Wyoming Whiskey has launched a special bourbon called Queen of the Tetons in tribute to one of Wyoming’s most iconic grizzly bears, Grizzly 399, who tragically passed away in October 2024. Grizzly 399, a beloved fixture of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, was celebrated globally for her resilience and beauty. At the age of 28, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the area, and her life symbolized the majesty of Wyoming’s wilderness.
Image credit: Wyoming Whiskey
Grizzly 399’s passing due to a car accident near Grand Teton National Park has left an emotional void among wildlife lovers, conservationists, and locals. Throughout her life, she captured the admiration of people worldwide, often drawing crowds to witness her in her natural habitat along the Snake River, where she raised 18 cubs over nearly three decades. Her presence not only enhanced local tourism but also served as a reminder of the natural beauty and challenges that come with preserving wildlife in its native environment.
Wyoming Whiskey’s limited-edition release Queen of the Tetons is dedicated to Grizzly 399’s legacy, embodying what the company describes as her “bold, unforgettable, and untamed spirit.” In an effort to honor her life and further support wildlife preservation, Wyoming Whiskey has pledged a $20,000 donation to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. This contribution will fund various initiatives to protect the habitat of grizzlies and other wildlife, supporting education, conservation, and research programs within the park.
For Wyoming Whiskey, this release is more than just a new product; it represents a longstanding commitment to conservation and preserving Wyoming’s untamed landscapes. Company co-founder David DeFazio spoke on the significance of this tribute, stating that Grizzly 399 “earned her title as the Queen of the Tetons by placing her 28 years of life on display.” He went on to describe how her resilience inspired countless onlookers, reinforcing Wyoming Whiskey’s mission to not only create premium bourbon but also to give back to the land that defines it.
In line with the importance of Grizzly 399’s story, Queen of the Tetons features a specially designed bottle bearing her image, captured by renowned nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen. Mangelsen, a celebrated wildlife photographer, spent years documenting Grizzly 399 and her cubs, helping to share her story with the world. His photograph on the bottle serves as a visual reminder of her presence and impact, making this release a collectible item with meaning beyond the bourbon inside.
This exclusive release is available only in limited quantities, with fewer than 720 bottles produced. Queen of the Tetons is offered at Wyoming Whiskey’s Jackson Barrel House, located at 45 W. Broadway in Jackson, and at the Wyoming Whiskey Shop in Kirby, as well as at selected retailers across Wyoming. Each bottle, set at a suggested retail price of $84.99, contains a bourbon with an ABV of 49.5% (99 proof).
In a unique move to further support conservation efforts, Wyoming Whiskey has designated the 399th bottle of this collection to be auctioned, with all proceeds benefiting the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. This bottle, a meaningful tribute to Grizzly 399, offers collectors and conservation supporters an opportunity to contribute directly to protecting the natural habitats within Grand Teton National Park. Wyoming Whiskey encourages anyone interested in the auction to follow their social media channels or sign up for their newsletter to receive updates.
For bourbon enthusiasts, the tasting notes of Queen of the Tetons offer a complex, inviting experience. The nose carries a blend of honey and ripe field berries, enriched by a light touch of cinnamon spice. On the palate, drinkers will find flavors of white chocolate mocha with subtle hints of red fruit and rich brown sugar. The finish is smooth and lingering, with soft vanilla and a trace of candied ginger, making it a fitting tribute to the lasting impact Grizzly 399 had on all who encountered her.
The Queen of the Tetons release reflects Wyoming Whiskey’s dedication to crafting high-quality, uniquely Wyoming products. The company, founded by the Mead family, has deep roots in the state, drawing from Wyoming’s natural resources to create their whiskies. Wyoming Whiskey sources corn, winter wheat, winter rye, and barley from the Bighorn Basin, as well as pure water from the region, ensuring that every drop is a product of the state. Since its founding, Wyoming Whiskey has prioritized not only creating premium spirits but also using its platform to benefit conservation efforts across the state.
In summary, Queen of the Tetons by Wyoming Whiskey stands as a heartfelt homage to Grizzly 399, combining the beauty of Wyoming’s wilderness with the art of bourbon-making. Through this release, Wyoming Whiskey celebrates the spirit of a grizzly that will forever be remembered as a symbol of resilience, while also contributing to the ongoing preservation of the habitats she called home. Whether bought as a collector’s item or auctioned to raise funds, Queen of the Tetons is more than a drink—it’s a legacy in a bottle.
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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.
