Over the course of a very short period of time, Lost Lantern has garnered a reputation for being an American independent bottler that is not afraid to take risks and put powerful tastes at the forefront of its products. Up to this point, the founding team, which is based in Vermont, has marketed a vatted malt from the United States of America in addition to hundreds of single cask expressions.
One of the new initiatives that they are working on is a series of single distillery offerings, which they are currently working on. Each of the expressions in this series is a limited release, and each of them is a blend of several barrels that were made by a single distillery. Each particular expression is a limited release. The initial three bottlings of the series contain a single expression from Balcones, which is located in Texas, as well as two expressions from Whisky Del Bac, which is located in Arizona.
All right, let’s get in and find out how the first three guys match up.
The “Gentle Giant” Balcones of Lost Lantern Distillery are producing Texas single malt.
A combination of whisky that has been matured in European oak, ex-bourbon and ex-apple brandy barrels is included in this release of 1,100 bottles. A significant amount of fruit and sour candy can be detected on the scent, with green apple and green pear being the most prominent notes. On the tongue, the whisky begins with a little flavour, but it rapidly develops up with a continuation of fruit flavours, including some sour cherry, and an influence from wood. The end has a note that is evocative of pumpernickel bread, and there is also a hint of baking spice throughout the flavour profile. Generally speaking, the aftertaste is slightly sour, but it is not so acidic that it makes your mouth water. This intricate pour, which adds a new layer with each subsequent sip, is really a good match for lingering fruit flavours since it matches nicely with those nuances. An interpretation of Texas whisky that is fruity, sweet, and refreshing.
Del Bac Arizona Single Malt Whisky as part of the Lost Lantern ‘Desert Dessert’ product line
Whisky Del Bac’s mesquite-smoked mashbill was utilised in the production of this release, which consisted of 450 bottles in total. In Sauternes and Pineau des Charentes casks, the whisky was largely finished maturing before being released. The release was a limited edition of the product. The nose is virtually equally dominated by the aromas of smoke and Sauternes, and there is a trace of pine at the very end of the encounter. Dark stewed fruits are brought out, much like they would be in a boiling cobbler or compote, as a result of the wonderful balance that occurs between these two ingredients which are present on the palate. In spite of this, the perfect harmony does not last for an abnormally long period of time. In terms of the finish, which is considerably higher on the smoky end of the spectrum, the mesquite-smoke stands out as the dominant component, surpassing both the barrel and finishing impacts. Every time I took a sip, I couldn’t help but wish that a slightly bigger proportion of the wine barrels had been able to make it to the bottom of the glass. On the other hand, despite the fact that it is called “Desert Dessert,” I would highly suggest that you pair this whisky with cuisine that is on the savoury side.
“Mega Mesquite” Whisky from Lost Lantern, a single malt from Arizona created by Del Bac
There are only 180 bottles produced from this blend, which is a combination of three “heavily mesquite-smoked” barrels. Not only is there a hint of mothball and pine tar on the nose, but there is also a bonfire scent. It is important not to let that final note discourage you too much; the scent is thick and nuanced, and it is well worth spending some time with it. In general, despite the fact that the phrase “Mega Mesquite” is being used, I do not detect nearly as much smoke as I would have anticipated. This is instantly rectified with the very first sip, with a rich wood smoke, barbecue sauce, burned sugar, and black oak all coming through in rapid succession. (This is truly reminiscent of something that John Steinbeck might have written!) At the end, there is a surge of something that is slightly nutty, but it does not totally overpower the flavours of mesquite that are still present. Surprisingly, this beverage produces a little reduction in its proof. There were new nuances that I discovered practically every time I took up the glass of whisky, and it is an intriguing whisky that I would be keen to try again.
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