Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4 Review

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I brought the Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4 Bourbon to Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, Michigan, for our annual Halloween camping weekend. My in-laws, my brother, and I had three campsites next to each other, and this bottle quickly became the center of attention each night around the fire. Between the three groups, we passed it around, compared notes, and enjoyed what turned out to be one of the more interesting bourbons I’ve tried this year.

First Impressions

Right away, the bottle stands out. The design feels rugged and outdoorsy, a fitting tribute to the National Parks series that Wyoming Whiskey releases each year. This edition, No. 4, honors Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone. It’s bottled at 98 proof and made from a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% rye, and 12% malted barley. The whiskey is a blend of over 70 barrels, each aged at least five years. Those numbers alone set the stage for something with balance and maturity.

When I cracked the seal and poured the first round, the aroma jumped out. Even before the first sip, it gave off a warm mix of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of fruit. The firelight reflected off the amber color, and I could tell this one had some real depth.

Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4 Aroma

I started by swirling my glass and letting it rest for a few seconds. The first thing that hit me was caramelized sugar almost like the crust on crème brulee. Underneath that, I caught cherry, coconut, and gentle baking spice. As it sat in the glass, faint notes of citrus peel and toasted nuts came through. The nose offered that satisfying mix of sweetness, spice, and oak that signals a well-balanced bourbon.

Others in my group noticed similar things. My brother picked up vanilla and toasted wood, while my father-in-law mentioned honey and something floral. It smelled rich and layered, the kind of bourbon you want to take your time with.

Taste of the Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4

The first sip confirmed what the nose promised. It opened with caramel and brown sugar, then moved into vanilla, roasted oak, and hints of clove and cinnamon. There’s also a subtle fruit note, maybe cherry or apple, that gives it brightness. I noticed a light nuttiness too, similar to roasted pecan.

As the bourbon rolled across my tongue, the flavors deepened. A bit of leather and dark chocolate showed up in the mid-palate, along with a mild dry oak that gave structure without being harsh. Despite its 98 proof, it didn’t burn or feel hot. It had energy and warmth, but stayed smooth and easy to sip.

My brother thought it drank “bigger” than its proof, meaning it had more flavor than expected. My in-laws, who usually lean toward sweeter bourbons, liked how it balanced sweetness and spice without being overwhelming. I thought it struck a nice middle ground, bold enough for enthusiasts, but friendly enough for casual drinkers.

Finish

The finish was where this bourbon really shined. It lingered with notes of caramel, oak, orange peel, and baking spice. A touch of honey and chocolate rounded it out, and a light dryness reminded me that this whiskey carries some maturity. The flavors faded slowly, leaving a pleasant warmth that hung around just long enough to invite another sip.

Around the fire, we kept going back for small pours and fresh opinions. Every time, the flavor seemed to shift slightly depending on temperature and air. The crisp fall night added to the experience, and the smell of campfire smoke almost seemed to blend naturally with the whiskey’s own toasted oak character.

How It Compared

Over the weekend, we tried a few other bourbons we’d brought along, and the Wyoming Whiskey held its own easily. It didn’t come across as overly young, even though it’s only aged five years. The depth and balance gave it the feel of something older. Each person had a different favorite aspect, some liked the sweetness up front, others the lingering spice but nobody found a real flaw. That says a lot for a bourbon that costs well under a hundred dollars.

Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4 Strengths and Weaknesses

What I liked:

• The aroma was layered and inviting, with caramel, spice, and fruit.
• The flavor delivered balance, sweet at first, spicy in the middle, warm on the finish.
• The maturity stood out for its age, and the texture stayed smooth throughout.
• It worked great for sipping neat, especially outdoors on a cool night.

What could be better:

• The body felt just a little light in the middle.
• The dry oak note might be too strong for those who prefer sweeter bourbons.
• At 98 proof, it doesn’t have the punch of cask strength options but that’s not really the goal here.

Final Thoughts on Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4

By the end of the weekend, the bottle was nearly empty, and nobody regretted that. Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4 turned out to be an easy-drinking yet flavorful bourbon that fits perfectly in a shared setting. It tastes mature beyond its years, offers a thoughtful balance of sweet and spice, and carries just enough character to make you pay attention.

At around $80 a bottle, it sits in the premium but still approachable range. Considering its quality, its connection to Yellowstone, and the fact that proceeds support park preservation, I think the price feels justified. If you’re curious to learn more or find a bottle, check your local liquor store or visit Wyoming Whiskey’s website for availability.

This one belongs in any bourbon lineup that values both craftsmanship and purpose. For me, it’s more than just a good pour. It’s a memory of a cool Michigan night, laughter with family, and a shared appreciation for something made with care.