Wyoming

Inside The Making Of Wyoming Whiskey’s Tribute To Yellowstone National Park

Published

1 year ago

December 22, 2024

The latest release refflects Wyoming Whiskey’s ongoing dedication to both the environment and the craftsmanship of bourbon.

Wyoming Whiskey

Each year since 2021, Wyoming Whiskey has released a special edition bottle to highlight America’s national parks, and naturally, particularly those in the state of Wyoming.

The company recently announced the release of its fourth limited edition whiskey in the brand’s annual National Parks Series: the National Parks No. 4 Straight Bourbon Whiskey—Mammoth Hot Springs. This bourbon honors Yellowstone National Park and aims to support its preservation efforts through a collaboration with the official nonprofit partner, Yellowstone Forever.

“The straight bourbon whiskey celebrates Yellowstone, a place of natural wonder boasting half of the world’s known hydrothermal features, including Mammoth Hot Springs,” says David DeFazio, Wyoming Whiskey’s co-founder and National Brand Ambassador in a Zoom interview. “This ever-changing system of travertine terraces has been formed over thousands of years, and the National Parks No. 4 release is a tribute to the park’s unique and evolving landscape.”

Whitney Brunner, partnerships manager at Yellowstone Forever Partnerships Manager, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, which has so far resulted in $150,000 in donations to support conservation initiatives within the park.

“The work is multi-faceted, scientific and dependent on philanthropic funding,” says Brunner.

Climate change presents serious challenges for the American whiskey industry, impacting weather patterns and the availability of raw materials. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall affect the growth of essential grains like corn and barley, potentially leading to shortages and higher costs. Additionally, warmer conditions can speed up the aging process in barrels, altering flavor profiles and reducing the ideal maturation time. As these environmental changes affect the landscape and local wildlife, whiskey producers may need to adapt by sourcing grains from new regions or adjusting aging techniques to maintain product consistency.

The already extreme climate of Wyoming plays a crucial role in the maturation process of Wyoming Whiskey’s products. During the summer, temperature swings of over 55 degrees within a single day influence the maturation of each cask. The barrels breathe in and out dramatically during these temperature fluctuations, allowing the whiskey to interact more intensely with the wood. This process shapes the final character of the spirit, making it uniquely reflective of Wyoming’s climate.

“Wyoming’s environment is tough on the people, but good for the whiskey,” DeFazio says.

One of the key projects funded through this partnership is the restoration of Yellowstone’s native fish species, such as the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Brunner explains that native fish are vital to the park’s ecosystem, serving as a crucial food source for many species, including bears, otters and birds of prey.

Brendan Cook, Wyoming Whiskey’s master blender, draws a parallel between the formation of the park’s natural terraces and the bourbon aging process.

“Mammoth Hot Springs, with its tiered formations and layers of mineral deposits, mirrors the aging process of bourbon, where time and nature intricately shape the final character,” Cook says.

The complex interaction between spirit, wood and the surrounding environment during the aging process contributes to the bourbon’s distinct flavor profile. Like the hot springs, the bourbon evolves over time, developing layers of flavor as it matures. Aged for a minimum of five years, the National Parks No. 4 whiskey offers a blend of flavors such as vanilla, candied ginger, crème caramel and honeysuckle.

Over 70 barrels were carefully selected for the National Parks No. 4 release, with each barrel chosen from specific areas within the warehouse to create layers of flavor. The team’s attention to detail in the blending process ensures that each bottle of National Parks No. 4 bourbon captures the essence of Wyoming’s natural landscape and the park it honors.

In addition to the Mammoth Hot Springs release, Wyoming Whiskey has also launched a new expression called Old Faithful. This marks the first-ever release of a 10-year wheated bourbon from Wyoming Whiskey. DeFazio explains that while previous 10-year editions included rye bourbon, this release pays homage to the vision of the founders and the original master distiller, who aimed to create “the next great wheated bourbon.”

Looking ahead, Wyoming Whiskey intends to continue its focus on conservation efforts through future projects in the National Parks Series. DeFazio emphasizes the importance of these releases in shaping the brand’s legacy.

“National Parks No. 4 reflects Wyoming Whiskey’s commitment to the people, efforts and foundations that help protect and maintain our national parks,” he says.

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Wyoming

Severe thunderstorms, tornado risk threaten southeast Wyoming today, Tuesday

Published

2 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Press Room

Severe thunderstorms, tornado risk threaten southeast Wyoming today, Tuesday

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes could hit southeast Wyoming this afternoon and Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued a level two out of five slight risk for the eastern high plains on Monday.

There is a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather on Monday. The strongest storms are expected between 3 and 9 p.m. (National Weather Service graphic)

All modes of severe weather are possible: hail, damaging wind gusts, and an isolated tornado or two. (National Weather Service graphic)

Cheyenne has a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. today, with a forecast high near 73 degrees. Winds will shift from the northwest to the southeast at 10–15 mph during the morning hours. Storm chances drop to 20% before 9 p.m., and areas of fog will develop after midnight as temperatures fall to a low around 52.

Tuesday brings a repeat of storm threats after noon. Morning fog will give way to mostly cloudy skies, which will gradually clear later in the day with a high near 75. Low-level moisture and atmospheric spin along and east of the Interstate 25 corridor could trigger severe conditions, with large hail listed as the main threat.

Showers remain possible mid-week, with a 50% chance of rain on Wednesday afternoon and a high near 77 degrees^.

A drying and warming trend will settle over Laramie County starting Thursday. High temperatures will climb to 79 on Thursday, 82 on Friday, and peak at 85 under sunny skies on Saturday.

Any remaining storms later in the week will likely produce high winds rather than rain due to dry air near the surface.

Detailed Forecast

Today: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 73. North northwest wind 5–10 mph becoming south southeast 10–15 mph in the morning.
Tonight: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South southeast wind 5–10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 75. South southeast wind 5–15 mph.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 9 p.m. and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. South southeast wind 5–10 mph becoming west southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m., then a chance of showers between 9 p.m. and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Sunny, with a high near 82.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

More on the weather is available at the National Weather Service website.

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Wyoming

Your Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, June 1, 2026

Published

12 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Press Room

Your Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, June 1, 2026

Today’s Wyoming sunrise was captured by Tom Boatman. Tom writes, “I took this at Goldeneye Reservoir. Pelicans enjoying the morning…”

To submit your Wyoming sunrise photo, email us at: News@CowboyStateDaily.com

NOTE: Please send us the highest-quality version of your photo. The larger the file, the better.

NOTE #2: Please include where you are from and where the photo was taken.

NOTE #3: Tell us about your sunrise. What do you like about it?

NOTE #4: We prefer horizontal (not vertical) photos. Thanks!

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Wyoming

Don Day’s Wyoming Weather Forecast: Sunday, May 31, 2026

Published

22 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Press Room

Chance of rain in parts of Wyoming on Sunday with some sun in the south. Breezy overnight with a chance of rain early. Highs from the mid 50s to near 80. Lows from the mid 20s to upper 40s.

Central:

Casper: Chance of rain, otherwise partly sunny and breezy today with a high near 71 and wind gusts as high as 34 mph. Partly cloudy and breezy overnight with a slight chance of rain before 8 p.m., a low near 43 and wind gusts as high as 31 mph.

Riverton: Chance of rain, otherwise mostly sunny and breezy today with a high near 72 and wind gusts as high as 33 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a slight chance of rain before 7 p.m., a low near 41 and wind gusts as high as 25 mph.

Shoshoni: Chance of rain, otherwise partly sunny and windy today with a high near 70 and wind gusts as high as 37 mph. Mostly clear and windy overnight with a slight chance of rain before 7 p.m., a low near 43 and wind gusts as high as 36 mph.

Southwest:

Evanston: Sunny today with a high near 61 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 33.

Green River: Sunny and breezy today with a high near 66 and wind gusts as high as 28 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 38 and wind gusts as high as 24 mph.

Kemmerer: Breezy, gradually becoming sunny today with a high near 61 and wind gusts as high as 29 mph. Increasing clouds and breezy overnight with a low near 33 and wind gusts as high as 23 mph.

Western Wyoming:

Pinedale: Slight chance of rain, breezy, gradually becoming sunny today with a high near 59 and wind gusts as high as 28 mph. Mostly clear and blustery overnight with a low near 29 and wind gusts as high as 25 mph.

Alpine: Chance of rain, gradually clearing today with a high near 64 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low near 35.

Big Piney: Breezy, gradually becoming sunny today with a high near 62 and wind gusts as high as 29 mph. Mostly clear and blustery overnight with a low near 27 and wind gusts as high as 25 mph.

Northwest:

Dubois: Chance of rain mainly after 1 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny and breezy today with a high near 57 and wind gusts as high as 37 mph. Mostly clear and windy overnight with a low near 34 and wind gusts as high as 40 mph.

Jackson: Chance of rain, gradually becoming mostly sunny today with a high near 62 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low near 33.

Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park: Rain likely today with a high near 50 and wind gusts as high as 24 mph. Gradually becoming mostly clear overnight with a chance of rain before 11 p.m., a low near 29 and wind gusts as high as 21 mph.

Bighorn Basin:

Thermopolis: Rain likely today with a high near 66 and mostly clear overnight with a slight chance of rain before 9 p.m. and a low near 43.

Cody: Rain likely, cloudy and breezy today with a high near 63 and wind gusts as high as 24 mph. Gradually becoming mostly clear overnight with a chance of rain before 10 p.m. and a low near 43.

Ten Sleep: Rain likely, breezy today with a high near 65 and wind gusts as high as 23 mph. Gradually becoming clear overnight with a slight chance of rain before 9 p.m., a low near 45 and wind gusts as high as 21 mph.

North Central:

Buffalo: Rain likely, breezy today with a high near 61 and wind gusts as high as 22 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain before 8 p.m., a low near 44 and wind gusts as high as 21 mph.

Sheridan: Rain likely, mostly cloudy today with a high near 64 and wind from 16-21 mph. Gradually becoming mostly clear overnight with a slight chance of rain before 9 p.m., a low near 38 and wind from 11-16 mph.

Big Horn: Rain likely today with a high near 62 and wind from 11-16 mph. Gradually becoming mostly clear overnight with a slight chance of rain before 9 p.m. and a low near 42.

Northeast:

Gillette: Rain likely today with a high near 63 and wind gusts as high as 26 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain before midnight, a low near 39 and wind gusts as high as 26 mph.

Newcastle: Rain likely today with a high near 69 and wind gusts as high as 23 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain before midnight, a low near 43 and wind gusts as high as 23 mph.

Upton: Rain likely today with a high near 67 and wind gusts as high as 22 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain before midnight, a low near 39 and wind gusts as high as 23 mph.

Eastern Plains:

Torrington: Sunny and breezy today with a high near 81 and wind gusts as high as 35 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 48 and wind gusts as high as 30 mph.

Lusk: Chance of rain after noon, otherwise mostly sunny and breezy today with a high near 71 and wind gusts as high as 30 mph. Partly cloudy and breezy overnight with a slight chance of rain before 9 p.m., a low near 40 and wind gusts as high as 30 mph.

Midwest: Rain likely, otherwise partly sunny and breezy today with a high near 68 and wind gusts as high as 29 mph. Breezy, gradually becoming clear overnight with a slight chance of rain before 8 p.m., a low near 40 and wind gusts as high as 25 mph.

Southeast:

Cheyenne: Sunny and breezy today with a high near 75 and wind gusts as high as 40 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 46 and wind gusts as high as 30 mph.

Laramie: Sunny and windy today with a high near 67 and wind gusts as high as 45 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 38 and wind gusts as high as 40 mph.

Medicine Bow: Mostly sunny and windy today with a high near 68 and wind gusts as high as 50 mph. Mostly clear and windy overnight with a low near 37 and wind gusts as high as 45 mph.

South Central:

Rawlins: Mostly sunny and windy today with a high near 67 and wind gusts as high as 45 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 40 and wind gusts as high as 40 mph.

Saratoga: Mostly sunny and windy today with a high near 68 and wind gusts as high as 45 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 38 and wind gusts as high as 35 mph.

Hanna: Mostly sunny and windy today with a high near 66 and wind gusts as high as 50 mph. Mostly clear and windy overnight with a low near 38 and wind gusts as high as 40 mph.

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