Wyoming Whiskey: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Updated: 6 days ago
Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has developed a distinctive approach to whisky. This Whisky Clan guide covers its history, the people behind the distillery, production, notable bottles and current visitor arrangements. Independent source links and image credits are at the bottom.
In this guide
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Wyoming Whiskey at a glance
Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
Location | Kirby, Wyoming |
Country | USA |
History | 2006 venture, first bourbon 2012 |
People | Brad and Kate Mead, David DeFazio |
Featured bottle | Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon |
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History of Wyoming Whiskey
Wyoming Whiskey was born when fourth-generation Wyoming ranchers Brad and Kate Mead looked to diversify their business with David DeFazio. They built a distillery in the tiny town of Kirby, outside the better known bourbon heartland of Kentucky. Its location and choice of local ingredients are integral to the whisky rather than simply marketing.
The earliest whiskey went into oak in 2009 and the first bottles went on sale in December 2012. The initial batches helped the team learn how the Big Horn Basin weather affects oak maturation. With more years of aged stock, the distillery expanded its portfolio into single barrel, double cask and special releases.
People and ownership
People associated with the distillery’s history include Brad and Kate Mead, David DeFazio. Names refer to documented roles during the venture and should not be taken as an assertion about unchanged present ownership.
Whisky production and maturation
The company uses locally sourced grain, particularly corn and wheat, and water from the Madison Formation aquifer. Its wheated bourbon style contrasts with high-rye bourbon recipes. The producer describes using two different yeasts during fermentation.
Warehouse temperatures vary substantially between seasons and even between floors. Wyoming Whiskey blends barrels from across its rickhouses to moderate those differences and establish a consistent flagship profile. This is a real maturation influence, not evidence that all its whiskies age at a fixed accelerated rate.
Wyoming Whiskey whisky bottles and releases
The bottle range below distinguishes core expressions from limited or historically significant releases where sources permit. Whisky Clan has not personally tasted these bottles for this guide.
Small Batch Bourbon
Five-year-old 44% ABV straight bourbon and the best known core bottle.
Double Cask Finished Bourbon
A five-year-old, 50% ABV whiskey finished in a second cask.
Outryder
Five-year-old 100-proof whiskey.
Single Barrel Bourbon
A five-year-old, 96-proof release selected by the individual barrel.
Barrel Strength Bourbon
Limited higher-proof expressions, including eight-year-old bottlings.
Pictured: Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon. The photographed bottle is associated with this distillery, not a generic glass or unrelated release.
Awards and milestones
Specific batches and limited releases have been recognised by whiskey publications. The distillery also expanded distribution beyond Wyoming; any reported medal must be linked to the actual expression and year.
Visiting Wyoming Whiskey
The official distillery visitor page says tours are not currently offered. The Kirby shop at 120 East Main Street offers tastings and retail, and there is a separate Jackson Barrel House. Opening hours are seasonal, so check the official website before visiting.
Opening hours, current stock, prices and tour policies were checked in October 2026 and may change. Contact the producer for the latest arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Wyoming Whiskey?
Kirby, Wyoming
When was it founded?
2006 venture, first bourbon 2012
Who is associated with its history?
Brad and Kate Mead, David DeFazio
Which whisky bottles are worth knowing?
Small Batch Bourbon, Double Cask Finished Bourbon, Outryder, Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel Strength Bourbon. Release availability varies.
Can you visit?
The official distillery visitor page says tours are not currently offered. The Kirby shop at 120 East Main Street offers tastings and retail, and there is a separate Jackson Barrel House. Opening hours are seasonal, so check the official website before visiting.
Explore more Whisky Clan distillery guides
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Sources and image credits
Research checked 23 October 2026. External reading and photography credits are collected at the bottom so visitors can explore Whisky Clan first.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches distilleries, the people and production methods behind their bottles, and invites reader corrections supported by reliable sources.
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