LOST LANTERN ANNOUNCES SPRING 2025 COLLECTION

Shining a Light on New American Finishing Traditions

Vergennes, VT (February 26, 2025)— For centuries, whiskey makers have used different barrels to impart unique flavors to their spirits, and today, cask finishing has become a key part of whiskey-making worldwide.

In the U.S., distilleries increasingly finish their single malts, bourbons, ryes, and other whiskies in secondary casks to amplify and enhance existing flavors. While traditional finishes like sherry, port, and Madeira remain popular, many American distilleries are pushing boundaries by experimenting with finishes rooted in their local environment, introducing flavors rarely seen in whiskey. Some of these innovations are now becoming a part of a new American whiskey tradition, just as sherry casks have for Scotch.

“The best cask finishes explore and amplify the intricate flavors already inherent in the underlying whiskey. They enhance what is already there, adding surprising and delightful layers of complexity,” says Lost Lantern Co-founder Nora Ganley-Roper.

Since its launch in 2020, Lost Lantern, an independent bottler of American whiskey, has been dedicated to exploring both traditional and innovative aspects of the whiskey landscape. This spring, the company shines a light on finishes that showcase American whiskey’s depth, diversity, and artistry.

The Lost Lantern Spring 2025 Collection, consisting entirely of finished whiskies, highlights these new American finishing traditions. The flagship release, Opulent Orchard, is a New York Distilling Co. 7-year-old rye whiskey finished in apple brandy casks and is the latest entry in Lost Lantern’s Single Distillery Series. The collection also features a range of single casks, each with a finish capturing a distillery’s unique environment and traditions. Alongside returning partners, this release marks Lost Lantern’s first collaboration with Finger Lakes Distilling in upstate New York, featuring a rye whiskey finished in a former Pommeau (a blend of apple brandy and apple juice) cask.

The Lost Lantern Spring 2025 Finish Collection will be available starting Wednesday, April 2nd, at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in California, New York,  and Massachusetts, and in the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

As always, each release is presented at natural cask strength, non-chill-filtered, and with no color added.

Opulent Orchard New York Distilling Co. Apple Brandy Finished Straight Rye Whiskey

114.9 Proof (410 bottles), SRP $100

Lost Lantern’s first rye whiskey in the Single Distillery Series, this apple brandy-finished rye from New York  Distilling marries the spice of northern rye with fresh fruit flavors. Blended by the Lost Lantern team, it combines three 7-year-old rye whiskies, each finished in American apple brandy barrels, creating a balanced mix of spice and sweetness. The nose offers fresh apples, rye spice, and black licorice, while the palate bursts with cinnamon applesauce, apple pie, warm oak, and wintergreen mint, leading to a spicy, peppery finish.

Santa Fe Spirits Apple Brandy Finished New Mexico Single Malt Single Cask

110.1 Proof (100 bottles), SRP $100

A pioneer of mesquite-smoked American Single Malt, Santa Fe Spirits offers a distinctly Southwestern take on smoked whisky. Made from 100% malted barley, with 30% mesquite-smoked, it aged 3.5 years in a 53-gallon barrel before finishing for over a year in an ex-Santa Fe Spirits apple brandy barrel. Bright, smoky, and fruity, this is Lost Lantern’s first single cask from Santa Fe Spirits since 2020.

Andalusia Tequila Finished Peated Texas Single Malt Single Cask

122.3 Proof (150 bottles), SRP $100

Based in Texas Hill Country, Andalusia is a rising star in American single malt. This single cask, made from 100% malted barley with 10% lightly peated, was aged for 2.5 years in a cask that previously held Andalusia’s wood-smoked Stryker single malt before finishing for another six months in an ex-Añejo tequila cask. A nuanced whiskey, the nose offers butterscotch and delicate grassy smoke, while the palate features fresh grass, vanilla cream, and deep, complex smoke.

Starlight Honey Finished Indiana Straight Bourbon Single Cask

110 Proof (265 bottles), SRP $80

Founded by Ted Huber, Starlight revives the 19th-century distilling tradition of Huber’s Orchard & Winery, where his family has farmed for seven generations. Known for its expert finishes, Starlight aged their 4-year-old Indiana bourbon for three months in a cask that once held barrel-aged honey from their farm. The result is a vibrant spirit with notes of fresh wildflower honey, white flowers, roses, and a honeyed yet balanced palate.

Watershed Nocino Finished Ohio Straight Bourbon 8 Years Old Single Cask

126.5 Proof (200 bottles), SRP $90

This Columbus, Ohio, distillery is known for its meticulous production, use of local ingredients, and innovative approach to grain. Watershed aged this bourbon for 3 years and 8 months in new oak before finishing it for 4 years and 7 months in a cask that previously held their nocino black walnut liqueur. The nose offers marzipan, butterscotch, and sweet oak, while the palate features dried mint, warm oak, toffee, and candied walnuts.

Finger Lakes Distilling Pommeau Finished New York Straight Rye Whiskey Single Cask

91.7 Proof (205 bottles), SRP $100

Finger Lakes Distilling is best known for its McKenzie whiskey brand and commitment to crafting spirits from Upstate New York’s agricultural bounty. This rye whiskey aged for 6 years before finishing for three months in a former Pommeau barrel from Finger Lakes Cider House. The nose bursts with juicy apple, cinnamon, spice, and plum, while the palate is warm and balanced with spiced apple cider, rye spice, and gentle oak notes.

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, VT. The brand has been honored as Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, and founders Nora and Adam were both named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40 list for 2025 and named to SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies from across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. Lost Lantern has now released whiskey from more than three dozen distilleries in over 20 states.

For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, to visit the tasting room, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

Blended Scotch The Fiddichside (Glenfiddich) 35 Year Old 1989 Murray McDavid Mission Gold

Experience the pinnacle of whisky artistry with The Fiddichside 35 Year Old 1989, a rare and exquisite blended malt Scotch whisky bottled by the esteemed independent bottler Murray McDavid as part of their prestigious Mission Gold series. This exceptional expression pays homage to the rich heritage of Speyside whiskies, predominantly featuring malts from the iconic Glenfiddich distillery, renowned for its quality and craftsmanship.

Distilled in 1989, this whisky has been meticulously matured over 35 years, undergoing a complex maturation journey that enhances its depth and character. Initially aged in traditional oak casks, it was then transferred into a combination of three Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, which impart rich notes of dried fruits, nuts, and sweet spices.

To elevate its sophistication, the whisky received a final finish in Pauillac wine casks from the illustrious Bordeaux region of France, adding layers of dark berries, subtle tannins, and a hint of earthy elegance.

£196.28 GBP

A Prized Scotch Discovery
Edradour 12 Year Old “Caledonia” Single Malt Whisky

(700ml) (Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $100) ($59.99)

“An excellent price on this hard-to-find whisky.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

This prized bottle from Scotland’s tiny Edradour distillery is named after musician Dougie MacLean’s ‘Caledonia’ guitar. MacLean visited in 2009 to help select the first cask and participate in the bottling, and the results are as harmonious as expected. With only three men working, Edradour produces about 12 casks a week, barely meeting demand. The 12-year-old expression takes things to new heights, and is unchillfiltered, with a rich nose of oak and dried fruits. A great addition to the Edradour lineup, scarce in California for years, and now back in stock at an incredible price—only at K&L!

Edradour 12 Year Old “Caledonia” Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $100) ($59.99)

This product is estimated to be available by 03/16/2025.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2025

The fantastic yet surprisingly hard-to-find 12-year-old version of Edradour is a hand-selected collaboration with the wonderful Scottish musician Dougie MacLean. He explains the inspiration behind the famous song for which this whisky is named: “I wrote Caledonia in 1977 on a beach in Brittany, France, when I was genuinely homesick for Scotland. My life has always been based in Perthshire. For me, the location of Edradour, with its neat cluster of whitewashed buildings, traditional equipment, and ancient methods of making single malt whisky, combined with its state-of-the-art bottling facility, typifies Caledonia.”

It’s great to see Dougie MacLean join forces with Andrew Symington and the Edradour Distillery to bring you this wonderfully rich and complex 12-year-old single malt. According to Signatory, the musician still has a hand in selecting the single casks for each bottling of Caledonia. The whisky starts with 8 years in first-fill bourbon barrels before a 4-5 year secondary maturation in first-fill oloroso sherry casks. Bottled without chill-filtration at 46%, this full-flavored Edradour offers a playful freshness, unlike the more serious and hard-edged 10-year-old sherry expression. We have an excellent price on this hard-to-find whisky.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Whisky Words: Lyne Arm

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll already know that in the intricate world of Scotch whisky production, every component plays a crucial role in shaping the final flavour. One element that literally does “shape” the final spirit, however, is the lyne arm. Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “The lyne arm is part of the still – also called the lye pipe – and it’s what connects the top of the still to the condenser unit. The slope of the lye pipe is important with regards to reflux in the final spirit.”🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

ralfy review 1068 Extras – There’s been a ‘spat‘.

GLENFIDDICH PARTNERS WITH ANDRÉ SARAVIA TO UNVEIL GRAND CHÂTEAU

5 September 2024: Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky*, has collaborated with French artist André Saraiva to launch Grand Château, its newest limited edition in the Grand Series. Saravia, an internationally renowned artist who has previously collaborated with global luxury brands, has worked with Glenfiddich to visualise the Grand Château world. From the 250 limited-edition packaging to campaign visuals, he has taken inspiration from the exquisite liquid and collision of two cultures.

Widely recognised as a genre-defining artist, André was responsible for a significant turning point in the history of street art, when he introduced his cheerful, top-hatted stick figure, and now iconic ‘Mr.A’ into his work. As the first graffiti artist to paint a character in place of the traditional tag name, he quickly became known as Paris’ most active street artist. This collaboration further reinforces Glenfiddich’s long standing history and commitment to supporting the arts, be that through collaborations with established artists or by inviting up-and-coming artists to its distillery to create artworks inspired by the surroundings.

Glenfiddich Grand Château is a 31 Year Old whisky and the first release by the distillery to use Bordeaux red wine casks. The liquid has been matured in American oak before being finished for an extended nine years in Bordeaux red wine casks from the French wine-growing region. The nine year finish adds layer upon layer of new and unexpected flavour. Indulgent and rich, caramelised cherry and apple intertwines with warming spice and toasted oak; an opulent, yet earthy liquid that’s fruity and at the same time floral. This liquid tells the tale of two worlds, drawing inspiration and character from both, to create one exceptional liquid.

It is this unexpected marriage of Speyside with Bordeaux that has provided the inspiration for Saravia’s artwork for the packaging, Saraiva has juxtaposed a traditional Toile de jouy print and used it as a canvas on which he has applied his signature motifs and style, disrupting the art form. The extremely limited-edition outer casings feature Saraiva’s signature ‘Mr.A’ character–a figure that has traveled the world from the streets of Paris to New York, Shenzhen, London and Seoul, and within this design can be seen playfully selecting the extended Bordeaux  red wine cask finished whisky at Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland.  The artist’s 250 limited edition and the wider release will feature a bright and bold watercolour print by Saravia on the inside of the box.

On the collaboration André Saraiva comments:

“When Glenfiddich asked me (and Mr.A) to work with them it felt like a perfect match. I am a lover of whisky and the connection to France with this bespoke liquid allowed for a huge amount of creativity. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful land of Scotland where I was able to truly experience the history and heritage, the people, the inspiring surroundings and taste Glenfiddich. These unique adventures are reflected in my drawings and art for my collaboration with Glenfiddich.”

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master said:

“Bordeaux red wine casks are incredibly versatile sources of flavour and recognised widely for their outstanding quality, providing the perfect opportunity for experimentation to develop a profound spirit. Nine years spent cocooned in Bordeaux red wine casks results in an exceptionally vibrant liquid which intensifies Glenfiddich’s classic fruity character balanced somewhat unusually with notes of deep oak and warming vanilla. Although wine is becoming an increasingly popular choice for maturation within the single malt category, it remains relatively rare to see whiskies finished in a Bordeaux  red wine cask, making this an incredibly intriguing and collectable bottling.”

Grand Château is the latest addition to the Grand series, which includes Grand Yozakura, a limited edition 29 Year Old whisky and the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks; Grande Couronne, a 26 Year Old Scotch Whisky matured in American and European oak casks finished for up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks; Glenfiddich Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finessed in French Cuvée oak casks; Gran Cortes, a refined Glenfiddich whisky aged for 22 years in traditional Sherry oak before finishing in very rare Palo Cortado Sherry casks, only available in Asia and Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, patiently mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before a final flourish in Caribbean Rum casks.

Grand Château descriptors:

Nose: Warm cocooning vanilla slowly unveils fruity, floral notes of beautifully ripe cassis berries, and piquant nutty aromas

Taste: Indulgent and rich, flavours of slowly caramelised cherries and apples intertwine with an unmistakable warming spice and toasted oak

Finish: Everlasting depth and character

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS HERE WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL DATE AND IS PUBLISHED AS A MATTER OF INTEREST

The Whisky Explorer Awards

“Premier Whisky Shop in Canada…”

..2nd Year in a Row!

It has just been announced that Kensington Wine Market has been picked as the Premier Whisky Shop in Canada for the 2nd year running in The Whisky Explorer Awards.

The award is part of the People’s Choice portion of the Whisky awards. We were nominated and voted on whisky lovers, which is what makes this award truly special for us.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us, we are truly humbled!

There are plenty of great whisky shops around — especially in Alberta as we continue to have the only fully privatized retail liquor model in Canada. There is plenty of competition in this province, and that makes us feel all the more privileged and thankful for being selected for awards by whisky lovers, like this.

If you would like to check out the winners in other categories for this year’s Whisky Explorer Awards, you can check out the latest edition of the online Whisky Explorer Magazine here.

The Awards are announced starting on page 42.

If you want to kill some extra minutes after that, you could also check out at my poorly-timed article on American Single Malt Whiskey!

It can be found on page 39.

Ahh, to go back to a pre-trade war world. Those were the days.

Cheers, Evan

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Regular Store Hours

Mon-Wed 10 AM – 8 PM

Thurs & Fri 10 AM – 9 PM

Sat 10 AM – 8 PM

Sun 11 AM to 6 PM

Cambus (silent) Cooper’s Choice Single Cask 32 Year Old·1991 Vintage

Cambus distillery, which was situated between Stirling and Alloa was active from 1806 to 1993, where it fell victim to rationalisation and saw the expansion of Cameronbridge distillery. Since 2011 the site has been used as Diageo’s cooperage. This is a 32 years old single Bourbon cask bottling by Cooper’s Choice. 47.5% ABV | Vintage 1991 | Year Bottled 2023

£179.95

Our first single cask exclusive for 2023 comes from Deanston Distillery, bottled by Little Brown Dog. This Deanston was distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2023 from a single bourbon barrel.  One of only 255 bottles produced. Bottled at a cask strength of 54.1%

£77.49

Tasting notes:

Nose: Green apples, grapefruit, honeydew melon, vanilla, Tunnocks coconut caramel log & malted milk biscuit.

Palate: Vanilla shortbread, waxy (old school Clynelish), pepper at the end.

Finish: The finish is long with notes of ginger and Lindt white chocolate. Warming, waxy & oily.

With Water:

Nose: Granny Smith apples

Taste: A little more spice on the palate.

Finish: a little more mellowed, waxy and nutty

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Rosebank 22 Year Old 1992 vintage Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead bottled 2014 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum series. 136 bottles. A rare find from a distillery that has only recently reopened.

Regular price £1,440.00 GBP