Wyoming Athletics and State of Wyoming Announce Craft Spirit Collaboration

Pretty Good Horse Bourbon set to be available in August

LARAMIE, Wyo.  (July 31, 2025) – The University of Wyoming Athletics Department and the State of Wyoming announced on Thursday an exciting craft spirits collaboration with Backwards Distilling Company in Casper, Wyoming.  

The brand-new product, Pretty Good Horse Bourbon will feature a distinctive and eye-catching Brown and Gold label, featuring the famous Bucking Horse & Rider and several other elements of the University of Wyoming and the State of Wyoming brands.  The label design pays homage to the rich history of the Bucking Horse and Rider with a nod to Ragtime Cowboy Joe through the product name of Pretty Good Horse Bourbon. 

"We are very excited for this collaboration with Backwards Distilling Company," University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman said. "The product and packaging of Pretty Good Horse Bourbon is special and unique, highlighting this great state in a celebratory fashion. We are very thankful for this collaboration to give our fans a Wyoming branded bourbon at their local stores and at our athletics events."

Pretty Good Horse Bourbon is a straight bourbon whiskey, distilled and aged in the heart of Wyoming.  The barrels selected for this project possess qualities that highlight the unique conditions in Wyoming and the flavors they can impart on whiskey, making this product distinctively Wyoming. It’s sure to become an alumni and fan favorite for social gatherings or when celebrating big wins or commemorating special UW events and milestones.  The one-of-a-kind bottle will be a notable collectible for the bourbon enthusiast and will be an eye-catching featured spirit on the shelves of UW friends, fans and alums nationwide.  

The launch of the brand is set for August and will be distributed throughout the State of Wyoming.  In short order, the bourbon will be available for purchase by UW fans and alums throughout the country via the online spirit store Big Thirst.  A launch party and celebration featuring this exciting new bourbon will be held at the Backwards Distilling Company tasting room in Casper on August 22. 

“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to partner with the University of Wyoming on this special branded whiskey. As a Wyoming-based distillery and UW alumni, we take great pride in celebrating our state’s spirit — both in the bottle and in the community. Collaborating with UW allows us to showcase Wyoming craftsmanship, connect with students, alumni, and fans, and create something truly unique that everyone can raise a glass to.” — Amber Pollock, Co-Founder Backwards Distilling Company

About Backwards Distilling Company

Founded in 2012 in Mills, Wyoming, Backwards Distilling Company is a family-owned and operated craft distillery producing award-winning spirits from grain to glass. Inspired by the spirit of the circus, Backwards creates imaginative, high-quality vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey, all made with uncompromising care-a true celebration of creativity, craft, and Wyoming community.