Wyoming bourbon is made by the dedicated team at Wyoming Whiskey, a family-owned and operated distillery located in the heart of Kirby, Wyoming. The founders of Wyoming Whiskey are Brad and Kate Mead, who have a deep connection to the land and a passion for preserving the ranching tradition of their family.
Brad Mead, the CEO of Wyoming Whiskey, is not only a pilot but also a skilled brewer. His love for craft beverages led him to embark on the journey of creating his own bourbon. With a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality, Brad and his team have honed their craft over the years to create a truly exceptional bourbon.
Kate Mead, on the other hand, is the driving force behind Mead Ranch Natural Beef, a venture that upholds the values of sustainable ranching and ethical food production. Her expertise in the field of natural beef has provided her with a deep understanding of the importance of quality ingredients and the impact they have on the final product.
Together, Brad and Kate bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the process of making Wyoming bourbon. They understand that bourbon is not just a spirit, but a representation of the land and the people who craft it. This understanding is reflected in every aspect of their production, from the careful selection of grains to the meticulous aging process.
The making of Wyoming bourbon begins with the selection of the finest locally sourced grains. Brad and his team work closely with local farmers to ensure that only the highest quality corn, barley, and wheat are used in the mash bill. This commitment to sourcing local ingredients not only supports the local community but also adds a distinct character to the bourbon.
Once the grains are milled and mixed with water, the mash is fermented using a proprietary yeast strain that has been carefully cultivated by the distillery. This yeast imparts unique flavors and aromas to the bourbon, contributing to its complexity and depth.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled using traditional copper pot stills, which allow for precise control over the distillation process. The distillate is then aged in new, charred American oak barrels, where it develops its rich amber color and distinctive flavor profile.
The aging process is a crucial step in the making of Wyoming bourbon. The barrels are stored in the distillery's rickhouse, where they are exposed to the extreme temperature swings of Wyoming's climate. This unique aging environment imparts a rugged character to the bourbon, adding depth and complexity to its flavor.
Throughout the aging process, Brad and his team carefully monitor the bourbon, regularly sampling it to ensure that it is maturing and developing as intended. This hands-on approach allows them to make adjustments if necessary, ensuring that every bottle of Wyoming bourbon meets their exacting standards.
Once the bourbon has reached its desired maturity, it is carefully blended to achieve a consistent flavor profile. This blending process is a true art form, requiring a delicate balance of flavors to create a harmonious and enjoyable bourbon.
The bourbon is bottled and labeled by hand, with each bottle bearing the signature of the Mead family as a testament to their dedication and commitment to quality.
Wyoming bourbon is made by the talented team at Wyoming Whiskey, led by Brad and Kate Mead. Their deep connection to the land, their expertise in ranching and brewing, and their unwavering commitment to quality all contribute to the exceptional bourbon they produce. Every bottle of Wyoming bourbon is a testament to the Mead family's passion for their craft and their dedication to preserving the traditions of the ranching heritage in Wyoming.