Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner – Wyoming's Wildlife Conservation Beer

Updated → August 2025

A crisp Czech-style pilsner from Pinedale's Wind River Brewing that combines traditional brewing excellence with wildlife conservation, donating a portion of every sale to protect Wyoming's iconic pronghorn and other wildlife through the WYldlife Fund.

Wyoming's Craft Beer Evolution

The Cowboy State has experienced a remarkable craft beer renaissance over the past decade, with local breweries emerging in mountain towns and prairie communities alike. From the early pioneers like Snake River Brewing in Jackson to the newer wave of craft brewers, Wyoming's beer scene reflects the state's rugged independence and connection to the land. Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner represents the latest evolution in this tradition, combining exceptional brewing with wildlife conservation efforts that resonate deeply with Wyoming's outdoor heritage.

The growth of craft brewing in Wyoming has paralleled the state's increasing focus on sustainable tourism and conservation. Breweries have become gathering places for locals and visitors alike, offering not just refreshment after outdoor adventures but also a connection to local values and community initiatives. The emergence of conservation-focused beers like the Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner demonstrates how Wyoming's breweries are innovating beyond just flavor profiles, creating products that actively contribute to preserving the state's natural heritage.

Wind River Brewing's Mountain Legacy

Located at 402 West Pine Street in Pinedale, Wind River Brewing Company sits at 7,175 feet elevation, making it one of the highest breweries in the nation. Since Derek Schupp and Roy DeWitt took ownership in 2017, the brewery has become a cornerstone of the Pinedale community and a must-stop destination for travelers heading to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The brewery's location near the pristine Fremont Lake provides access to some of the purest mountain spring water in the country, a crucial ingredient that sets their beers apart.

The brewery's commitment to quality extends beyond just ingredients. Head brewer Sam Mosle brings a unique perspective to the operation, having previously worked in natural resource management and wildlife conservation for four different state agencies. This background infuses the brewery's philosophy, making the creation of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner a natural extension of the brewery's values. The combination of brewing expertise and conservation ethics has created a product that serves both palate and purpose.

The Pronghorn Conservation Partnership

The collaboration between Wind River Brewing and the WYldlife Fund represents a groundbreaking approach to wildlife conservation funding in Wyoming. Launched in October 2023, Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner became the first permanent beer in Wyoming dedicated to wildlife conservation. The partnership structure ensures sustainable funding: at the brewery taproom, $1 from every pint sold goes directly to WYldlife for Tomorrow, while distribution sales contribute approximately 8% of revenue to conservation efforts.

Within its first few months, the Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner raised approximately $5,000 for wildlife conservation, demonstrating the powerful impact of combining commerce with conservation. Austin Bevilacqua, Wind River Brewing's sales representative, notes that the beer has become their highest velocity offering since launch, proving that consumers are eager to support products that align with their values. This success has created a model that other Wyoming businesses are now exploring, potentially revolutionizing how conservation efforts are funded in the state.

Czech Pilsner Tradition Meets Wyoming Spirit

The Czech or Bohemian Pilsner style chosen for Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner represents one of the oldest and most respected beer traditions in the world. Originating in Pilsen, Czech Republic, in 1842, this style is characterized by its brilliant clarity, delicate balance, and refreshing character. Wind River's interpretation honors these traditional elements while incorporating the unique character of Wyoming's mountain water and the brewery's commitment to approachability.

Bevilacqua describes the Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner as "about as beer as beer can get," emphasizing its universal appeal. At 5% ABV, the beer strikes a perfect balance between flavor and sessionability, making it ideal for everything from post-hike refreshment to dinner pairing. The choice of a pilsner style ensures broad appeal among beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, maximizing the conservation impact through wider distribution and sales.

Detailed Tasting Profile Analysis

Professional beer reviewers and enthusiasts have provided detailed assessments of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner, painting a comprehensive picture of its sensory qualities. The beer pours a clear, golden yellow color with brilliant clarity that showcases the quality of the brewing process. A small, white foam head forms upon pouring, leaving minimal lacing on the glass as you drink. This visual presentation immediately signals the beer's refreshing character and careful filtration.

On the nose, Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner offers enticing aromas of bread crust, subtle caramel notes, and delicate floral hints from the hop selection. The flavor profile follows through with a sweet caramel taste balanced by mild bitterness, creating a harmonious drinking experience. The mouthfeel is notably crisp and light-bodied, with a clean finish that invites another sip. With ratings of 3.6/5 on Untappd (from 243 reviews) and 81/100 on BeerAdvocate, the beer has earned solid marks from the craft beer community.

Brewing Process and Premium Ingredients

The creation of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner begins with the exceptional water sourced from near Fremont Lake, one of the deepest and purest lakes in Wyoming. This pristine mountain spring water provides the ideal mineral profile for brewing a crisp pilsner, with low mineral content that allows the subtle flavors of malt and hops to shine through. The high altitude brewing environment at 7,175 feet also influences the brewing process, requiring careful attention to fermentation temperatures and timing.

The grain bill likely focuses on premium pilsner malt, providing the light color and delicate malt character essential to the style. The hop selection emphasizes noble hop varieties or their modern equivalents, contributing the floral aromatics and balanced bitterness that define a quality pilsner. The brewing team at Wind River has clearly mastered the challenging art of pilsner production, where any flaws in process or ingredients are immediately apparent in the finished beer. The result is a beer that honors traditional brewing methods while showcasing Wyoming's natural resources.

WYldlife Fund Impact and Conservation Goals

The WYldlife Fund's partnership with Wind River Brewing for Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner represents an innovative approach to conservation funding that goes beyond traditional donation models. The fund focuses on preserving Wyoming's diverse wildlife populations, with particular attention to the pronghorn antelope, North America's fastest land animal and an iconic symbol of the American West. These remarkable creatures face challenges from habitat fragmentation, energy development, and climate change, making conservation efforts increasingly critical.

The success of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner has already generated significant funding for conservation projects, with the initial $5,000 raised representing just the beginning of a long-term commitment. The permanence of this beer in Wind River's lineup ensures ongoing support for wildlife initiatives, creating a sustainable funding stream that grows with the beer's popularity. This model demonstrates how businesses can integrate conservation into their core products rather than treating it as an add-on or temporary campaign, setting a new standard for corporate conservation partnerships in Wyoming.

University Student Label Design Story

The label design for Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner emerged from a collaboration with students from the University of Wyoming's Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources Student Ambassador Program. This partnership added another layer of Wyoming connection to the beer, involving the state's future conservation leaders in creating a product that supports wildlife preservation. The student designers faced the challenge of creating artwork that would capture both the spirit of the pronghorn and the essence of Wyoming's landscape while maintaining shelf appeal in a competitive craft beer market.

The resulting design successfully balances artistic appeal with conservation messaging, creating a label that tells the story of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner's mission at a glance. The involvement of university students also helps build awareness among younger generations about the intersection of business and conservation, potentially inspiring future initiatives. This collaborative approach to product development demonstrates Wind River Brewing's commitment to community engagement and education alongside their conservation goals.

Expert Food Pairing Recommendations

The crisp, refreshing character of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner makes it an exceptionally versatile food pairing beer. Its clean profile and balanced bitterness complement lighter fare beautifully, making it ideal for summer salads, grilled chicken, or fresh seafood. The beer's carbonation and hop character help cut through rich, fatty foods, making it equally suitable for pairing with Wyoming favorites like bison burgers or elk sausage. At Wind River Brewing's restaurant, the pilsner pairs perfectly with their street tacos or the famous Wind River reuben.

For cheese pairings, Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner works wonderfully with mild, creamy cheeses that won't overpower its delicate flavors. Consider pairing it with fresh mozzarella, mild cheddar, or a young gouda. The beer also excels as an aperitif, stimulating the appetite before a meal, or as a palate cleanser between courses. Its moderate alcohol content and refreshing character make it suitable for extended dining experiences without overwhelming the palate or overshadowing subtle flavors in cuisine.

Seasonal Serving Suggestions

While Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner shines as a summer refresher, its versatility extends throughout Wyoming's diverse seasons. During the warmer months, serve it well-chilled at 38-45°F in a pilsner glass to fully appreciate its clarity and carbonation. The beer makes an excellent choice for outdoor activities, from riverside picnics to post-hiking celebrations. Pack it in six-packs for camping trips or float trips down the Snake River, where its moderate alcohol content ensures responsible enjoyment of Wyoming's outdoors.

In the colder months, Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner serves as a refreshing contrast to heavier winter beers, providing a crisp interlude during holiday gatherings or après-ski sessions. Its clean finish makes it an excellent choice for pairing with the rich, hearty stews and roasts common during Wyoming winters. The beer's connection to wildlife conservation also makes it a thoughtful choice for holiday gifts, supporting a good cause while sharing quality Wyoming craft beer with friends and family.

Jackson Hole Availability and Pricing

In Jackson Hole, Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner is readily available at The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole, where it retails for $13.79 per 12-ounce package. This competitive pricing makes it accessible for both locals and visitors looking to support Wyoming conservation while enjoying quality craft beer. The store's convenient location at 115 Buffalo Way and extended hours (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily) ensure easy access for customers planning outdoor adventures or evening gatherings.

The availability of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner throughout Wyoming has expanded rapidly since its launch, with distribution reaching liquor stores, restaurants, and bars across the state. The beer's popularity at Wind River Brewing's taproom in Pinedale, where it became their highest velocity offering, has driven demand in other markets. For visitors to Jackson Hole, purchasing this beer offers a way to take home a taste of Wyoming while contributing to the preservation of the landscapes and wildlife that make the state special.

Wind River Brewery Visit Experience

A visit to Wind River Brewing Company in Pinedale offers the complete Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner experience, from fresh pours at the source to engaging with the conservation story firsthand. The brewery's location makes it an ideal stop for travelers heading between Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, offering a chance to break up the journey with craft beer and hearty fare. The taproom atmosphere reflects Pinedale's outdoor culture, with locals and visitors sharing stories of adventures in the nearby Wind River Range.

At the brewery, patrons can enjoy Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner alongside the full range of Wind River beers, comparing the pilsner's crisp character to the brewery's other offerings like Wyoming Pale Ale and Ghost Town IPA. The kitchen serves chef-inspired dishes that showcase local ingredients, with many menu items specifically designed to pair with the brewery's beers. Live music nights featuring local and touring acts add another dimension to the experience, creating a vibrant community gathering space that embodies Wyoming's blend of rugged individualism and warm hospitality.

Wyoming's Growing Beer Scene

The success of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner reflects the broader growth and maturation of Wyoming's craft beer industry. From pioneering operations like Snake River Brewing and Grand Teton Brewing to newer entrants like Melvin Brewing and Roadhouse Brewing, the state has developed a diverse and quality-focused beer culture. Each brewery brings its own perspective to Wyoming beer, whether emphasizing local ingredients, extreme styles, or, in Wind River's case, conservation partnerships.

The interconnected nature of Wyoming's beer scene means that success for one brewery often benefits all, as beer tourism becomes an increasingly important draw for visitors. The Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner has helped establish a new model for Wyoming breweries, showing how craft beer can serve as a vehicle for conservation awareness and funding. This approach resonates with both residents and tourists who value Wyoming's natural heritage, creating loyal customers who choose beers that align with their values.

Sustainable Brewing Practices

Wind River Brewing's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the conservation partnership of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner. The brewery's use of local spring water reduces transportation needs while ensuring exceptional quality. Their location in Pinedale allows them to source ingredients through more efficient supply chains than breweries in more remote locations. The canning line that packages the pilsner represents a commitment to recyclable packaging, with aluminum cans offering superior recyclability compared to glass bottles.

The brewery's integration into the local community also supports sustainability through economic means. By creating jobs in Pinedale and attracting visitors to the area, Wind River Brewing contributes to a sustainable local economy that values conservation. The success of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner demonstrates that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand, inspiring other businesses to explore similar partnerships that benefit both bottom lines and Wyoming's natural heritage.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The reception of Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner among beer enthusiasts provides valuable insights into its quality and appeal. On Untappd, the beer maintains a solid 3.6 out of 5 rating from 243 reviews, indicating consistent satisfaction among a broad range of drinkers. BeerAdvocate users have given it an 81/100 score, placing it in the "Good" category and ranking it competitively among Czech-style pilsners nationally. Individual reviews frequently praise its drinkability and clean finish, with many noting it as an excellent session beer.

Customer feedback often highlights the conservation aspect as a bonus to an already enjoyable beer, with many reviewers expressing satisfaction at supporting wildlife while enjoying a quality brew. Some reviews note that while the Wind River Pronghorn Pilsner may not have the aggressive hop character of some modern craft beers, its restraint and balance are precisely what make it successful as an everyday drinking beer. The consistently positive reception at Wind River's taproom, where it became the highest velocity beer, validates the brewery's approach of creating an accessible beer that appeals to diverse palates while supporting a meaningful cause.