Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Wyoming Whiskey. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Wyoming Whiskey has been proudly crafting every drop of their whiskey since 2012. Along the way, they’ve made several special editions, including the Steamboat, honoring the unrideable horse that inspired the state’s iconic symbol. They’re back with a new project that gives back to one of our great treasures: the National Parks Service.
The foundation of the line is the Wyoming Whiskey National Parks Special Edition Bourbon, aged five years and having endured five brutal Wyoming winters. This whiskey honors Grand Teton National Park and sports a breathtaking view of the glaciated peaks. Each sale kicks back ten percent to the National Park Foundation (NPF. And yes, that’s singular, as much as your brain and mine want to read ‘Parks’).
NPF is the charitable arm of the National Parks Service. Their work follows two main threads: to protect and connect. They protect the resilience and sustainability of the parks system, to ensure the parks of the future; they look to preserve the history and culture of those spaces; and safeguard the landscapes and wildlife that make the parks unique. The connecting mission of the NPF brings the parks to youth through education and engagement, encourages everyone to explore the outdoors, and integrates surrounding communities and the parks’ own workforces.
Recently, NPF has been working more to promote all people feeling welcome in national parks, teaming up with Outdoor Afro leader Brittany Leavitt and highlighting the role of women in national parks.
Much of the press around Wyoming Whiskey x NPF has been about the Wide-Open Spaces Collection. These were four single, special bottles dedicated to favorite WY spots. Each bottle features a striking aerial image and is tucked into box fronted by a wooden topographical map. Harrison Ford, sometime resident of Wyoming for the past 35 years, added a little celebrity sparkle as creative director, choosing which four images would grace the bottles. The four were auctioned off in April 2021, with all proceeds going to NPF.
Tasting Notes: Wyoming Whiskey National Parks Special Edition Bourbon
Vital stats: Wyoming Whiskey National Parks Special Edition Bourbon is 92 proof, five years old, and though the precise mash bill is undisclosed, word on the street says it’s made from 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley. Find a 750mL bottle for $50 in NY, GA, CO and WY, as well as on Flaviar and Reserve Bar.
Appearance: This liquid is a very clear amber that beads and slowly forms fat tears.
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Nose: First impression is buttery caramel, followed by allspice and orange peel. Cola predominates as it rests in the glass, with a slight note of pickle way in the background.
Palate: Surprisingly bitey on the palate. Very spicy: black pepper, more allspice and then vanilla extract. Peach skin on the midpalate is rounded out with a medium long sandalwood finish.
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