Wyoming Whiskey Appoints New Master Blender

Wyoming Whiskey, Wyoming’s first legal distillery, has announced the appointment of a new master blender. Brendan Cook, who has a background in both scotch and Canadian whisky, will bring years of expertise and a refined palate to his new role. 

Cook joined Wyoming Whiskey at the end of 2023, and is now succeeding Nancy Fraley as master blender for the brand. 

Brendan Cook’s Career So Far

Brendan Cook moved to a new residence in Kirby, Wyoming, in order to be closer to the distillery. This allowed him to become more hands-on in his role, implementing a year-round sampling procedure, as well as the daily monitoring of casks, and overseeing quality control. As a result of his dedication, Cook understands every aspect of how Wyoming Whiskey is produced and was the perfect choice for master blender. 

Reflecting on the learning process, Cook said: “Being based in Kirby allows me to closely monitor the maturation of our casks week by week, month by month. This proximity allows me to personally evaluate their progress and sample the spirit, which enables us to strategically move casks at just the right time and fine-tune our new blends.”

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Cook also has an extensive knowledge of cask types and how these affect the overall profile of a whiskey. Such a basis of knowledge gives Cook plenty of room to experiment and innovate in his new role. 

Wyoming Whiskey Going Forward 

Brendan Cook is eager to begin experimenting and pushing the boundaries of what the brand can do. Since entering his new role, Cook has seen the launch of Wyoming Whiskey Independence Rock. This annual Wyoming-exclusive release, launched in July 2024, marked a new chapter for the brand. 

Going forward, Wyoming Whiskey will continue to explore how its unique location and terroir affect the whiskey-making process. According to a brand press release, “Cook’s leadership is poised to elevate Wyoming Whiskey in the category, strengthening the brand’s commitment to crafting exceptional spirits that are a true expression of Wyoming’s rugged and pristine landscape.”