Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser isn't just in the business of bringing coffee to Texas: He's now bringing his Montana-based Lazy K Bar Whiskey to the Lone Star State starting July 16.
The Lazy K Bar Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a 92 proof bourbon aged for eight years in Kentucky and bottled in Bozeman, Montana, is now available for purchase at select retailers in Texas.
The brand started as a partnership between Hauser, Lazy K Bar Ranch owner David Leuschen, and Britt West, the Vice President of Spirits at Gallo. According to a press release, Hauser said he wanted to expand Lazy K Bar Whiskey's reach after receiving a "tremendous amount of support and requests" from Texas consumers. The brand's namesake bourbon was previously only available in Montana.
"And there’s a history of working ranches in Texas that match the lifestyle that pairs well with our bourbon," Hauser said. "The product in the bottle should be enjoyed around a campfire, or at home with friends and family after a long day of work — whether that be branding cattle or making deals in the boardroom."
The Straight Bourbon Whiskey's mash bill consists of 74 percent corn, 18 percent rye, and 8 percent malted barley. According to the brand's website, it has a "rich round mouthfeel" and has complex aromatic tasting notes of sweet toast, malted grain, clove, cinnamon, and hints of apple.
"The nose starts with dark barrel notes of caramel and toffee with an aged honey character," the website says. "The finish leaves you with notes of caramelized oak and malted grain."
The bourbon has a suggested retail price of $100.Photo by Audrey Hall
The bourbon was aged in No. 4 "Alligator Char" barrels, and it was awarded 98 points out of 100 by Tasting Panel Magazine.
The bottle itself is an homage to western cattle ranches, as the hammered texture glass bottle is adorned with an aged leather cover branded with the Lazy K Ranch brand, and topped off with a weighty brass bottle stopper.
West, who has 25 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, says the flavor of the bourbon will evoke "the spirit of the West."
"There’s a history between Texas and Montana that goes back to the great cattle drives in the 1860s when ranchers brought cattle to Montana in search of more fertile grazing lands," West said. "Bringing our bourbon to Texas is a returned favor of sorts."
Lazy K Bar Straight Bourbon Whiskey retails for $100, and can be purchased at select Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Foods locations across Texas, as well as Nomads Liquor in Temple, and Cowboy Liquors in Floresville, Kenedy, and La Vernia.
More information about the bourbon can be found on lazykbarwhiskey.com.
Each water was chilled overnight prior to tasting.Photo by