Lost Lantern, a renowned independent bottler known for spotlighting some of the finest American distilleries, is proud to announce its newest and most anticipated release: the 10-Year Collection. Set to launch on November 7th, this special fall release consists of four unique single cask whiskies, each boasting a rare and coveted age statement of 10 years. This collection marks the first time Lost Lantern has unveiled whiskies with double-digit ages, making it a significant milestone not only for the brand but also for the American whiskey landscape.
A Glimpse Into the 10-Year Collection
The 10-Year Collection showcases the artistry of patience, offering a selection of spirits that have matured for a decade in carefully selected barrels. The collection features whiskies from four distinctive distilleries across the United States:
- Tom’s Foolery Ohio Straight Bourbon – Aged for 10 years
- Spirit Works California Straight Rye – Aged for 10 years
- New York Distilling Co. Straight Rye – Aged for 10 years
- Westland Peated American Single Malt – Aged for 9.99 years
These are not just whiskies with age; they are a statement of quality and a reflection of the evolution of American craft distilleries. Each whiskey offers its own distinct character, shaped by its unique environment, aging process, and the vision of its distillers.
Why the 10-Year Collection Matters
The release of the 10-Year Collection challenges a common misconception in the whiskey world: that American craft distilleries only produce young, immature spirits. While Lost Lantern has always emphasized that age is just one factor in making great whiskey, this release highlights the strides that some distilleries have made in long-term aging. As the American whiskey scene matures, more distilleries are committing to the kind of patience and dedication required to produce older, more complex whiskies.
Lost Lantern sees this collection as a preview of what's to come in the broader industry. While not all distilleries are suited to produce 10-year-old whiskies (especially those in hotter climates like Texas), the growing diversity in American whiskey production means that more distilleries across the country will be releasing older whiskies in the future. The 10-Year Collection offers a glimpse into this exciting future, where long-term aging is no longer the exception but part of the broader narrative of American whiskey.
Exploring the Whiskies in the Collection
Each whiskey in the 10-Year Collection brings its own story, flavor profile, and regional character to the table. Here’s a closer look at what makes each one special:
Westland Peated American Single Malt (9.99 Years Old)
Image credit: Lost Lantern
This whiskey comes tantalizingly close to the 10-year mark but is intentionally bottled at 9.99 years. It’s made from malted barley, heavily peated with Scottish peat, and aged in a new oak cask. The result? A smoky, savory whiskey that brings forward flavors of scorched apple, roasted meats, and a hint of campfire s’mores. Interestingly, Lost Lantern chose to release this whiskey just shy of its 10th birthday to honor Westland’s own timeline, allowing them to one day release their first official 10-year-old whiskey when they’re ready. This whisky stands as one of the oldest ever released by Westland and exemplifies the best of American single malt craftsmanship.
Tom’s Foolery Ohio Straight Bourbon (10 Years Old)
Image credit: Lost Lantern
Hailing from Ohio, this straight bourbon is made from a mash bill that includes 63% corn from the distillery’s own family farm, alongside 10% winter rye and 27% malted barley. Aged for 10 years in a 53-gallon barrel, this bourbon evokes the warmth and comfort of autumn with notes of maple-drizzled cornbread, French vanilla, and warming oak spice. On the palate, flavors of maple candies, chocolate syrup, and fresh-cut hay come together in a balanced and rich tasting experience. Tom’s Foolery has always had a commitment to long-term aging, and this release is no exception, representing the oldest bourbon Lost Lantern has released from the distillery.
Spirit Works California Straight Rye (10 Years Old)
Image credit: Lost Lantern
Aged for a full decade in a new American oak cask, this rye whiskey is a testament to Spirit Works’ commitment to excellence. The mash bill features 70% rye, 10% malted rye, and 20% malted barley, giving it a unique character. On the nose, hints of lemon and spearmint burst forth, leading to a palate that balances fresh, grassy notes with deep oak and spice. This release is the oldest whiskey from Spirit Works to date and showcases how a commitment to aging can produce a rye that is both complex and refreshing, embodying the warmth of northern California in a glass.
New York Distilling Co. Straight Rye (10 Years Old)
Image credit: Lost Lantern
New York Distilling Co.’s 10-year-old rye stands as one of the oldest whiskies to come from the Empire State. This rye, made from 72% rye, 16% corn, and 12% malted barley, delivers a rich and complex flavor profile. On the nose, there are hints of lemon custard, fresh mint, and dense oak, while the palate is a delightful mix of dark chocolate, mint brownies, and cinnamon-frosted babka. The depth of flavor and balance make this whiskey a standout, offering whiskey enthusiasts a bold, yet refined, rye experience.
Availability and Where to Buy
The 10-Year Collection will be available for purchase starting Thursday, November 7th. Whiskey enthusiasts can purchase these bottles online at Seelbachs.com, at Lost Lantern’s Tasting Room in Vermont, or from select retailers in California and Massachusetts. With only limited bottles of each release available, collectors and whiskey lovers are encouraged to act quickly, as these rare and aged whiskies are expected to sell out fast.
Final Thoughts
The Lost Lantern 10-Year Collection represents a significant moment for American whiskey. Not only does it showcase the incredible patience and dedication required to produce such long-aged whiskies, but it also highlights the diversity and richness of American distilling. From the peated malt of Washington’s Westland to the rye of California’s Spirit Works, this collection offers a taste of the future of American whiskey, one where age statements are no longer an anomaly but a mark of excellence and craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this collection offers something special—whiskies that have truly stood the test of time.