Picture this: a bottle that captures the heart of America's wide-open spaces, pulling together the best from dusty Nevada deserts to the rolling hills of West Virginia. That's the essence of Lost Lantern's latest release, Far-Flung Bourbon III, hitting shelves just in time to toast Bourbon Heritage Month. This isn't your everyday sip—it's a powerhouse blend that brings together straight bourbons from six standout distilleries scattered across the country, each adding its own rugged twist to the mix.
At the core of this release is a commitment to what makes American whiskey so damn compelling: variety born from different soils, climates, and traditions. Lost Lantern, the Vermont-based outfit run by whiskey enthusiasts Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, has built a reputation for spotting hidden gems in the whiskey world. They're not tied to one spot or style; instead, they roam free as independent bottlers, sourcing from places most folks might never think to look. For Far-Flung Bourbon III, they've rounded up contributions from Frey Ranch in Nevada, Wollersheim in Wisconsin, Rock Town in Arkansas, Rich Grain in Mississippi, Still Austin in Texas, and Smooth Ambler in West Virginia. Six states, six distilleries, one bottle that packs a wallop at 124.8 proof—straight from the cask, no watering down here. And at a suggested retail of $100, it's positioned as a solid investment for anyone serious about their bar shelf.
What sets this third edition apart is how it amps up the adventure. Nora Ganley-Roper, who handles the blending, calls it their most daring take yet. She explains that juggling whiskeys from so many corners of the map isn't a walk in the park, but when it clicks, it showcases the real patchwork of bourbon-making in the U.S. Each drop tells a tale of regional pride—maybe the earthy notes from Nevada's grain fields or the subtle spice from Arkansas's craft scene. Together, they form something layered and deep, with flavors that unfold like a cross-country drive: bold upfront, then revealing hidden depths as you go. It's not just about taste; it's about the stories woven in, the kind that make you appreciate the grit behind every barrel.
Ganley-Roper puts it plainly: blending like this lets them play with a broader palette than any single operation could dream of. The trick is getting all those elements to sync up without losing their edge. When it works—and it does here—the result is a whiskey that stands alone, impossible to pin down to one place but undeniably American. This release builds on the Far-Flung family, where each version shares a familiar backbone but ventures into new territory. It's like revisiting an old road trip with fresh detours, always exciting, always tied back to that core sense of discovery.
Lost Lantern didn't start out with big plans; it grew from Ganley-Roper and Polonski's passion for unearthing the overlooked. Based in the quiet town of Vergennes, Vermont, they've earned awards for their approach, focusing on rare single casks alongside these thoughtful blends. Their whole operation is about transparency—knowing exactly where your whiskey comes from, how it's made, and why it matters. They celebrate the vast landscape of American spirits, from mountain stills to prairie setups, highlighting how place shapes flavor. It's a nod to the explorers of old, the ones who pushed boundaries and found gold in unexpected spots.
For those who've followed Lost Lantern's journey, this bourbon fits right into their lineup. They've got a spring collection lined up for 2025, promising more surprises, but Far-Flung III steals the show for now as their flagship. It's a tribute to bourbon's heritage, sure, but also to the ongoing evolution of the craft. No frills, just honest work that results in a complex pour—rich, storied, and ready for whatever evening you throw at it.
If you're the type who enjoys digging deeper, Lost Lantern makes it easy. Swing by their website, LostLanternWhiskey.com, to check out what's coming next, grab details on current and past releases, or even plan a visit to their tasting room. Signing up for the newsletter keeps you in the loop on retired bottles and new drops. In a world full of mass-produced stuff, this is the real deal—a blend that reminds you why bourbon runs deep in America's veins, one sip at a time.
