its highly anticipated National Parks Series. These bottles are designed to capture the essence of Yellowstone's most iconic landmarks—Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful—and to celebrate the adventurous spirit of America's first national park.
National Parks Series No. 4: Mammoth Hot Springs Bourbon
The first bottle, National Parks No. 4, highlights one of Yellowstone's stunning natural features, Mammoth Hot Springs. This bourbon has been crafted from a blend of more than 70 specially selected barrels, aged for a minimum of five years. Bottled at 49% ABV (alcohol by volume), it promises a flavorful drinking experience that reflects the rugged yet beautiful terrain of Wyoming.
The tasting notes for this straight bourbon are as follows:
- Color: Rich copper
- Nose: A complex blend of crème brûlée, cherry compote, toasted coconut, and confectioners’ sugar
- Palate: Crème caramel paired with Mexican vanilla and candied ginger
- Finish: A floral honeysuckle note lingers, with the addition of dark chocolate and espresso
Priced at $79.99, National Parks No. 4 is available in 27 states across the country, making it more accessible to whiskey lovers eager to take home a piece of Wyoming's wilderness in a bottle. Previous editions of the National Parks Series have also drawn attention, with some honoring landmarks like Grand Teton, but this release aims to further the legacy of the series with a nod to the awe-inspiring Mammoth Hot Springs.
Old Faithful Bourbon: A Tribute to an Icon
Image credit: Wyoming Whiskey
The second release, Old Faithful Straight Bourbon, is a more exclusive offering. Named after Yellowstone's most famous geyser, Old Faithful, this whiskey is Wyoming Whiskey’s tribute to one of the most iconic natural wonders not only of Yellowstone but of the entire U.S. The bottle design even features a photograph of Old Faithful taken by 19th-century photographer F. Jay Haynes, who documented the beauty of the American Northwest.
The bourbon itself is a blend of three handpicked barrels, each aged for ten years, making this the oldest wheated bourbon ever produced by Wyoming Whiskey. Bottled at 54% ABV, this is a bold, high-proof whiskey with deep, complex flavors.
The tasting notes for Old Faithful bourbon include:
- Color: Mahogany
- Nose: Rich aromas of deep red fruits and dark chocolate
- Palate: Layers of baking spices, orange peel, toffee, and decadent Black Forest cake with a hint of crushed almonds
- Finish: Cacao powder, vanilla bean, toasted spice, and dried sultanas
At $499 a bottle, Old Faithful bourbon is a limited-edition release with only 500 bottles available. These are exclusively sold in Wyoming, California, and Colorado, making it a coveted item for both whiskey collectors and fans of Yellowstone National Park.
A Partnership for Preservation
Wyoming Whiskey’s connection to Yellowstone goes beyond just naming their bottles after the park’s famous sites. The distillery is committed to supporting the preservation of Yellowstone National Park. As part of this year’s release, Wyoming Whiskey has donated $150,000 to Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of the park. This generous contribution supports efforts to protect and preserve the park for future generations, enhancing the environmental impact of this whiskey series.
Co-founder David DeFazio expressed his pride in the ongoing collaboration with Yellowstone Forever. “National Parks No. 4 has been crafted from barrels specifically selected to continue the distinctive flavor profile of our National Parks Series, celebrating the adventurous spirit of these treasured wide-open spaces,” DeFazio said. He added that the Old Faithful bottling is particularly special as it represents the oldest wheated bourbon to ever come from their distillery.
Wyoming Whiskey: A Taste of the Great Outdoors
Wyoming Whiskey has always taken pride in crafting bourbons that represent the spirit of their home state. Based in the small town of Kirby, the distillery uses locally sourced ingredients and pure Wyoming water to create bourbons that encapsulate the rugged beauty of the region. Every bottle of Wyoming Whiskey tells a story, from the wide-open landscapes of the West to the history of Wyoming itself.
Both National Parks No. 4 and Old Faithful are more than just whiskeys; they’re a way to experience Yellowstone through taste. Whether you’re admiring the copper hue of the Mammoth Hot Springs bottle or sipping on the rich, spicy flavors of the Old Faithful edition, these bourbons offer a sensory journey through one of America’s most beloved national treasures.
Availability and Pricing
For those eager to add these unique bottles to their collection, here’s a quick rundown of where and how to find them:
- National Parks No. 4 is now available in 27 states nationwide at a price of $79.99.
- Old Faithful Straight Bourbon is extremely limited, with just 500 bottles available in Wyoming, California, and Colorado. This exclusive bottle is priced at $499.
Whether you’re a long-time Wyoming Whiskey fan or a new enthusiast, these two releases offer something truly special. From supporting Yellowstone to experiencing the rich, crafted flavors that the distillery is known for, both bottles are a fitting tribute to Wyoming’s natural beauty and its place in American whiskey-making.
Final Thoughts
Wyoming Whiskey’s latest releases, National Parks No. 4 and Old Faithful, are a celebration of the rugged beauty and history of Yellowstone National Park. Through their partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the distillery not only offers whiskey lovers an exceptional drinking experience but also helps ensure that the park remains protected for generations to come. Whether you’re exploring the notes of crème caramel and candied ginger in National Parks No. 4 or savoring the deep complexity of the Old Faithful bourbon, these new bottles are a toast to the great outdoors and the timeless beauty of Yellowstone.
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About Wyoming Whiskey
Wyoming Whiskey is a relatively young but rapidly emerging American craft distillery located in Kirby, Wyoming. Founded in 2009 by the Mead family, it represents a new generation of whiskey producers in the United States. The distillery's location in the heart of Wyoming's Big Horn Basin provides access to the pure mountain water from the nearby Bighorn Mountains, a key ingredient in their whiskey production.
One of Wyoming Whiskey's standout features is its dedication to crafting small-batch, handcrafted bourbon. The distillery takes pride in producing all aspects of their whiskey in-house, from mashing the grains to distillation and aging. This hands-on approach allows for meticulous quality control throughout the entire whiskey-making process.
Wyoming Whiskey's flagship product, the Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, has garnered acclaim for its rich and well-balanced flavor profile. Made from a mash bill primarily consisting of corn, along with wheat, malted barley, and a touch of rye, it is aged in new American oak barrels for a minimum of five years. The result is a bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a subtle spiciness that has gained recognition among bourbon enthusiasts.
In addition to their Small Batch Bourbon, Wyoming Whiskey offers a variety of limited-edition releases and single barrel expressions. These offerings showcase the distillery's commitment to innovation and experimentation, allowing whiskey lovers to explore different facets of their craft.
Wyoming Whiskey's commitment to quality and the use of locally sourced ingredients have contributed to its reputation as one of the rising stars in the American whiskey scene. The distillery's emphasis on sustainability and community engagement aligns with the values of the Wyoming community, further solidifying its place in the craft whiskey landscape.
The distillery also offers tours and tastings, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about their production process and appreciate the unique flavors of Wyoming-made bourbon. In summary, Wyoming Whiskey is an exciting addition to the American craft whiskey scene, known for its small-batch, handcrafted bourbon and its commitment to quality, tradition, and sustainability. With a focus on excellence and a growing reputation, Wyoming Whiskey is poised for continued success in the world of American whiskey.
