Celebrating Yellowstone: Wyoming Whiskey’s Tribute to Mammoth Hot Springs
Wyoming Whiskey has unveiled its latest addition to the National Parks Series, a special edition bourbon inspired by the striking natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.
The National Parks No. 4 Straight Bourbon Whiskey—Mammoth Hot Springs pays homage to the park’s hydrothermal features and aims to support conservation efforts through a partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the park’s official nonprofit partner.
Since 2021, Wyoming Whiskey has dedicated a limited-edition release each year to celebrate America’s national parks, particularly those in Wyoming. This year’s release draws inspiration from Mammoth Hot Springs, a dynamic system of travertine terraces formed over millennia.
“This ever-changing system of terraces mirrors the evolution of bourbon, where time and nature intricately shape the final character,” said Brendan Cook, Wyoming Whiskey’s master blender.
The bourbon reflects the park’s essence with a flavor profile featuring vanilla, candied ginger, crème caramel, and honeysuckle, achieved through the meticulous selection of over 70 barrels aged for a minimum of five years.
Wyoming Whiskey’s partnership with Yellowstone Forever has so far generated $150,000 in donations for conservation efforts. Whitney Brunner, partnerships manager at Yellowstone Forever, highlighted how these funds support critical projects, such as restoring native fish species like the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, which play a vital role in the park’s ecosystem.
“The work is multi-faceted, scientific, and dependent on philanthropic funding,” Brunner explained.
She emphasized the importance of collaborations like this in maintaining Yellowstone’s natural heritage.
Wyoming’s extreme climate significantly influences the aging process of Wyoming Whiskey’s products. Daily temperature swings of up to 55 degrees in summer create a unique maturation environment, where barrels expand and contract dramatically, intensifying the interaction between spirit and wood.
“Wyoming’s environment is tough on the people, but good for the whiskey,” said David DeFazio, Wyoming Whiskey’s co-founder.
However, broader climate change presents challenges for the whiskey industry, from grain shortages to altered aging processes, requiring producers to adapt to maintain consistency.
In addition to the Mammoth Hot Springs bourbon, Wyoming Whiskey recently debuted its first 10-year wheated bourbon, Old Faithful, further showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality. This release honors the founders’ vision of creating a legacy of exceptional bourbon.
Looking ahead, Wyoming Whiskey plans to expand its National Parks Series, continuing to blend conservation with craft.
“National Parks No. 4 reflects Wyoming Whiskey’s commitment to the people, efforts, and foundations that help protect and maintain our national parks,” DeFazio said.
