Wyoming Whiskey Barrel Strength #5540 Review

Distillery: Wyoming Whiskey – Kirby, Wyoming

Proof: 121 (60.5% ABV)

Age: Ten Years years

Mashbill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley

MSRP: $300

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Who They Are

Wyoming isn’t the first state that springs to mind when we think of whiskey. But Wyoming Whiskey, based in small-town Kirby, Wyoming, is again-and-again proving that great whiskey often comes from unexpected places. As the first legal distillery in Wyoming, they sold their first bottle in 2012 and have been making enthusiasts take notice ever since.

Brad and Kate Mead, the distillery’s founders, originally considered venturing into winemaking. But the soil in Kirby didn’t cooperate, steering them instead toward whiskey. After attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and enlisting the expertise of Steve Nally (formerly of Maker’s Mark), their vision for Wyoming Whiskey took shape.

Every step of their whiskey-making process happens in Kirby, from cooking and fermenting to aging and bottling. What sets Kirby apart—and by extension, Wyoming Whiskey—is the environment. At 4,300 feet elevation and with dramatic temperature swings that range from bitter 5°F winters to scorching 135°F summer highs, the conditions create a whiskey-aging process unlike anything found in Kentucky or Tennessee.

Now comes another single barrel release.  Known and labeled as Barrel #5540, this 10-year barrel was not initially put up to be a single-barrel.  But the folks at Wyoming Whiskey think they have something special and are making it available in Wyoming, California, Colorado, Georgia, and Florida.

Wyoming Whiskey Barrel Strength # 5540 Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5

The Nose on Barrel #5540 greeted me with delightful notes of sweet cherry and dried raisins along with an undertone of rich molasses sweetness. There’s also a distinct smokiness, which makes perfect sense given its decade of aging. What’s notably absent is the overpowering oakiness that I often find in 9+-year-old whiskeys. The balance between sweet and smoky is striking, setting up high expectations for the Palate.

Palate – 3.75/5

The mouthfeel on Barrel #5540 is big, bold, and full-bodied—exactly what you’d hope for in a barrel-proof whiskey. The signature wheat notes that are characteristic of many Wyoming Whiskey expressions shine here, providing a softness. A touch of acidic citrus adds a layer of complexity without being overpowered by the 121-proof intensity. The balance of flavors makes for a highly engaging experience.

Finish – 4/5

The Finish is where the proof and aging make their presence known. Even though the proof is a 121, the strong, warming burn—what the distillery aptly describes as a true “Wyoming bear hug”—was unexpected. The acidic citrus from the Palate lingers here, complemented by Note akin to 70% dark Cacao. While the finish ties everything together nicely, it is not subtle and leans toward intensity, which may not appeal to everyone.

Value – 3.75/5

Let’s address the obvious elephant in the room: with a $300 MSRP, Barrel #5540 is a significant investment. It is not a casual addition to your collection and won’t become an everyday sipper. 

Wyoming Whiskey Barrel Strength # 5540: The Verdict

Verdict – 4/5

Barrel #5540 is a testament to what makes Wyoming Whiskey stand out. From the bold, smoky Nose to the balanced, full-bodied Palate and Wyoming bear hug Finish, it is a whiskey that delivers both quality and complexity. The price point makes this a deliberate purchase for enthusiasts who appreciate limited, high-quality releases and value the opportunity to own a piece of the Wyoming Whiskey story.

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3