Scotland has a long history of impressive Scotch whiskies brought to light by independent blenders and bottlers, dating back to around 1825. Enter Vermont’s independent bottler, Lost Lantern — created by Whisky Advocate writer Adam Polonski and his partner Nora Ganley Roper, bringing the practice to American single-malt whiskies (ASMs). Lost Lantern is unique as the only independent bottler focused solely on American whiskies.
Lost Lantern “Gentle Giant” — Balcones | 115.2 Proof
A blend of five different casks from Balcones — something the distillery itself has never done.
Nose: Sweet cornbread, eucalyptus, bamboo, Christmas cake
Palate: Peanut butter, dark chocolate, banana, sugar cane, eucalyptus, caramel corn
Lost Lantern “Mega Mesquite” — Whiskey Del Bac | 120 Proof
A high-proof expression accentuating the base whiskey’s mesquite-smoked characteristics.
Nose: All mesquite, all the time
Palate: Salty, smoky, sweet, oily — like chewing on mesquite. Caramel, vanilla, and raspberry lurking underneath.
Lost Lantern “Desert Dessert” — Whiskey Del Bac | 113.8 Proof
Mesquite-smoked-barley malt, with a portion spending additional time in ex-fill Sauternes casks and Pineau des Charentes casks.
Nose: Sweet red wine, subtle vanilla, cacao, coffee, mesquite
Palate: Chocolate-covered cherries, soft mesquite smoke, touch of salinity, toasted sourdough bread
Final Thoughts
All three are fascinating and unique. Desert Dessert is the standout.
Originally published on Wine & Whiskey Globe. Samples received from Lost Lantern.