"[I]n the United States, independent bottlers of craft spirits have risen in popularity, winning customers and awards in the process. With a rapidly changing global whiskey market, a growing movement of innovative craft spirits, and a passionate consumer base, the world of independent bottling is changing fast," wrote Daniel Stewart for Distiller.com. The East Coast has at least five such new businesses. The one I am fascinated by is Lost Lantern.
They kicked off Lost Lantern with an eight month road trip to find the best whiskey from all across the United States. Lost Lantern only works with distilleries they have visited in person, and Adam, as head of whiskey sourcing, continues to scour the country in search of great distilleries. Nora, as head blender, selects and blends all Lost Lantern whiskies at the company’s Vermont production facility.
I first became aware of Lost Lantern when I met Adam at the Hudson Valley Whiskey Tasting back in January of 2025 at the Hudson Valley Whiskey Experience organized by Paige Fiori. I remember how struck I was. There are not many Independent Bottlers out there, though the number is growing. But these were two very experienced, knowledgeable folk, making this operation happen. It totally peaked my interest.
And they are catching the eyes of the industry. They were featured in a recent article at Distiller.com and Imbibe magazine, where their tasting room was named to the 2025 Imbibe 75 list, an annual list that the magazine releases of the 75 people and places sure to shape the drinks world in the months and years ahead.
“Most tasting rooms feature spirits from a single distillery, but at Lost Lantern, visitors get the opportunity to try whiskey from all across the United States. That’s because Lost Lantern is an independent bottler, offering mostly single barrels from dozens of distilleries. And in the Vergennes, Vermont, tasting room, visitors get their pick from the company’s vast library, including long-sold-out releases. ‘We want it to be a place where people can come and explore whiskey in depth, however much they know about it already,’ says co-founder Adam Polonski.”
Pretty damn impressive.
Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey. They identify unique and exciting whiskies from across the country. And they tell the stories of these distilleries and why whiskey lovers should know about them. Lost Lantern’s goal is to showcase those whiskies and the independent spirits who make them. And offer them in a unique range.
PRODUCT LINES
Blend Series: Multi-distillery blends exploring a style or region
Single Distillery Series: Multiple casks blended from one distillery showcasing a particular aspect of
that distillery
Single Cask Series: One-of-a-kind selections at cask strength
I tasted at that time Lost Lantern Mountain Meadow St. George Spirits California Single Malt; Lost Lantern Desert Dessert Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt; and Wollersheim Distillery Wisconsin Straight Bourbon. All of them were exceptional. Truly wonderful whiskies. The Del Bac (one of my favorite producers) had notes of caramel, stone fruit, and smoke. The St George was light, delicate, floral, and amazing. And the Wollersheim was like sitting in a big red leather wing back chair, smooth and layered, inviting an afternoon of sipping and ruminating.
Also enjoyed the Far Flung Rye and the Opulent Orchard New York Apple Brandy.
But now onto business. Lost Lantern just released its Summer 2025 Collection. It features Estate distilleries—those that make whiskey using grain grown entirely on their own land—make spirits with terroir, shaped by the climate, the land, and the people who steward it. I have long been a believer in wine and whiskey terroir. Lost Lantern’s new collection celebrates four that do: Frey Ranch (NV), Corbin Cash (CA), and new partners Whiskey Acres (IL) and Far North Spirits (MN). These are many of my favorite producers. I had the opportunity to taste these recently.
“Though they come from different corners of the country and vastly different climates, these distilleries share a common ethos: crafting whiskies that truly reflect the land, while also prioritizing its stewardship,” explains Ganley-Roper.
“It’s no surprise that all are four are founded and owned by multi-generational farming families who’ve worked their land for a century or more,” adds Polonski. “Now they have found a new way to share the bounty of their land with whiskey lovers across the country.”
The collection will be available starting Wednesday, June 25th via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, select retailers in CA, NY, MA, RI, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT. All releases are non-chill-filtered, bottled at cask strength, and have no added color.
FARMERS’ FIELDS ESTATE BLENDS
Farmers’ Fields Bourbon
117.9 Proof | 428 bottles
A blend of estate-grown straight bourbons from Far North (MN), Frey Ranch (NV), and Whiskey Acres (IL). A big nose full of Bananas Foster, with caramel, a hint of sweetness, and a bold, rich, and earthy finish. Lovely heat.
Farmers’ Fields Rye
117.4 Proof | 538 bottles
Made from a blend of estate-grown ryes from Corbin Cash (CA), Far North (MN), Frey Ranch (NV), and Whiskey Acres (IL).A floral nose, for a complex, layered, spicy, fresh, and herbal whiskey. Lovely.
SINGLE CASK RELEASES
Frey Ranch Distillery in northern Nevada is a fifth-generation family farm turned estate distillery. And one of my favorite Estate Producers in the US. I featured Frey Ranch in my book, THE SPIRIT OF RYE.
Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Rye
118.5 Proof | 230 bottles | 6 Years Old
A straight rye made from 100% winter rye and aged in a 53-gallon barrel. Notes of mint chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and a dark chocolate finish with a nice Christmas spice to finish it off. Lots of layers. Complex. Well balanced. Delicious!
Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Wheat Whiskey
121.3 Proof | 233 bottles | 6 Years Old
Made from 100% soft white winter wheat, this whiskey is a big dollop of vanilla, like vanilla cake fresh from the oven. There's cherry and spice on the front of the palate, but it slowly fades to leave cream and gentle spice, and a warm, easy, lingering finish. Don't be fooled, this whiskey has plenty of heft and spice, but is also subtle and comforting. Exceptional!
Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Bourbon
125.3 Proof | 200 bottles | 6 Years Old
A four grain Bourbon (67% corn, 12% malted barley, 11% rye, 10% wheat) this whiskey starts off with a big whiff of fresh, warm cornbread, with notes of cinnamon and other Christmas spices. Caramel, cherry, and vanilla are also present. A lovely toffee note lends warm and lasting flavor. Very pretty. Available exclusively in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Far North Estate-Grown Minnesota Straight Rye
111.5 Proof | 226 bottles | 4 Years Old
Lost Lantern’s Far North is a straight rye (65% Hazlet rye, 25% heirloom corn, 10% malted barley) with citrus notes right off the top. Bang! But it's not harsh, it's extremely well balanced with vanilla buttercream, and spices. There are touches of pink peppercorn, and fresh cut grass on the finish. I love this kind of rye. It's not the biggest punch in the mouth, it's a jab, that pops, and then the smoothness of the whiskey takes over. Possibly my favorite whiskey of the tasting. If you're a rye drinker, this is something.
Corbin Cash Estate-Grown California Straight Rye
133 Proof | 108 bottles | 7 Years Old | $130
Just as there are signature thoughts to cold climate rye, there are those to be considered for a hot-climate rye. This California straight rye is made from 100% Merced rye. This is a rich and intense whiskey. It starts off with caramel, brown sugar, and baking spice. Notes of marzipan and golden-raisin come through as promised. There's honey and almonds and a hint of toffee on the end. And there's a black pepper bite on the end. Beautifully balanced whiskey. Lovely notes. Another of my favorite whiskies from this tasting! Online exclusive.
Whiskey Acres in DeKalb, IL is a fifth-generation family farm with a focus on unique grain varietals and modern farming.
Whiskey Acres Estate-Grown Illinois Straight Bourbon
118.1 Proof | 176 bottles | 5 Years Old
This straight bourbon (75% yellow dent corn, 15% wheat, 10% malted barley) is has notes of dark brown sugar, cornbread, dark mocha, and lovely soft spice. The palate finishes soft with hints of spice, vanilla, and caramel. Lovely. An easy drinking bourbon.
Congratulations to Adam and Nora. Great job! And a great addition to the tasting scene in Vermont, and the East Coast!