Distillery: Wyoming Whiskey, Kirby, WY
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Mashbill:
Blend of two whiskeys:
- 51% Winter Rye; 37% Corn; 12% Malted Barley
- 68% Corn; 20% Winter Rye; 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $85
Still: Unknown, but probably Column Still
Company
I do not think of a whiskey-making region when I think of Wyoming. Instead, Wyoming conjures images of grandeur mountains rising out of flatlands and geysers spewing from sulfur-stained grounds.
Bison roaming unfettered and moose traversing across roadways. Cowboys and big blue skies that stretch as far as you can see. I picture incredible sunsets, thousands of stars, campfires, and storytelling.
Could it be that good whiskey comes out of Wyoming?
Wyoming Whiskey, the first legal distillery in Wyoming, sold its first bottle in 2012. They have been going strong ever since. Owners Brad and Kate Mead initially wanted to go into winemaking. But the soil in Kirby, Wyoming, wasn’t suited for wine.
So, they pivoted to making whiskey instead. They were off and running after making some contacts at a Kentucky Bourbon Festival and getting help from Steve Nally (previously with Maker’s Mark).
Production
Grains are sourced less than 100 miles from Kirby. Wyoming Whiskey cooks, ferments, distills, barrels, and ages in Kirby.
At an elevation nearing 4300’ and temperature swings from 5°F winter lows to 135°F summer highs, Kirby, Wyoming is far different from what we typically consider an ideal environment for aging whiskey.
But those wide temperature swings can be an advantage as well by forcing the whiskey to interact deeper and more often with the wood.
Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Review: Tasting Notes
Nose 4/5
I often find high rye whiskeys to have a medicinal note. Some more than others. From first nose, that is not the case with Outryder. Instead, you may find a particularly pleasant smoked orange front and center. Underneath that is a hint of what brings back memories from spending time on my grandfather’s farm during the summer. As he moved sun baked hay bales into the barn, the aroma of sweet grains hung lightly in the air and slowly dissipated in the cool of the barn’s shade.
Palate 4/5
Upfront, there is an immediate delight of warm cornbread smothered in a smokey sweet butter. The pop of rye, muted by the sweetness of corn, quickly arises on the tongue’s back corners. A pleasant warm texture lingers just long enough to leave you enthusiastic for another sip.
Finish 4.5/5
The long slow finish stands as evidence of a high-quality whiskey. A hint of citrus touched ever so slightly with a hit of cinnamon leaves you wanting more of the goodness that is Outryder.
Value 4.5/5
At a $85 MSRP, Wyoming Whiskey Outryder, with its light copper color, muted smokey orange on the nose, combination of sweet and pepper on the palate and delightful mouthfeel, is a definite buy. This one goes into the “Best Whiskeys Under $100” list. Normally, I love to find whiskeys that I am enthusiastic about sharing. With Outryder, I will reserve it for only those friends who appreciate great whiskey. Another star whiskey from Wyoming Whiskey!
Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Review: The Verdict
4.5/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.25 – 5
- Gold – 3.25 – 4.24
- Silver – 2.75 – 3.24
- Bronze – <2.75
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.