There’s something about visiting one of America’s greatest national parks that just begs for a glass of whiskey in hand. Maybe it’s the vast remoteness, or maybe it’s the rugged spirit of Teddy Roosevelt’s grand conservation experiments—there’s a kindred energy between nature’s wild beauty and a good bourbon.
I’ve been on a bit of a tear with national parks this year, thanks to a spring road trip and my trusty Ninja Cooler. Zion, Arches, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, White Sands, Saguaro, the Grand Canyon at sunset, Yosemite (twice)—my calves and my National Parks America The Beautiful pass got a workout. But nowhere compares to Yellowstone. It’s vast, wide open, and steaming with hot springs, a place where it feels like the Earth itself is alive and restless.
That’s the kind of spirit Wyoming Whiskey captures. Their distillery, the first legal one in the state, doesn’t just make bourbon; they bottle the untamed beauty of the American West. And their latest releases—National Parks No. 4 and Old Faithful—are prime examples of how they’re doing just that.
Let’s kick things off with National Parks No. 4, a bourbon that takes its cues from the alien-like wonder of Yellowstone’s Mammoth Hot Springs. Just like those terraces that have been creeping along for thousands of years, this whiskey knows the power of slow perfection. Aged for five years and pulled from 70 hand-picked barrels, it’s got that patient, well-crafted vibe. Vanilla, candied ginger, and a honeysuckle finish—think of it as a sunset over the Tetons, but in liquid form. And, of course, it’s limited edition—so once it’s gone, it’s gone, like finding an empty parking lot at Old Faithful in July.
I got my hands on National Parks No. 4, and let me tell you—it doesn’t just speak to the West, it shouts from the mountaintops. Bold, rich, and untamed, it’s the perfect pour after a day spent wandering Yellowstone’s bubbling hot springs, soaking in that unmistakable sulfur scent, and watching steam rise from the calderas. This bourbon feels like the wild in a glass.
Then there’s Old Faithful Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a bourbon as bold and reliable as the geyser it’s named after. Aged 10 years and packing a punch at 108 proof, it’s got notes of Black Forest cake, toffee, and baking spices all over it. It’s not just a whiskey to drink—it’s one to savor, especially if you’re trying to impress a few friends who think they know a thing or two about bourbon. And the label? An homage to F. Jay Haynes, the original Yellowstone photographer who was snapping shots of geysers before everyone starting walking around with cameras in their pocket.
But Wyoming Whiskey doesn’t just tip their hat to the land—they put their money where their heart is. They’ve teamed up with the park’s major conservation group called Yellowstone Forever, dropping $150,000 to help protect the park for future generations. So yeah, that Wyoming Whiskey pour? It’s doing more than just satisfying your taste buds.
In short, these new releases are Wyoming Whiskey’s love letter to Yellowstone and the untamed West—wild, majestic, and unpredictable. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just someone who appreciates a dash of frontier spirit because you splurged on a hat at Kemo Sabe on vacation, you’ll want these bottles in your collection.
