Lost Lantern, an independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont, has announced its much-anticipated Spring 2025 Collection, which will be available starting April 2. This year’s lineup focuses exclusively on cask-finished whiskies, showcasing innovative and regionally inspired techniques that push the boundaries of traditional whiskey production. The collection highlights how American distilleries are creating new finishing traditions that could one day become as iconic as sherry and port cask finishes in Scotland.
Exploring the Art of Cask Finishing in Whiskey
Cask finishing, where whiskey is aged in a second barrel after its initial maturation, has long been a practice for adding depth and complexity to the spirit. While traditional finishes like sherry, port, and Madeira remain popular worldwide, American distillers are taking a more creative approach by incorporating barrels that reflect their local environment. These innovative finishes introduce flavors that are rarely seen in whiskey, giving rise to a new chapter in the story of American whiskey.
Image credit: Lost Lantern
As Lost Lantern co-founder Nora Ganley-Roper explains, “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.”
The Spring 2025 Collection: A Diverse Showcase of Finished Whiskeys
The Spring 2025 Collection includes six unique releases, each crafted to highlight the versatility of cask finishing. From apple brandy to honey, tequila, and even walnut liqueur casks, these whiskies demonstrate the creativity and artistry of American distillers. The flagship release, Opulent Orchard, takes center stage as a rye whiskey finished in apple brandy casks, while the single cask releases each offer something distinctly different.
1. Opulent Orchard: Apple Brandy Finished Rye Whiskey
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- Distillery: New York Distilling Co.
- Details: A blend of three 7-year-old rye whiskies finished in American apple brandy barrels.
- Flavor Profile: Fresh apples, cinnamon applesauce, and warm oak with a spicy, peppery finish.
- Proof: 114.9
- Bottles Available: 410
- Price: $100 This release marks Lost Lantern’s first rye whiskey in their Single Distillery Series. It combines the bold spice of northern rye with the bright fruitiness of apple brandy, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
2. Santa Fe Spirits: Apple Brandy Finished Mesquite-Smoked Single Malt
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- Distillery: Santa Fe Spirits (New Mexico)
- Details: A 3.5-year-old mesquite-smoked single malt finished for over a year in ex-apple brandy barrels.
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, fruity, and bright with mesquite undertones.
- Proof: 110.1
- Bottles Available: 100
- Price: $100 Known for their Southwestern flair, Santa Fe Spirits delivers a vibrant whiskey that blends smoky complexity with fresh apple notes.
3. Andalusia: Tequila Finished Peated Single Malt
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- Distillery: Andalusia Whiskey Co. (Texas)
- Details: A Texas single malt made with 10% peated barley, aged for 2.5 years in a Stryker barrel, then finished in an ex-Añejo tequila cask.
- Flavor Profile: Grassy smoke, butterscotch, vanilla cream, and fresh earthiness.
- Proof: 122.3
- Bottles Available: 150
- Price: $100 This release combines the smoky depth of peated barley with the vibrant, grassy notes of tequila casks—a rare and intriguing pairing.
4. Starlight Distillery: Honey Finished Straight Bourbon
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- Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Indiana)
- Details: A 4-year-old bourbon finished for three months in a cask that previously held barrel-aged honey from the distillery’s farm.
- Flavor Profile: Wildflower honey, white flowers, and balanced sweetness.
- Proof: 110
- Bottles Available: 265
- Price: $80 Starlight’s innovative honey finish draws from their family farm’s resources, delivering a bourbon with unique floral and honeyed characteristics.
5. Watershed Distillery: Nocino Finished Bourbon
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- Distillery: Watershed Distillery (Ohio)
- Details: A bourbon aged for 3 years and 8 months, then finished for an additional 4 years and 7 months in a cask that held nocino black walnut liqueur.
- Flavor Profile: Candied walnuts, toffee, marzipan, and warm oak.
- Proof: 126.5
- Bottles Available: 200
- Price: $90 This bourbon’s extended finish in nocino barrels creates a rich and herbaceous profile, offering one of the collection’s most unique flavor experiences.
6. Finger Lakes Distilling: Pommeau Finished Rye Whiskey
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- Distillery: Finger Lakes Distilling (New York)
- Details: A 6-year-old rye whiskey finished for three months in a cask that previously held Pommeau, a blend of apple brandy and apple juice.
- Flavor Profile: Juicy apple, cinnamon, plum, and gentle oak.
- Proof: 91.7
- Bottles Available: 205
- Price: $100 This collaboration with Finger Lakes Distilling is Lost Lantern’s first release featuring a Pommeau finish, delivering a fresh and spicy rye with deep apple notes.
A Commitment to Quality and Transparency
Lost Lantern is known for its dedication to transparency, releasing all whiskies at natural cask strength without chill filtration or added coloring. This commitment ensures each bottle offers a pure and authentic experience. The Spring 2025 Collection exemplifies this ethos, presenting a curated selection of whiskeys that reflect the ingenuity and diversity of American distilling.
Where to Purchase
The Spring 2025 Collection will be available starting April 2 at LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, and select retailers in California, New York, and Massachusetts. Visitors can also purchase bottles directly at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, Vermont.
Final Thoughts
The Lost Lantern Spring 2025 Collection is a bold celebration of American whiskey’s potential. By embracing local ingredients and experimental cask finishes, these whiskies challenge traditional boundaries and showcase the creativity of American distillers. Whether it’s the spiced warmth of Opulent Orchard or the smoky sweetness of Starlight’s honey finish, this collection offers something special for every whiskey enthusiast.
