Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Edition No. 1 is a blend of American single malt whiskeys from six distilleries: Balcones (Texas), Copperworks (Washington), Santa Fe Spirits (New Mexico), Triple Eight (Massachusetts), Westward (Oregon) and Virginia Distillery Co. (Virginia). Released in October 2020, this limited release includes 3,000 bottles created from a 12-barrel blend. Aged at least two years, it is bottled at 105 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $120.
Beautiful. Emblematic of what American blends could be. The oak might be a tad strong at times, but I don’t mind it too much given the clear smoke and malt profile. Can’t wait to see Edition 2.
he palate is where I get more of the earthy-malty and herbally notes that remind me of Santa Fe and Westward single malts. Though the finish, that’s almost all Westward and I love it. The finish is definitely my favorite part of the Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Edition 1 and is what keeps me coming back.
Price aside, Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt pulls off an unusually large blend of various distilleries resulting in a complex and approachable malt that will please fans of the category.
I fell in love with this whiskey from the second the first fume hit my nose. It is complex and daring, challenging me with its unique flavor profile to reach further into my palate and explore the contrasting influences.
The nose has notes of chocolate-covered cherries, a hint of orange peel, barley sugar maltiness, and a touch of charred oak. The taste is dominated by good spices with barley sugar underneath and hints of chocolate, tree fruits, and oak. The finish is long and warm with lingering spices, salted caramel, and chocolate. Very nice!
Overall, I liked how it all started! The nose and palate give out richness and complexity. The creamy texture and high proof are just lovely. This particular whiskey needs a little bit more balance especially when you compare the finish with the rest of the experience. I would say, if this whisky came in front of me during a blind tasting, it would have gotten nothing less than 85 points.
The liquid was light, but creamy on the tongue, and tasted of malty honey, caramel and modest notes of oak and peach. The finish was a subtle one, and fully developed on me only after my shot pour was almost gone, but came out as light touches of oak, dry pepper and smoke.
