Wyoming Whiskey Steamboat Bourbon Review

By Father John Rayls

Rating: B

Steamboat Special Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced by Wyoming Whiskey, located in Kirby, Wyoming. A casual observer might ponder how an old boating concept was chosen as the namesake for this whiskey, given Wyoming is best known for big sky, not big water. “Steamboat” was the name of an “unrideable” horse at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1909, and also the symbolic icon seen on the Wyoming license plate.

This whiskey has been described as lighter and sweeter when compared with the flagship Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, and it’s bottled at 90 proof. The expression creates a rather ironic statement, contrasting the rough and tumble bronco with the easy drinking lighter bourbon whiskey.  This limited special edition version can be found in liquor stores throughout Wyoming.

The Bourbon
Steamboat Bourbon is golden in color (think in terms of oak tree leaves in the Fall). The highlights are polished gold reflecting the light through the whiskey.  The legs initially are reluctant to make an appearance, only to suddenly run everywhere and drain quickly. Once visible, they are very thin. The nose is light to slightly moderate in intensity.  It is fruit forward tending towards berries over a base of honey.  No nose burn is present, but a slight tingling is always active.

The initial taste gives a very thin mouthfeel, with some significant dryness. The flavor on the palate is a fairly short experience. Most of the action takes place at mid-mouth.  It is faintly sweet accompanied with an oak presence. In addition, there are notes of caramel and light berry fruit. It is a pleasant taste, but seems fairly young.

The finish is medium to long and “spreads the wealth.” The honey-influenced berries and caramel are still present, but the overall experience is a little less dry. However, it begins at the back upper regions of the mouth eventually migrating to the tip of the tongue.

Steamboat Special Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey reminds me a bit of an Irish Whiskey. It’s also a more subtle experience, one that requires more time and concentration.

The Price
You can find this special edition bourbon (as mentioned before, it’s supposed to be a Wyoming-only) in the traditional 750ml bottle in the neighborhood of $45.00.