Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
American independent bottlers are a new and emerging category on the domestic whiskey scene. Mirroring practices of similar outfits in Scotland, this niche of producers seeks out high-quality expressions from distilleries across the United States, making them single bottlings or blended whiskeys. They also tend to believe in transparency, putting alongside their brand the name of the distillery, where the whiskey came from, and as much other relevant information as possible.
One of the leaders of this movement is Lost Lantern, who is out of Vermont. Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, they were recently named Independent Bottler of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky Awards in London. They take very seriously where they source from and the transparency of information, regularly releasing blended and single distillery expressions with unique identities.
This past November, they offered four new expressions as part of their Lost Lantern Winter 2023 Collection. Crafted “specifically to be enjoyed during the coldest season of the year,” the one I’m reviewing today is Lost Lantern Flame. Described as “a blend of smoked American whiskies that together evoke brightness and warmth,” this whiskey brings together mesquite-smoked single malts from Whiskey Del Bac in Arizona and Santa Fe Spirits in New Mexico. It consists of aged components ranging from 1 to 4 years.
Trending Stories
Bottled at 113.9 proof and priced at $100, just 400 bottles of this whiskey were released. It was recently named Best American Blended Malt at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards.
Latest News