KIRBY, Wyo. (April 18, 2025) –– Wyoming Whiskey proudly introduces a BlockBar-hosted auction of Bottle No. 399 of Queen of the Tetons, a limited-edition bourbon dedicated to the legendary Grizzly 399, the bear who was tragically killed in a car accident near Grand Teton National Park on October 22, 2024. All proceeds from this auction will benefit the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Grizzly 399’s death captured global attention late last year, marking a devastating loss for wildlife enthusiasts and Wyoming locals. An icon of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, she attracted countless tourists and photographers eager to catch a glimpse of the 7-foot, 400-pound matriarch. At 28 years old, she was the region’s oldest known reproducing female grizzly, spending much of her life near the Snake River and raising 18 known cubs.
In conjunction with the launch at the end of 2024, Wyoming Whiskey donated $20,000 to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation to protect and preserve the wild habitats that bears like Grizzly 399 call home. The funds support grizzly bear education, conservation and research programs in Grand Teton National Park. With just 720 bottles produced and sold out in only 36 hours back in December 2024, this is the sole chance to own Bottle No. 399. The auction lot includes:
- Wyoming Whiskey’s Queen of the Tetons Bottle No. 399, featuring an image of Grizzly 399 captured by renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen.
- An additional, sample bottle of Queen of the Tetons.
- A stunning 17"x 30" framed and signed print of Mangelsen’s “Spring’s Surprise,” the photograph featured on the bottle’s back label.
Thomas D. Mangelsen’s photo “Spring’s Surprise” captures the famous grizzly 399 emerging from hibernation in 2020 with four cubs—an extremely rare event. Taken on the day Grand Teton National Park reopened after COVID-19 closures, the image symbolizes both a remarkable wildlife moment and a sense of renewal.
The upcoming auction will be held on BlockBar.com beginning on April 22, 2025 at 10 AM EST and ending on April 29, 2025 at 10 AM EST. The lot will be available for immediate redemption only and bidding starts at $300. Wyoming Whiskey in partnership with BlockBar will be donating one hundred percent of the sale proceeds to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Supporting conservation efforts has long been central to Wyoming Whiskey’s mission, and this initiative furthers its commitment to preserving wide-open spaces in the wake of this profound loss.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Honey and ripe field berries, layered with a gentle dusting of cinnamon spice
Palate: White chocolate mocha, with notes of red fruit and rich brown sugar
Finish: Lingering hints of candied ginger and soft vanilla
About Wyoming Whiskey
Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has had a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. That goal has evolved to include all whiskeys. The company and its products are a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890, and the state defines them and their whiskey. They use the finest corn, winter wheat, winter rye, barley and water from the Bighorn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of this bourbon is truly made of Wyoming. To learn more, visit wyomingwhiskey.com.
About Thomas Mangelsen
Thomas D. Mangelsen is a renowned American wildlife photographer and conservationist best known for his image Catch of the Day, often described as "the most famous wildlife photograph in the world." Raised in Nebraska, his passion for nature led to a career spanning over four decades and all seven continents. His work, featured in National Geographic and major galleries, highlights the beauty of the wild and supports efforts to protect species like Yellowstone’s grizzlies.
About BlockBar
BlockBar enables the wine and spirits community to buy, store, sell, gift, and ship the highest quality wines and spirits, sourced directly from producers and authenticated via blockchain. Our team has access to the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels, and casks, many of which are unique to BlockBar. These are released on the platform through various sales mechanics, with many including immersive events and unique experiences. Underwritten by the power of blockchain, BlockBar guarantees provenance and authenticity so users can safely build their collections. Despite its cutting-edge approach, BlockBar’s roots stretch back decades. BlockBar was launched in October 2021 by cousins Dov and Sam, who are an active part of the family-owned Falic Group, a network founded in 2001 that includes Duty Free Americas, the largest travel retailer in the Americas.
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