Cowboy Country Distilling -
BY: Sarah Reish
There is a lot to say, but words can do little justice to the incredible experience we had while touring this facility and tasting the products made by Tim, master distiller and owner of Cowboy Country Distilling in Pinedale, Wyoming. I don’t even know where to begin because I feel his story is best told by him and not me. So, I will share our experience and leave the incredible details for him to share when you show up for your own tour.
The Tasting
Warmth, balance, and heart. More than a tasting, Tim works to educate and inspire. His passion for the industry is palpable and you can taste it in the quality of his products. From the coffee liquor that makes you want to curl up with a good book, to the jalapeño and bacon vodka paired with pineapple juice that tastes like a backyard barbecue… Tim’s high quality spirits and creativity are pure genius. The whiskey, a spirit which I typically do not care for, was surprisingly smooth and complex. The warmth of the liquor feels like a hug rather than a bite and it continues offering elements and flavor after each sip. If you are looking for a high quality tasting and an amazing experience, this is it.
The tasting itself is unique and personal. Tim takes you on a journey through each spirit and shares his personal story and history with each, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. Rather than tell you what to taste, he asks you what you taste and smell. It the most unique tasting we have ever had because he makes it personal, interactive and engaging.
The Facility
Waiting for the materials to expand and grow hasn’t stopped Tim from producing high numbers each week. Something that makes Cowboy Country Distilling unique is that Tim is a chemical engineer who worked in the industry 30 years prior to starting the distillery. He also designed and manufactured his own still. His facility produces bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs. During our tour we learned he is zero waste. The bags his grains are shipped in are recycled, the grains are not wasted and are sold to farmers and ranchers. They contain 36% protein which offers high nutrients to the animals feed. All of his grains come from Wyoming and are gluten free, which is rare for some of these spirits. He uses mountain spring water which means this water is fresh and not treated. Tim also works closely with the local community. During bottling days he hires stay at home moms to work during school hours and said they bottle up to 500 an hour! At the end of our tour, with 9 of us participating, Tim cracked open a barrel and let each of us sample his whiskey.
Fun Facts
The vodka is made with Wyoming corn. Tim learned how to make vodka in Ukraine, meaning he learned from the best. The Jalapeño bacon vodka is made with Wyoming bacon and his jalapeños come from New Mexico. Each batch (250 gallons) is made with 90 lbs of bacon and two and half bushels of jalapeños. Tim has mastered the creation of amazing and unique flavors in his high quality vodka. Tim has so many amazing facts and details in his story and we do not want to share them all because you need to go there and hear it from him yourself. His personal story and the details about the rum, whiskey, and gin are amazing. This is definitely a hidden gem and we are so happy we visited.
Award Winning
The SIP awards are unique in that it is the only international consumer judged spirit competition. It also removes any industry bias and spirits are judged based solely on consumer palettes and preferences. Tim has won many of these awards, let’s review.
Raspberry Cordial - 2019 & 2021 SIP Awards Bronze Medal Winner
Coffee Liqueur - 2021 SIP Awards Gold Medal Winner
Vodka - 2021 SIP Awards Gold Medal Winner
Jalapeño Bacon Vodka
2018 Denver International Spirits Competition Silver Medal Winner
2020 SIP Awards Silver Medal Winner
2020 SIP Awards Innovation Award Winner
Gin -
2019 SIP Awards silver Medal Winner
2020 SIP Awards Platinum Medal Winner
Rum - 2019 & 2020 SIP Awards Platinum Medal Winner
Spiced Rum - 2020 SIP Awards Bronze Medal Winner and Innovation Award Winner
Special Reserve Rum - 2019 London Spirits Competition Bronze Medal Winner
Straight Whiskey - 2020 SIP Awards Silver Medal Winner
Maple Whiskey - 2021 SIP Awards Bronze Medal Winner & Innovation Award Winner
Special Reserve Whiskey
2019 London Spirits Competition Silver Medal Winner
2020 SIP Awards Gold Medal Winner
Straight Bourbon
2021 SIP Awards Double Gold Medal & Consumer Choice Medal Winner
NABWC Bronze Medal Winner
Hit The Road!
Head to Pinedale and experience this yourself. Untainted and under the radar, this distillery serves up high quality spirits in a passionate environment and we will be back for more. Thank you Tim for providing an amazing experience and for welcoming us into your world.
Be sure to share your experience with us! Grab a photo with Tim and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld