Exciting Releases

Here at The Whisky Exchange we pride ourselves on having as comprehensive a range as humanly possible. Of course, a big part of that is sourcing exciting new releases and getting them into your hands without delay. Alongside tempting arrivals such as Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon 2018, Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Batch 5 and Thompson Bros’ Mystery Malt Series No.6, we’re also delighted to offer three new Tormore releases, available exclusively from us for the next two weeks. There’s sure to be something to pique your interest.

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HAZELBURN 7 OLOROSO

47.9% ABV

NOSE
Maraschino cherries, fudge, treacle, dates, brandy butter.

PALATE
Brown sugar, ginger, raisins, red currant jelly.

FINISH
Sweet sticky toffee pudding, black currants, herbs, tarragon.

UK RRP £75 – £78

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Honors Sen. Julie Raque Adams With Top “100 Proof” Award 

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is honoring Sen. Julie Raque Adams with its prestigious “100 Proof Award” for her bold leadership in championing landmark legislation in the 2025 session to protect Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Sen. Raque Adams, R-Louisville, was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 202, which established a basic set of standards for the state to regulate THC-infused intoxicating beverages as it does alcohol. The category has largely avoided regulation since it was created in 2018 from a loophole in the federal Farm Bill.

KDA President Eric Gregory praised Sen. Adams’ diligence and dedication. “Sen. Adams’ outstanding leadership has provided a balanced, thoughtful and comprehensive framework to regulating this new category of intoxicating beverages, which has become a model for other states.

“Senate Bill 202 ensures Kentucky leads with responsibility, transparency and parity for these new producers of intoxicating beverages. On behalf of our members, we’re honored to present Sen. Adams with this award and thank her for her tireless efforts to strengthen oversight in this evolving space.”

The KDA created the “100 Proof Award” in 2009 to recognize elected officials who exhibit exceptional care, diligence and initiative in promoting and protecting Kentucky Bourbon. Nominees must receive a unanimous vote from the KDA’s Governmental Affairs Advisory Group and the KDA Board of Directors.

It is the highest honor bestowed by the state’s iconic Bourbon industry on elected officials.

KDA officials will present Sen. Adams with a commemorative barrel head in Frankfort in the coming weeks.

Previous recipients of the non-partisan award include U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Rep. Susan Westrom, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and more.

For a complete list, visit https://kybourbon.com/industry/advocacy/.

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured signature industries, generating $10.6 billion in economic impact every year, supporting 24,000 workers with $2 billion in salaries and benefits, and pouring more than $370 million into local and state taxes.

Bourbon also plays a vital role in the state’s tourism efforts through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure, attracting nearly 3 million visitors from all over the globe every year to this bucket-list phenomenon.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging craft distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s signature spirit. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Lost Lantern Launches the United States of Bourbon, the First-Ever Blend of Straight Bourbon from All 50 States

 The inaugural release includes a recurring 100 Proof expression, a recurring Cask Strength expression, and a limited 1776 Edition created for America’s 250th anniversary.

VERGENNES, VT  — Award-winning independent bottler Lost Lantern today announces the launch of the United States of Bourbon, the first-ever blend of bourbon from all 50 states, and the widest-ranging American whiskey ever created.

At a time when bourbon is being made everywhere from Hawaii to Alaska, Vermont to Texas, the United States of Bourbon captures a remarkable moment in American whiskey history. Bringing together one distillery from every state into a single blend, the project serves as a snapshot of the extraordinary growth, diversity, and creativity that has transformed American bourbon in recent years.

The culmination of a vision that predates Lost Lantern itself, the United States of Bourbon has been in development for more than five years. Over that time, Lost Lantern co-founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski traveled extensively across the country, visiting distilleries and evaluating whiskey in pursuit of a bourbon worthy of representing each state. In some cases, multiple distilleries and countless samples were considered before the final whiskey was identified for the project. Every cask in the blend was hand-selected from distilleries personally visited and vetted by the founders, providing the foundation for what would become one of the most ambitious blending projects in American whiskey.

The inaugural release debuts in three expressions: United States of Bourbon 100 Proof (SRP $79.99), United States of Bourbon Cask Strength (SRP $99.99), and the limited United States of Bourbon 1776 Edition (SRP $199.99), a one-time-only 13-state blend created to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. In keeping with Lost Lantern’s commitment to full transparency, every component distillery is listed on each label.

While bourbon has historically been associated with a handful of states, the United States of Bourbon reflects the dramatic rise of craft distilling across the country over the last two decades. The blend includes bourbons aged in coastal climates influenced by salty sea air, estate whiskey from family-run grain-to-glass distilleries, bourbon from states with generations of moonshining traditions, and whiskey from some of the country’s newest distilleries, including producers younger than the idea for United States of Bourbon itself. Together, they create a singular portrait of the diversity, innovation, and character defining American whiskey today.

“The United States of Bourbon has truly been years in the making and has been part of the vision for Lost Lantern since before we launched the company,” says Adam Polonski, co-founder and Head of Whiskey Sourcing at Lost Lantern. “From the earliest stages of dreaming up Lost Lantern, we envisioned crafting a fifty-state blend to showcase the diversity and breadth of bourbon. Shortly after, in 2021, we began sourcing barrels specifically for this whiskey, work that continued through 2025. I have visited and vetted every distillery in this blend in person.”

“This is certainly the most ambitious whiskey Lost Lantern has ever made,” says Nora Ganley-Roper, co-founder and Head Blender at Lost Lantern. “But it has also always had true clarity of vision. I blended this to give a bird’s-eye view of bourbon from across the country. This whiskey provides a snapshot of the complexity and current landscape of bourbon.”

While the United States of Bourbon celebrates the extraordinary diversity of bourbon today, the 1776 Edition offers a more historical perspective. Created to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, this limited release blends bourbon from the first 13 states that came together to form a new nation. Unlike the recurring 50-state expressions, the 1776 Edition was conceived as a one-time release, serving as both a tribute to America’s founding and a snapshot of the bourbon being produced across those original states today.

THE INAUGURAL EXPRESSIONS

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon 100 Proof

This first-of-its-kind release is a blend of straight bourbon whiskies from all 50 states, sourced from distilleries personally visited and vetted by Lost Lantern. Blended in Vermont and carefully slow-proofed to 50% ABV, the 100 Proof expression presents a warmer, more approachable profile while maintaining the whiskey’s depth and complexity. Tasting Notes: Warm vanilla and wood spice on the nose, with hints of nutmeg and clove. On the palate, notes of chocolate, raspberry, and orange zest. Balanced and deep.

• SRP: $79.99
• Proof: 100
• Quantity: 6,780 bottles
• Age Statement: 2 years; components range from 2–10 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added 

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon Cask Strength

The Cask Strength expression features the same blend of bourbons from all 50 states as the 100 Proof release, blended in Vermont and bottled at its natural proof. Tasting Notes: Rich wood spice and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, oak, spice, and fruit intermingle into a deep and balanced whole, with notes of black raspberry, dark chocolate, and leather.

• SRP: $99.99
• Proof: 122.9
• Quantity: 3,300 bottles
• Age Statement: 2 years; components range from 2–10 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added 

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon 1776 Edition

Created especially for America’s 250th anniversary, the limited 1776 Edition is a special 13-state blend of straight bourbon whiskies sourced from the first states that came together to form a new nation in 1776. Blended in Vermont, bottled at cask strength, and limited to just 1,776 hand-numbered bottles, this one-time-only release will never be repeated. Tasting Notes: Warm, complex, and spicy on the nose, with orange zest, dark chocolate, and walnut notes. The palate bursts with fruit and spice, with hints of fresh-baked bread and notes of leather leading into a very long, spicy finish.

• SRP: $199.99
• Proof: 121.4
• Quantity: 1,776 bottles
• Age Statement: 4 years; components range from 4–8 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added

United States of Bourbon is available via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in CA, IL, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT, and VA, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT. 

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont. Inspired by the tradition of independent bottling in Scotland, Lost Lantern seeks out distinctive whiskies from across the U.S., releasing them as single casks and blends with a commitment to transparency.

Named Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky America Awards and the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Lost Lantern has also seen both founders honored as Drinks Visionaries of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine, Drinks Innovators of the Year by SevenFifty Daily, named to the VermontBiz Rising Stars list, and named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40.

For more information, explore current and past releases, visit the tasting room, or sign up for the newsletter or Discovery Club at LostLanternWhiskey.com. Follow @lostlanternwhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

Participating Distilleries in United States of Bourbon (listed in order of statehood)

*Part of the 1776 Edition blend

Painted Stave Distilling (DE)*, Liberty Pole Spirits (PA)*, Sourland Mountain Spirits (NJ)*, ASW Fiddler Distillery (GA)*, Litchfield Distillery (CT)*, Triple Eight Distillery (MA)*, Baltimore Spirits Co. (MD)*, High Wire Distilling Co. (SC)*, Cathedral Ledge Distillery (NH)*, Reservoir Distillery (VA)*, Kings County Distillery (NY)*, Broad Branch Distillery (NC)*, South County Distillers (RI)*, Stonecutter Spirits (VT), New Riff Distilling (KY), Leiper’s Fork Distillery (TN), Tom’s Foolery Distillery (OH), Distillerie Acadian (LA), Starlight Distillery (IN), Rich Grain Distilling (MS), Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. (IL), Dread River Distilling Co. (AL), Hardshore Distilling Co. (ME), J. Rieger & Co. (MO), Rock Town Distillery (AR), New Holland Distilling Co. (MI), St. Augustine Distillery (FL), Balcones Distilling (TX), Cedar Ridge Distillery (IA), Wollersheim Distillery (WI), Corbin Cash Distillery (CA), Far North Spirits (MN), Oregon Spirit Distillers (OR), Union Horse Distilling Co. (KS), Smooth Ambler Spirits (WV), Frey Ranch Distillery (NV), Brickway Distillery (NE), Boulder Spirits (CO), Proof Artisan Distillers (ND), Blackfork Farms (SD), Montgomery Distillery (MT), Woodinville Whiskey Co. (WA), Day’s Defile (ID), Backwards Distilling Co. (WY), High West Distillery (UT), Hochatown Distilling (OK), Safe House Distilling (NM), SanTan Distilling (AZ), Denali Spirits (AK), and Ko‘olau Distillery (HI).

Knob Creek Marks America’s 250th With a First-Ever Blue Wax Seal

For the first time in Knob Creek Bourbon’s history, we’re changing the color of our signature wax seal to mark a truly historic milestone.

To celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced Knob Creek 9 Year Old: Independence Edition, a limited-edition expression of our iconic 9-year-old bourbon featuring a blue wax seal and patriotic red, white, and blue label, joining a commemorative collection alongside Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.

Founded in 1992 and named for the Kentucky creek at Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home, Knob Creek was created by sixth generation Master Distiller Booker Noe to revive pre-Prohibition bourbon. Today, his son Fred Noe and grandson Freddie Noe continue to uphold that legacy – with this release celebrating both America’s 250th anniversary and James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s 230 years of American whiskey heritage.

While the look is new, the liquid remains the same full-flavored bourbon fans expect: aged nine years in American white oak, bottled at 100 proof, and featuring notes of smooth vanilla, deep caramel, and bold charred oak. It is available nationwide for a limited time at $36.99 SRP.

Booker’s Bourbon Unveils Batch #2 The “Milkshake Batch”

The second release from Booker’s Bourbon this year – The Milkshake Batch – inspired by one of Booker Noe’s favorite indulgences: a homemade chocolate malted milkshake spiked with a generous pour of bourbon.

Named after a cherished Beam family tradition, the “Milkshake Batch” pays tribute to the late Booker Noe’s inventive spirit. The story traces back to Fred Noe’s childhood fishing trips with his father, where chocolate malted milkshakes became a well-earned reward after a day on the water. Booker eventually began adding bourbon to the mix, creating a family ritual that lives on today between Fred and Freddie.

The “Milkshake Batch” delivers everything bourbon enthusiasts expect from Booker’s: uncut, unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at a robust 124.4 proof and aged 7 years, 6 months, and 12 days. The batch showcases rich aromas of vanilla and oak, a bold, full-bodied palate, and the long, lingering finish that Booker’s is known for.

The breakdown is as follows:

•  26% was stored on the fifth floor of warehouse 3, a seven-story house.
•  23% was stored on the third floor of warehouse L, a seven-story house.
•  19% was stored on the third floor of warehouse M, a seven-story house.
•  32% was stored on the fifth floor of warehouse G at waterfall, a seven-story house.

Spend more to save more on American whiskey

There are few things we love more than American whiskey, but announcing an offer like this might be one of them! For a limited time, if you spend over £80 on 2 bottles of American whiskey, you’ll get £10 off; and if you spend over £150 on 2 bottles of American whiskey, you’ll get £20 off.

To redeem, simply add two eligible bottles to your basket and enter BRBN10 or BRBN20 at checkout to claim your discount.

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(PRNewsfoto/Heaven’s Door Spirits, LLC)

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 608: Heaven’s Door Straight Rye Whiskey

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, celebrates Independence Day with an American whiskey. Heaven’s Door is a relatively new whiskey brand from Chicago, founded in collaboration with the legendary artist Bob Dylan. Their first whiskey appeared in 2018, but by now they already have a track record of more than 60 whiskies. In the glass is one of the first releases: a young rye whiskey that received a finish in wine casks from the Vosges.

https://youtu.be/olcMJU1kEZQ

Happy 4th of July to our friends in the United States of America!