Wyoming Whiskey makes best of the best list

Wyoming Whiskey has made the top three list of the “Best of the Best” in Esquire magazine’s best whiskeys in the country.

First on the list is Westland, out of Seattle, Wash., founded in 2010.

According to Esquire, Westland was the independently owned “little guy” making the best whiskey in America. They were acquired in 2016 by Remy Countreau, so it is no longer the independently owned underdog.

Wyoming Whiskey, founded in Kirby in 2009, is second on the list.

Esquire warns you may not be impressed with their bland name and simple packaging, but once you taste it you’ll understand why its number two on the list and also their pick for the “absolute best American craft whiskey distillery that distills all of its products and is not owned by a multinational conglomerate.”

From St. Helena, Calif., number three on the list is Charbay, distilled in Napa Valley, generally known as wine country. In addition to their whiskey, Charbay also makes wine, tequila, vodka, run and walnut liqueur.

Sam Mead, head distiller for Wyoming Whiskey said the company is thrilled.

“This really is a validation of the hard work these guys do out here and the quality of the product,” Mead said. "We couldn’t have done it without our employees and the support from Wyoming.

“We’re excited about it and ready to continue to do the same and create the best whiskey we can.”