Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon – Legend Meets Legacy in Every Sip

Updated → August 2025

This Wyoming-exclusive 6-year bourbon honors the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody with a masterful blend of 26 barrels. At 97 proof and $79.99, it delivers leather, tobacco, cherry, and chocolate notes that embody the Wild West spirit.

The Wyoming Bourbon Renaissance

In the heart of the American West, where rugged landscapes meet pioneering spirit, Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon emerges as a testament to both tradition and innovation. This limited-edition release represents more than just another bourbon on the shelf—it's a liquid chronicle of Wyoming's whiskey-making prowess and a tribute to one of the West's most iconic figures.

Wyoming's bourbon scene has transformed dramatically since 2009, when Wyoming Whiskey opened as the state's first legal distillery since Prohibition. The journey from experimental startup to respected craft producer mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit that Buffalo Bill himself embodied. Today, their releases command attention from collectors nationwide, though this particular expression remains exclusive to the Cowboy State.

The significance of this exclusivity cannot be overstated. While many distilleries chase national distribution, Wyoming Whiskey's commitment to keeping certain releases within state borders creates a sense of place and purpose that's increasingly rare in modern spirits marketing. Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon isn't just made in Wyoming—it's for Wyoming, capturing the essence of local pride in every bottle.

Buffalo Bill's Enduring Legacy

William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, transcended the typical boundaries of frontier life to become one of the most recognized Americans worldwide. His journey from Pony Express rider to Medal of Honor recipient, from Union soldier to showman extraordinaire, reads like the quintessential American success story. At the height of his fame, kings and cowboys alike sought his company, drawn to his authentic charisma and larger-than-life persona.

The town of Cody, Wyoming, stands as a permanent monument to his vision. Founded by Buffalo Bill himself, it serves as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park and houses the world-renowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This museum complex, which Wyoming Whiskey collaborated with for this release, preserves artifacts and stories that bring the Wild West era to life for modern visitors.

Buffalo Bill's Wild West show revolutionized entertainment, bringing frontier experiences to global audiences who had only read about cowboys and Indians in dime novels. His troupe included legendary figures like Annie Oakley, who famously described him as "the simplest of men, as comfortable with cowboys as he was with kings." This democratic spirit, this ability to bridge worlds, makes him the perfect namesake for a bourbon that aims to capture Wyoming's essence in a glass.

Why This Exclusive Release Matters

Limited to just 800 cases, Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon represents the distillery's annual tradition of honoring Wyoming's heritage through whiskey. Each year since their 2017 Eclipse release, Wyoming Whiskey has selected a person, place, or event significant to the state's history for their Wyoming-only series.

Previous honorees include Senator Cliff Hansen (The Statesman), Senator Alan Simpson (Integrity), and geographical landmarks like Thunder Basin and Hole in the Wall. These releases serve as liquid history lessons, educating drinkers about Wyoming's contributions to American culture while delivering exceptional whiskey experiences. The Buffalo Bill release continues this tradition with particular distinction, as it required over a year of planning and collaboration with multiple Cody institutions.

The exclusivity creates a unique dynamic in the bourbon market. While whiskey tourism has exploded across Kentucky and Tennessee, Wyoming offers something different—bourbons you literally cannot find anywhere else. This strategy transforms every bottle into a souvenir, a tangible memory of time spent in the Mountain West.

Wyoming Whiskey's Heritage

The story of Wyoming Whiskey begins with the Mead family, ranchers in the area since 1890. Brad and Kate Mead's decision to purchase a Vendome still seemed straightforward enough—how hard could making whiskey be? Their initial attempts proved disastrous, producing what co-founder David DeFazio diplomatically calls "learning experiences." Rather than abandon the project, they recruited Steve Nally, who had spent 33 years perfecting wheated bourbon production at Maker's Mark.

This combination of Wyoming determination and Kentucky expertise created something unique. The distillery sources all grains from a single farming operation in Byron, Wyoming, maintaining complete control over their raw materials. Master Blender Brendan Cook manages spreadsheets tracking barrel locations, grain varieties, mash combinations, and rickhouse temperatures with scientific precision, ensuring consistency while allowing for creative expression in limited releases like Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon.

The commitment to local sourcing extends beyond marketing rhetoric. Every kernel of corn, wheat, and barley grows within 100 miles of the Kirby distillery. The water comes from a limestone aquifer just 50 miles away. Even the extreme temperature swings—from subzero winters to blazing summers—contribute to the whiskey's character, accelerating the aging process and creating flavor profiles impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Production Excellence

Creating Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon required careful selection from the distillery's extensive barrel inventory. Master Blender Brendan Cook hand-selected 26 barrels from the heart of Wyoming Whiskey's rickhouses, where temperature fluctuations create the most complex flavor development. These six-year-old barrels represent the sweet spot of maturation in Wyoming's extreme climate.

The rickhouse placement proves crucial to the final product. Bottom-floor barrels develop mellower profiles, while top-floor barrels gain spicier characteristics from increased temperature variation. Middle-floor barrels, selected for this release, offer optimal balance—rich depth with extended finish complexity. This strategic barrel selection demonstrates the sophistication Wyoming Whiskey has developed since those early experimental days.

Bottled at 97 proof (48.5% ABV), the strength hits the perfect intersection of flavor intensity and drinkability. Higher than standard 80-proof expressions but below cask strength, this proof point allows the whiskey's nuanced flavors to shine without overwhelming heat. The non-chill filtered process preserves natural oils and compounds that contribute to the bourbon's distinctive mouthfeel and flavor delivery.

Complete Tasting Profile

Upon pouring Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon, the copper color immediately catches the eye—deeper than many six-year bourbons, suggesting the intense barrel interaction Wyoming's climate provides. The legs cling to the glass with satisfying viscosity, promising a rich experience ahead.

The nose opens with leather and tobacco—fitting tributes to Buffalo Bill's saddle-worn lifestyle. Black Forest cake emerges next, combining dark chocolate and cherry notes with surprising sophistication. Toffee sweetness balances the savory elements, while honeyed almonds add nutty complexity. Each return to the glass reveals new layers, from light red berries to walnut and oak undertones.

On the palate, unexpected brightness greets the sipper. Lemon cake provides citrus lift, while caramel nougat delivers the sweetness Wyoming Whiskey fans expect. Milk chocolate smooths any rough edges, and almond brittle adds textural interest. The mouthfeel proves buttery without being heavy, coating the palate just enough to extend flavor delivery without cloying.

The finish demonstrates true craftsmanship. Cherry and lemon purée maintain the fruit-forward character, while candied ginger adds warming spice. Molasses depth emerges mid-finish, grounding lighter elements. Tobacco returns from the nose, now accompanied by cigar smoke complexity. The drying finish invites another sip, creating the dangerous drinkability that marks truly excellent bourbon.

How It Compares

Within Wyoming Whiskey's portfolio, Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon occupies unique territory. While their Small Batch expression showcases the house style's caramel-vanilla sweetness, Buffalo Bill adds leather and tobacco notes that create masculine depth. Compared to previous Wyoming-only releases, this expression leans more heavily into savory elements while maintaining the fruit-forward character that defines the distillery.

Against other craft bourbons in the price range, Buffalo Bill holds its own admirably. Many craft producers struggle with youth and imbalance, but Wyoming's extreme aging conditions compress flavor development. What might take eight or ten years in Kentucky happens in six years in Kirby. The wheat component in the mashbill provides smoothness often missing from craft offerings, while the careful barrel selection ensures complexity rivals much older expressions.

Kentucky bourbon drinkers might find the profile slightly unconventional. The bright citrus notes and pronounced leather character differ from traditional bourbon flavor profiles. However, these distinctive elements make Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon memorable rather than forgettable—a crucial achievement in today's crowded bourbon market.

The Perfect Serve

Enjoying Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon neat allows full appreciation of its complexity. Room temperature serving in a Glencairn or similar tulip-shaped glass concentrates aromas while the narrow opening focuses them toward your nose. Let the bourbon rest for five minutes after pouring—this allows volatile compounds to settle and deeper aromas to emerge.

For those preferring dilution, a few drops of water unlock hidden flavors. The proof point sits perfectly for this technique; water opens up fruit notes while taming leather intensity. Ice should be large-format to minimize dilution—a single large cube or sphere maintains temperature without overwhelming the whiskey's character. Wyoming's dry climate makes proper hydration essential when tasting, so alternate sips of water between bourbon tastings.

The bourbon's versatility extends to various serving occasions. Its complexity rewards contemplative sipping, making it ideal for end-of-day reflection. The Wyoming connection makes it perfect for toasting outdoor adventures or celebrating Western heritage. The limited availability adds special occasion appeal—this isn't an everyday bourbon but rather one reserved for memorable moments.

Food Pairing Excellence

The savory leather and tobacco notes in Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon create natural affinity for grilled and smoked meats. Bison ribeye, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allows both bourbon and meat to shine. The whiskey's cherry notes complement the slight gaminess of bison, while tobacco elements echo char from the grill.

Cheese pairings offer surprising synergy. Aged cheddar's sharpness plays against the bourbon's sweetness, while smoked gouda echoes its savory elements. Blue cheese creates bold contrast, with the whiskey's proof standing up to intense flavors. Wyoming artisanal cheeses make particularly appropriate pairings, maintaining the local theme throughout the tasting experience.

For dessert pairings, dark chocolate proves ideal. The bourbon's own chocolate notes harmonize while citrus elements provide contrast. Pecan pie's sweetness balances leather and tobacco dryness, while the nuts echo almond notes from the palate. Cherry-based desserts obviously complement, but avoid overly sweet preparations that might overwhelm the whiskey's complexity.

A Collector's Perspective

Limited releases like Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon occupy interesting territory in bourbon collecting. The 800-case production run ensures scarcity without impossibility—dedicated hunters can still find bottles with effort. The Wyoming-only distribution creates geographic scarcity that differs from allocated releases available nationwide through lottery systems.

Secondary market values for previous Wyoming-only releases suggest strong appreciation potential. The Integrity release honoring Senator Simpson commands significant premiums, while early releases like Eclipse have become genuinely rare. However, focusing solely on investment potential misses the point—these bottles celebrate Wyoming heritage and deserve drinking rather than hoarding.

The bottle design merits collector attention. Featuring imagery from the Buffalo Bill Museum of the West, each bottle serves as a miniature art piece. The label tells Buffalo Bill's story through carefully selected imagery, making the bottle display-worthy even after emptying. This attention to packaging details demonstrates Wyoming Whiskey's understanding that limited editions serve as both beverages and keepsakes.

Wyoming's Unique Terroir

Terroir—the French concept linking flavor to place—applies to bourbon as much as wine. Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon showcases Wyoming terroir through multiple elements. The high-altitude grain cultivation stresses plants, concentrating flavors. Limestone-filtered water adds mineral complexity without harshness. Most dramatically, temperature swings exceeding 100 degrees annually create barrel expansion and contraction impossible in moderate climates.

These extreme conditions accelerate certain aging reactions while slowing others. Color extraction happens quickly, explaining the deep copper hue despite relatively young age. However, harsh tannin extraction proceeds more slowly, allowing complexity without bitterness. The dry climate increases angel's share evaporation, concentrating remaining whiskey more rapidly than humid environments.

Wyoming's isolation from major bourbon regions prevents cross-contamination of yeast strains and production methods. While many craft distillers consciously or unconsciously imitate Kentucky styles, Wyoming Whiskey developed its own approach through geographic necessity. This authentic regional character makes their whiskeys genuinely distinctive rather than derivative.

Cocktail Creations

While Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon shines neat, its robust flavor profile creates excellent cocktails. The classic Old Fashioned benefits from the bourbon's inherent complexity—simple syrup and bitters need only enhance rather than mask. Use demerara syrup to echo molasses notes, and consider chocolate or black walnut bitters for complementary flavor layers.

Manhattan variations showcase the whiskey's versatility. The traditional sweet vermouth version works well, but experimenting with amaro instead of vermouth creates intriguing bitter-sweet balance. The bourbon's proof stands up to dilution, maintaining character even in stirred cocktails. A boulevardier substituting Wyoming Whiskey for rye creates a softer, fruitier variation on the classic.

For Wyoming-themed cocktails, consider a "Yellowstone Sunrise" combining the bourbon with huckleberry syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of soda. The "Cody Cooler" mixes bourbon with ginger beer, mint, and a cherry garnish, playing off the whiskey's fruit notes while adding refreshing elements perfect for summer afternoons after Yellowstone adventures.

Gifting & Special Occasions

The combination of limited availability and historical significance makes Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon an exceptional gift. For Wyoming residents, it represents state pride in bottle form. For visitors, it serves as the ultimate Wyoming souvenir—something genuinely unavailable elsewhere that captures the state's essence.

Corporate gifts benefit from the bourbon's storytelling potential. The Buffalo Bill connection provides conversation starters about American entrepreneurship and showmanship. The Wyoming-only availability adds exclusivity appeal for clients accustomed to receiving predictable bottles. The reasonable price point allows quality gifting without ostentation.

Special occasions warranting this bourbon include Wyoming-related celebrations—moving to the state, completing epic Yellowstone trips, or toasting Western adventures. The Buffalo Bill theme makes it appropriate for theater enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone interested in American frontier heritage. The limited production ensures the gift remains memorable long after consumption.

Storage & Preservation

Proper storage ensures Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon maintains quality over time. Store bottles upright to prevent cork degradation from alcohol contact. Consistent temperature matters more than specific degrees—avoid locations with significant temperature swings like garages or attics. Darkness prevents UV degradation, making closets or cabinets ideal storage locations.

After opening, bourbon remains stable far longer than wine, but oxidation still occurs. The original cork provides adequate seal for several years if replaced properly after each pour. For long-term storage of open bottles, consider transferring to smaller containers as volume decreases, minimizing air exposure. However, slight oxidation often improves bourbon, softening harsh edges and integrating flavors.

Wyoming's dry climate affects storage differently than humid regions. Sealed bottles may experience slight evaporation through cork microscopic pores. This concentrates flavors slightly but doesn't significantly impact quality. Open bottles in dry climates benefit from slightly more humid storage—a damp towel in the storage area adds beneficial moisture without creating mold risks.

Your Purchase Guide

Finding Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon requires Wyoming presence—either visiting or knowing someone who can purchase on your behalf. The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole stocks this exclusive release, offering convenient access for Jackson visitors. At $79.99, the price reflects both quality and scarcity without reaching astronomical secondary market levels.

Purchase timing matters with limited releases. Initial availability typically offers the best selection, though some retailers hold back stock for gradual release. Building relationships with local retailers helps secure bottles of future releases. Many Wyoming liquor stores maintain waiting lists for serious collectors, rewarding loyalty with first access to limited editions.

When purchasing, inspect bottles for fill levels and cork integrity. While Wyoming Whiskey maintains excellent quality control, transport and storage can affect individual bottles. The 97-proof strength means slight evaporation won't significantly impact flavor, but severely low fills suggest storage issues. Consider purchasing multiple bottles—one for immediate enjoyment, another for special occasions, and perhaps a third for trading or gifting.