Overview: In an unprecedented move, Lost Lantern has released the first bourbon to blend whiskeys from all 50 states. This ambitious project showcases a broad representation of American whiskey, with each component contributing its unique character and terroir.
The Full Story
Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, co-founders of Lost Lantern, embarked on an epic journey to visit 50 distilleries across the United States. Their mission? To create a bourbon that would capture the essence of America’s diverse whiskey landscape.
Through extensive research and sourcing efforts, the Lost Lantern team identified key partner distilleries from each state. However, they soon realized that some operations were still producing limited quantities or had already aged their whiskeys to meet federal requirements for straight whiskies classification.
“It was essential to us that this whiskey be truly representative without any single component dominating,” says Adam Polonski in an exclusive interview with Robb Report. “We’ve always believed in the importance of sourcing whiskey from various distilleries, but this project allowed us to push boundaries even further.”
Production & Profile
The resulting blend is bottled at 80 proof without chill filtration and features whiskeys aged between two and ten years. The core expression includes Cedar Ridge Distillery’s component at an impressive 14.4 percent, complemented by other notable contributions from distilleries such as New Riff, Kings County Brooklyn Empire Rye Whiskey, J.Rieger & Co., Balcones Texan Single Barrel Whisky, and Frey Ranch.
The whiskey is available in three distinct versions: a standard 100-proof expression; cask-strength United States of Bourbon at 122.9 proof; and the inaugural 1776 Edition, released to commemorate America’s bicentennial anniversary. The latter features whiskeys from thirteen East Coast states that were also part of the initial fifty-state blend but sourced from different barrels.
Brand & Industry History
Lost Lantern was founded in 2018 by Ganley-Roper and Polonski, who took a deliberate break from their respective careers to pursue their passion for whiskey. The company has since grown into an accomplished independent bottler with a distinct portfolio featuring American single malt, rye expressions alongside its flagship bourbon range.
By adopting the approach of scotch whisky independent bottlers and focusing on sourcing high-quality whiskeys directly from craft operations, Lost Lantern seeks to bring consumers closer to the heart of America’s whiskey heritage. The United States of Bourbon is just one example in their ongoing efforts to redefine the spirit world with authenticity.
What This Means
The release of United States of Bourbon marks a pivotal moment for bourbon enthusiasts seeking more diverse and globally connected expressions within their repertoire.
This trend toward blending different American whiskeys not only broadens palates but also contributes to the ever-evolving narrative that shapes America’s whiskey landscape. As consumers continue exploring new frontiers, Lost Lantern has positioned itself as a trailblazer in this pursuit of bourbon innovation and cultural exchange.
Consumer Takeaway
The United States of Bourbon represents an unbridled spirit of exploration – one that seeks to redefine the very fabric of American whiskey. For those eager to experience America’s diverse terroir within a single glass, Lost Lantern presents an enticing opportunity.
Each sip offers a nuanced glimpse into this nation built by various waves and influences from abroad. It is through these stories told in every bottle that we rediscover the unifying essence of American whiskey – its history intertwined with those who crafted it, across diverse landscapes and climates alike.
Source: Read the original article
