Spirits inspired by the National Parks

From 2001 to 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2058% growth in distillery establishments and employment! This growth has been due to customer demand for craft spirits. This growth has also created a niche spirits market inspired by the U.S. National Parks.

Spirits inspired by the U.S. National Parks

The last time I went to Yellowstone, I saw numerous spirits inspired by the park, including whiskeys, vodka, and rum! I have also seen spirits highlighting the Tetons, Crater Lake, Capitol Reef, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Parks.

My favorite part of this movement is seeing the partnerships being created to support the National Parks. Here is a couple of examples listed below.

Yellowstone Bourbon has received the National Park Defender Award on several occasions. This award is given each year during National Park Week, and it recognizes and honors a partner who shows exceptional dedication to National Park Protection through an authentic, impactful partnership with NPCA(National Parks Conservation Association) and educates their customers about the importance of taking action to protect parks. Partnered since 2018, Yellowstone Bourbon has donated nearly $500,000 to the NPCA!

Wyoming Whiskey has developed a partnership with the National Park Foundation.  They have released an annual National Parks Limited Edition series. They even released a limited edition 1872 where all sales proceeds will be donated to Yellowstone Forever for their efforts to protect, preserve, and enhance the future of Yellowstone National Park.

Whiskeys inspired by the National Parks

 Yellowstone Select Bourbon, Yellowstone National Park 

Retailers: This product is available at Total Wine.
Distillery: Limestone Branch Distillery Co. Lebanon, Kentucky
Proof: 46.5% ABV, 93 proof
Tasting Notes: This Kentucky straight Bourbon Whiskey has a leather with a slight hint of citrus and smoky oak to the nose. On the tongue, it's spicy rye taste with soft cherries fading into smoked caramel notes. And a memorable finish, rich with brown sugar finish and Kentucky tradition.

I wanted to start this article by paying homage to the first U.S. National Park and the first Spirit named in its honor in 1872. Its roots go back to a name that anyone who has heard about Bourbon instantly recognizes: Beam.

Most people may recognize this seventh-generation distillers name and associate it with Jim Beam, one of the many descendants of Jacob Beam. Jacob's family line has continued the Bourbon-making tradition through the generations. Its name can be tied to practically all of the Bourbons made in Kentucky in one form or another.

Steve Beam and Paul Beam founded the Limestone Branch Distillery and have bought back the rights to Yellowstone Bourbon, wanting to build upon their Great grandfather's legacy, Minor Case Beam.

Yellowstone Select is the original recipe that built this brand back in 1872, and the brand quickly became a favorite on the Western Frontier. The brand has now added:

• Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection Toasted - made with Select Bourbon with toasted oak staves
• Yellowstone Special finishes collection Rum Cask - made from finishing Yellowstone Select Bourbon in rum casks sourced from the Caribbean.
• Yellowstone American Single Malt - Their latest oak-aged expedition that represents new growth from well-established roots
• Yellowstone limited edition - An annual release with a unique twist each year
• Yellowstone hand picked single barrel - Their hand picked bottles are individual barrels chosen by select retailers ensuring no two are exactly alike.

I had the pleasure of talking with Steve while researching this article and could hear his passion for making Bourbon. Steve told me the Yellowstone Select is an iconic historic brand and a classic Kentucky Bourbon in the 4-7 year profile.

He also wanted people to know it is available in all 50 states. Steve was also excited about making his first trip to Yellowstone sometime in the spring of 2018. He is also working with the park in anticipation of giving back to the park. A great big kudos to Steve and Paul Beam! Check out their website, Yellowstone Bourbon, for more information.

Bourbon is considered to be sweeter than other whiskeys. There are several ways to enjoy bourbon, including neat, w/water, on the rocks, Mint Julep, and a Brown Derby.

Roche Jaune Whiskey, Yellowstone National Park

Retailers: This product is sold exclusively at Yellowstone National Park General Stores.
Distillery: Bozeman Spirits Distillery, Bozeman Mt.
Proof: 45% ABV, 90 proof
Tasting Notes: As with most Rye whiskeys, this has a black pepper bite with notes of vanilla.

The name Roche Jaune comes from early French explorers who named Yellowstone "Rock Yellow".  This brand has three different varieties (Whiskey, Moonshine, and Huckleberry Vodka) that have been sold exclusively in Yellowstone National Park General Stores since 2014. There is a limited quantity produced each year so make sure to pick some up when you have a chance.

The Roche Jaune Whiskey is a bourbon recipe that is blended with the Bozeman Distilleries Montana 1889 Whiskey and a sourced bourbon from out of state. They are currently working on their own and will phase out the blending of sourced bourbon. I personally like a good Bourbon on the rocks all I can say is that this is a very nice Bourbon! I had to put the bottle out of sight before it was empty.

Bozeman Spirits Distillery focuses on the meaning of "mountain top to bar top," focusing on their Montana roots and locally sourced products. The distillery's water comes from the snowmelt from Mount Blackmore, which is south of town. The water from this snowmelt also runs into Hyalite, Sourdough and Bozeman creeks that water the barley that's used in their products.

Wyoming Whiskey Old Faithful Bourbon, Yellowstone National Park

Retailers: Several retailers sell Wyoming Whiskey, including Total Wine, Caskers, Reserve Bar, Flavair, and Drizly.
Distillery: Wyoming Whiskey Distillery
Proof: 54% ABV, 108 proof
Tasting Notes: Old Faithful Whiskey has a beautiful Mahogany color and has deep red fruits and dark chocolate on the nose. On the palate is baking spices, orange peel, toffee, and black forest cake with crushed almonds. The finish is cacao powder and vanilla bean with toasted spice and dried sultana.

Old Faithful Whiskey is a limited-edition whiskey that honors Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, and F. Jay Haynes, "The Professor," who influenced Yellowstone's early history with business and his photography.

Wyoming Whiskey also produces other National Parks related whiskeys, including:

• Wyoming Whiskey National Parks Limited Edition - The first edition of this annual national park series honors Grand Teton National Park. with the label showing the rugged landscape of the majestic Teton Mountain Range.
• Wyoming Whiskey National Parks 2 - Honors Artist Thomas Moran, a member of the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871. He helped bring the faraway world of unimaginable wonder to life and impress the need for its protection with Tower Falls in Yellowstone on the label.
• Wyoming Whiskey National Parks 3 - honors Greand Teton Nationa Park with the Snake River and the Tetons on the label.
• Wyoming Whiskey National Parks no.4 - features Mammoth Hot Springs on the label with unique flavors of creme caramel and candied ginger then leading to a honeysuckle finish.

Geyser Distilling Whiskey (Permanently Closed), Yellowstone National Park 

Retailers: Unavailable
Distillery: Glacier Distilling, Cody, Wy
Proof: 45% ABV, 90 proof
Tasting Notes: N/A

Geyser Distilling has created a unique handcrafted small-batch whiskey with the pristine water born in Yellowstone National Park. I am a huge fan of rye whiskeys and prefer the less sweet and drier tasting.

I was not a massive fan of this particular whiskey on the rocks, but I am interested in making a mixed drink like a Manhattan, Sazerac, or an Old Fashioned.

Grand Canyon Bourbon, Grand Canyon National Park

Retailers: Click on this link to find out where you can find Canyon Diablo Spirits.
Distillery: Canyon Diablo Spirits, Flagstaff, Arizona
Proof: 42% ABV, 84 proof
Tasting Notes: This heated Bourbon has tastes of Vanilla and sweet corn with hints of caramel and toasted oak, cinnamon, and pepper.

 Grand Canyon Bourbon pays tribute to John Wesley Powell, a soldier, scientist, and explorer. Powell lost his right arm in the Civil War, but that couldn't slow him down! In 1869 and again in 1871, he led the first recorded passages down the mighty Colorado River through the Grand Canyon! One of the boats wrecked on the first expedition down Colorado through the canyon threw three men into the raging waters, along with their supplies. Luckily, none of the men were injured, and the keg of whiskey was also recovered! Powell was unaware of the keg of whiskey but later wrote they had taken the whiskey onboard, which was unknown to him, and he was glad they did!

Teton Moonshine Spiced Apple Pie Flavored Whiskey, Grand Teton National Park

Retailers: I picked this bottle up in a liquor store in Jackson, Wyoming, just outside Grand Teton National Park. I am unsure if it is still being produced, and I have found very little information about this product.
Distillery: Grand Teton Distillery, Driggs, Idaho
Proof: 35% ABV, 70 proof
Tasting Notes: This whiskey is flavored with real apple juice, baking spice extracts, cinnamon, and brown sugar. You can smell the hints of vanilla and apple. This will leave you dreaming of a warm apple pie!

The Teton Distillery is located in Driggs, Idaho, on the west slope of the Teton Range. All of the water used for distilling comes from the Teton's pristine mountain snowmelt.

They also focus on locally sourced products and try to gather raw materials for distilling within 25 miles of the plant. After all, their mission is "to create hand-crafted spirits using pure mountain water and natural ingredients that exemplify the grandeur of our surrounding environment."

This made for an incredible Spiced Apple Pie Cocktail!

Don't forget to add these items!

National Park-themed cocktail glasses - are a great way to enjoy your spirits inspired by the National Parks. You can find cocktail glasses for Zion, Yellowstone, Arches and Canyonlands, OlympicGrand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Badlands, and more! My favorite is the Grand Canyon and Denali Whiskey Glasses.

Cocktail Napkin - Yes, you can impress your friends with a Yellowstone National Park cocktail napkin to go with the National Park-inspired spirit and cocktail glass. You can bring them out on any occasion and show off your love of the parks!

Bottle Bags - A great way to protect your purchase of a bottle of spirits, wine, olive oil, etc., is using a bottle bag. They are invaluable as they help protect your bottles/fragile items from breaking and spilling. I have never lost a bottle of alcohol using these bags and it saved my entire suitcase coming back from Italy when a bottle of olive oil leaked but was contained in the bottle bag!

National Park Decanter - Check out this breathtaking Yellowstone National Park decanter! There are Five options to choose from: Buffalo, Grizzly Bear, Elk, Moose, and wolves.

Vodkas inspired by the National Parks

Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka, Crater Lake National Park

Retailers: This product is available at numerous locations, including Total Wine.
Distillery: Bendistillery Inc. Bend, OR.
Proof: 25% ABV, 50 proof
Tasting Notes: Drinking Crater Lake's Hazelnut Espresso vodka is like drinking the world's best cup of coffee, then adding brown sugar and hazelnuts!

Coffee lovers will find you can make the perfect espresso martinis, a great alternative to Kahlua, Bailey's, or Frangelico. It's even gluten free and certified kosher.

Try making these recipes: The Nutty Russian, Sleighride,  Cocoa Puff Martini, and a Boozy Dirty Chai. You will have a hard time choosing only one. Have I mentioned that this is another multi-award-winning spirit?

Crater Lake makes several great spirits; even their plain Crater Lake Vodka tastes great, but nothing quite compares to their hazelnut espresso vodka.

Roche Jaune Huckleberry Vodka, Yellowstone National Park

Retailers: This product is sold exclusively at Yellowstone National Park General Stores.
Distillery: Bozeman Spirits Distillery, Bozeman Mt.
Proof: 35% ABV, 70 proof
Tasting Notes: This is an excellent huckleberry vodka! It has a strong huckleberry smell and taste with hints of vanilla and floral notes.

A funny thing happens when people arrive in the Northwestern states of Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. People start seeing everything made with Huckleberries. Huckleberries grow wild in the Northwest, and upon first taste, you will quickly understand what all the hype is about.

Now, you can buy a Huckleberry Vodka and make a refreshing afternoon drink to survive the hot Northwest summers. Huckleberry Vodka makes a great Huckleberry Lemonade and a Huckleberry 7-up! The bottles are also a work of art! Don't just throw them away when you are finished; make sure to do a DIY project like making a candle or an outdoor torch.

Bozeman Spirits is a local craft distillery located in downtown Bozeman and is a 3-tier business (manufacturer, retail, and wholesale operation). They source local grains from Montana family farms to bring you the most flavorful spirits.

Park Ranger John Pro Tip: Huckleberries grow wild in the West, and many people get excited and want to pick some for themselves. Be advised that you are not the only one who likes Huckleberries. Bears love them, too, so if you see Huckleberries when hiking, make sure to stay bear-aware.

Born and Bred Potato Vodka, Grand Teton National Park.

Retailers: This product can be found at Total Wine.
Distillery: Grand Teton Distillery, Driggs, Id
Proof: 40% ABV, 80 proof
Tasting Notes: This is a full-bodied spirit with the essence of potatoes and earthiness on the palate. There is a touch of sweetness, a slight peppery note.

Little did I know that my research for an article about spirits inspired by U.S. National Parks would lead me to Channing Tatum! Born and Bred originated on a passion of Channing Tatum to find the best vodka in America.

The collaboration between both Grand Teton Distillery (a small family-owned distillery) and Channing Tatum has lead to Born and Bred, a multi-award-winning twenty-times distilled vodka using small batches of local Idaho potatoes for an incredibly smooth finish. The crystal-clear water comes from the waters of the Grand Teton mountains from mountain snowmelt from Three Sisters area of highway between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Vodka is America's Favorite Spirit. Flavored vodkas have been around since the middle ages and now are taking on more exotic flavors. There are several ways to enjoy vodka including neat, on the rocks, tonic & soda, Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, and a Bloody Mary. 

Gin inspired by the National Parks

 Crater Lake Gin, Crater Lake National Park

Retailers: Crater Lake Gin is available in numerous locations, including Total Wine. You can also order online directly through Crater Lake Spirits (where available)
Distillery: Crater Lake Spirits, Bend Oregon
Proof: 47.5% ABV, 95 proof
Tasting Notes: This is a new American Dry Gin that is refreshing with clean crisp flavor, and innovative with notes of grapefruit peel, orange peel, coriander, and whole berry wild juniper.

Crater Lake Spirits is one of Oregon's oldest and largest distilleries and is known for several Crater Lake products including a Hazelnut Espresso Vodka, Crater Lake Prohibition Gin, Hatch Green Chile Vodka, northwest berry vodka, rye whiskey, and Crater Lake Vodka. The Crater Lake Gin is made with pure Cascade Mountain water and wild Oregon Juniper Berries hand-picked in the heart of the world's largest western juniper forest.

Gin is alcohol-infused with Juniper berries and other botanicals. It is arguably the first flavored vodka and a favorite of bartenders/mixologists worldwide. This timeless classic is, in my opinion, one of the best tasting spirits with its definable single-botanical flavor.

Gin can be found in numerous cocktails but here are a few of my favorites: The Aviation Cocktail (Perhaps my favorite all-time drink), Classic Gin Martini, Gin and Tonic, Gimlet, and a Singapore Sling.

Trail of the Cedars Absinthe, Glacier National Park

Retailers: Click here to see a list of retailers that carry Glacier Distilling Company products. Click here to order directly from Glacier Distilling Company (Where allowed by law)
Distillery: Glacier Distilling Co.
Proof: 62.50 %ABV, 125 proof
Tasting Notes: wormwood, anise, fennel, coriander, angelica, and lemon balm.

Trail of the Cedars is a beautiful 7/10 mile boardwalk hike in Glacier National Park right off the Going to the Sun Highway near Lake McDonald. Here you will find a lush forest that reminds me of something you would see along the Pacific Coast with large Cedars, Hemlocks, giant ferns, and mosses. This lush forest reminds me of alcohol, one of a herbal background.

Absinthe is typically a high percentage of alcohol (110-144 proof) and is made with wormwood, aniseed, and fennel. This herbal fragrant alcohol was mistakenly thought to be hallucinogenic and was banned in the U.S. and Europe for decades.

Many people drink Absinthe at a portion of 1 part Absinthe to 3-5 parts iced water poured over a sugar cube.  Mixed drinks include the Sazerac and Death in the Afternoon (The Hemingway or Hemingway Champagne).

National Park-inspired spirits make great gifts, especially for those who love and support our parks.  These bottles are great for display and will become a conversation piece in your home.

I have yet to find spirits inspired by the national parks in tequila, cognac, brandy, mezcal, or liqueur, but I am always looking out. Let me know if you have found other Spirits Inspired by the U.S. National Parks in your travels.

Alcohol consumption risks

I enjoy an alcoholic beverage on occasion, hence why I decided to write this article. If you choose to consume alcoholic beverages, please be aware of the risks and note the warning label on each bottle as required by the United States that states:

Government warning: (1) according to the surgeon general, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.

California Residents Proposition 65 warning: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine, and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol