Lazy K Bar Whiskey
Actor Cole Hauser, who portrays “Yellowstone” heavy Rip Wheeler on the popular Taylor Sheridan pinned show, seems to stay pretty busy between shoots. Of course, there was that nasty writer’s strike, which lasted long enough to make a few “Yellowstone” fans and actors nervous. But Hauser took this break in stride collaborating with San Angelo-based Free Rein Coffee Co., in October of last year.
Not long after this, Hauser announced that Free Rein Coffee Co. would be available at 100 HTeaO locales across Texas. But this beverage is a morning booster, what about having something in the evening to relax with, right?
To cover both markets while “Yellowstone” is still a hot commodity, Hauser announced the release of his latest venture, a Montana-based whiskey brand named after one of the oldest operating cattle ranches and longest-running dude ranches in Montana — the Lazy K Bar. Yeah, we know it’s not named after anything Texas related, but the good news is that Texans can now enjoy a drink of this new libation at select locations.
Lazy K Bar straight bourbon whiskey is now available in select Spec's Wine, Spirits & Foods, Nomad's, and Cowboy Liquors in Texas with more retailers set to have the whiskey soon, according to a news release.
This 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is distilled and aged for eight years in Kentucky and then bottled in Bozeman, Montana. It is distilled from a mash bill of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley. The bourbon whiskey is 92 proof with an SRP of around $100. Yeah, this is sipping with dad during the holiday’s kind of stuff.
“The peach nectar on the nose is a siren luring you in for its captivating flavors of sweet oak, honey, and a hit of new leather and pecan nougat,” The Tasting Panel Magazine wrote. “It possesses a succulent finish of strength and luxury.”
Lazy K Bar Whiskey
Beside Hauser on this venture is Lazy K Bar Ranch owner and 3rd generation Montanan, Davis Leuschen along with Britt West, a 25-year beverage alcohol veteran and Fort Worth-native.
"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 says. “Bringing our bourbon to Texas is a returned favor of sorts.”
The Lazy K Bar Ranch itself was founded as a working cattle and horse ranch in 1887. In 1922, the ranch opened to guests, making it the oldest operating dude ranch in the state of Montana.
Talk about the real “Yellowstone.”
Currently, the Lazy K Bar Ranch spans nearly 12,000 acres, which is still being worked like it was in the old days.
"I've had a tremendous amount of support and requests from the fine folks of Texas to bring our bourbon into the Lone Star State," Hauser says. "And there’s a history of working ranches in Texas that match the lifestyle that pairs well with our bourbon. 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."
