By james art 
Wyoming Whiskey has introduced Queen of the Tetons, a new limited edition bourbon dedicated to the legendary Grizzly 399, the bear that was tragically killed in a car accident near Grand Teton National Park on October 22, 2024.
The deaths of Grizzly 399 drew global attention, marking a devastating loss for wildlife lovers and local Wyoming residents. An icon of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, it has drawn countless tourists and photographers eager to catch a glimpse of the 7-foot, 400-pound matriarch. At 28, she was the oldest known breeding female grizzly in the region, spending much of her life near the Snake River and raising 18 known cubs.
Wyoming Whiskey’s Queen of the Tetons is a bourbon created as a tribute to her bold, unforgettable and untamed spirit. In conjunction with the launch, the brand will donate $20,000 to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation to protect and preserve the wild habitats that bears like Grizzly 399 call home. Funds will support grizzly bear education, conservation and research programs in Grand Teton National Park.
Supporting conservation efforts has long been central to Wyoming Whiskey’s mission, and this initiative continues its commitment to preserving wide open spaces in the wake of this profound loss.
Regarding the release dedicated to Grizzly 399, Wyoming Whiskey co-founder David DeFazio said, “Grizzly 399 has earned its title as Queen of the Tetons by putting its 28 years of life on display. She was shrewd, which led to her resilience. And her resilience captivated us all.”
The Queen of the Tetons bottle features an image of Grizzly 399 captured by renowned nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen. Queen of the Tetons is extremely limited, with less than 720 bottles produced. Available exclusively at Wyoming Whiskey’s Jackson Barrel House (45 W. Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001), Wyoming Whiskey Shop at Kirby (120 E. Main, Kirby, WY 82430) and select Wyoming retailers. It has an ABV of 49.5% and an SRP of $84.99.
To continue to support the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and in memory of Grizzly 399, the 399th bottle of this limited edition will be auctioned to benefit the foundation.
Read more: Wyoming Whiskey has named Brendan Cook as its new Master Blender
About Wyoming whiskey
Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey had a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. This goal has evolved to include all whiskies. The company and its products are a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as farmers in 1890. and the state defines them and their whiskey. They use the best corn, winter wheat, winter rye, barley and water from the Bighorn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of this bourbon is truly Wyoming made. To learn more, visit wyomingwhiskey.com.
