From Lost Lantern:

Lost Lantern, the award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey, proudly announces its Fall 2025 release: The Scotch Lovers’ Collection, an invitation for Scotch drinkers to take a deep dive into the more traditional side of American single malt.

Officially recognized by the federal government as a new whiskey category in December 2024, American single malt is a wide-ranging style, including both whiskies that are very different from other world single malts and ones with distinctively traditional, classic single malt flavors with American nuances.

The Scotch Lovers’ Collection shines a light on these more traditional American single malts with flavor profiles that will immediately appeal to Scotch drinkers… even if they’ve never encountered or explored American single malt before.

“While the single malts and blended malts in this Collection are not and could never be Scotch, which can only be made in Scotland, these unique and exceptional whiskies will hold special appeal for Scotch lovers,” said Co-Founder Adam Polonski. “We worked closely with each of the distilleries in this collection to source truly first-of-their-kind whiskies for this Collection as a way to invite Scotch lovers into American single malt.”

Since launching in 2020 as an American independent bottler inspired by the traditional Scottish model, Lost Lantern has collaborated with more than 40 distilleries across 20 states, shining a light on America’s most distinctive whiskies through single casks and blends. The Scotch Lovers’ Collection continues that mission and is the company’s first collection entirely focused on single and blended malts.

“American single malt has rapidly become one of the most dynamic styles of whiskey in the world,” said Co-Founder and Head Blender Nora Ganley-Roper. “We are excited for Scotch lovers to join us in exploring the more traditional side of this fast-rising style.”

The samples were provided by Lost Lantern at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Reissue: Specs

From the brand: This special fifth anniversary re-release of Lost Lantern’s very first whiskey is one of the first blends of American single malt ever created. Created collaboratively by Lost Lantern and the makers of six of the best American single malts from across the country, it captures the depth and range of American single malt in a single bottle.

Unchanged from its original release, this limited reintroduction is a glimpse at the origins of American single malt, one of the most exciting new whiskey styles anywhere in the world and the first new officially recognized style of American whiskey in decades.

This whiskey, in addition to being our top-selling whiskey ever, won a number of awards. These include:

Best American Blended Malt, 2022 World Whiskies Awards
Best Blended Malt, ASCOT Awards
Gold Medal, John Barleycorn Awards
92 Points, Ultimate Spirits Competition

Distilled By

Balcones in Waco, Texas
Copperworks in Seattle, Washington
Santa Fe Spirits in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Triple Eight on Nantucket, Massachusetts
Westward in Portland, Oregon
Virginia Distillery Co. in Lovingston, Virginia

Classification: Blend of American Single Malt Whiskies

Producer: Lost Lantern Whiskey

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

Proof: 105º (52.5% ABV)

Age: NAS

Location: United States (11 Distilleries, 8 States)

Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Reissue Price: $90

Official Website

Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Reissue: Tasting Notes

Eye: Orange wine. Medium rims and legs, medium teardrops.

Nose: Mild tannins hit first, followed by gentle waves of malt. Bright and lemony. Hints of woodsmoke, grassy edges of hay and welcoming horse blankets. Freshly emptied honey casks, first fill wood influence.

Palate: Front of my tongue has some tingle, spreads down the center line. Dried grass, mild tannins front to back, lightly toasted malt brewing away, turning sweet and peppery as the oily nature builds slowly. Mouthfeel is deceptively heavy, coating and malty like a summer ale or a low-hop IPA. Cream soda and vanillins make a late, strong charge.

Finish: Wisps of woodsmoke return, sweet and carrying the malt flavor through to the end for several minutes. Long, white fruit and apricots opening late on a bed of dried orange peel.

Overall: Just as good as I remember - bright and malty, just a hint of woodsmoke, some lemon and orange with bright white fruits. Drinks right at or below proof, an easy sipper that’s an easy palate pleaser and intro for people going from beer to whiskey.

Final Rating: 7.5

Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Remix: Specs

From the brand: In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we have returned to American Vatted Malt, one of the first blends of American single malt ever created. This special release takes the last of that original whiskey and adds in American single malts from five more distilleries, each of them on the vanguard of this new whiskey style.

Containing whiskey from 11 distilleries in 8 states, this is our widest-ranging blend ever. American Vatted Malt Remix shines a light on the flavor and range of American single malt and shows how much the whiskey world has changed in five short years. Rich and dark, it is heftier and slightly smokier than the original, with amped-up spice and fruit notes.

The six original distilleries from American Vatted Malt Edition No. 1 are Balcones, Copperworks, Santa Fe Spirits, Triple Eight, Virginia Distillery Co., and Westward.

The five new additions are Andalusia Whiskey Co. in Texas, Cedar Ridge in Iowa, McCarthy’s in Oregon, Westland in Washington, and Whiskey Del Bac in Arizona.

Together, these eleven distilleries range across most of the leading voices in American Single Malt, and it is our great privilege to be able to bring them together in such a wide-ranging blend.

Classification: Blend of American Single Malt Whiskies

Producer: Lost Lantern Whiskey

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

Proof: 110.8º (55.4% ABV)

Age: NAS (2-8 Years)

Location: United States (11 Distilleries, 8 States)

Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Remix Price: $100

Official Website

Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Remix: Tasting Notes

Eye: Orange blossom honey. Thin rims, few legs, oily droplets.

Nose: Stronger than expected ethanol at first, then the cooling and horehound herbs grow. Honeyed malt with mild proof, more matured and less lemony/bright notes than the Reissue, more char and soft pretzel crusts without salt.

Palate: Toasted honey and amber ale, sweet with a bitter edge that controls the sweetness. Front-middle piquancy, more proof and oak than tannic spice and not overly drying. No woodsmoke, sits in the corners of my mouth. Deceptively heavy, just like the original. Silky and creamy, proof heat dies down to effervescent soft pretzels and ale.

Finish: Milk and semisweet chocolate emerge on dried raisins, not quite united like a Raisinette but with both flavors present. Medium-long, coating, and lacquering. Tannins slowly creeping in.

Overall: Not a totally different profile, but a more mature one. Lacks the hint of woodsmoke but ups the wood influence and toasted honey notes. Just as easy a drinker and - something I love - doesn’t highlight any one component or distillery but rather creates its own mark.

Final Rating: 7.6

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Warfield Distillery Idaho American Single Malt Whiskey: Specs

From the brand: Lost Lantern hand-selected this cask from Warfield Distillery & Brewery in Ketchum, Idaho. One of the few American distilleries with traditional Forsyths Scottish pot stills, Warfield is also one of the country’s only certified organic distilleries. Their bright, balanced whiskies reflect this mix of innovation, tradition, and the climate and elevation of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Made from 100% malted barley and aged in an ex-bourbon cask for 4 years, this American single malt is incredibly fresh and welcoming, with hints of freshly dried grass, heather honey, and lemon on the nose. The palate has notes of light balanced oak, lemon zest, and a warm roundness. Balanced yet with real heft, this is a truly elegant American single malt. It is our first release from Warfield and from Idaho.

Adam’s note: A warm, classic, and fresh American single malt, distinct from yet reminiscent of single malt Scotch from Speyside or the Lowlands, but with additional heft and power from its high-elevation aging. Warfield is a fairly young distillery, and absolutely one to watch: this is a true rising star of American single malt.

Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey

Producer: Warfield Distillery via Lost Lantern Whiskey

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

Proof: 135.4º (67.7% ABV)

Age: 4 Years Old

Location: Idaho

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Warfield Distillery Idaho American Single Malt Whiskey Price: $100

Official Website

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Warfield Distillery Idaho American Single Malt Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Eye: Golden apple juice. Thin but blotchy rims, medium legs and regular droplets.

Nose: Deceptively tight at first, could be from the proof. White fortified wine, Meyer lemon, floral honey and some strawberry syrup flow out of the glass with some air. Proof opens a bit with the air, too, as do lactone notes.

Palate: Proof still very much controlled, hints mid-front tongue with gripping heat. Lemon peel preserved and candied. Bright and light malt leading to toasty notes, fresh bourbon cask influence of vanilla and coconut. Mouthfeel is coating and piquant, still drinks close to 115-120 rather than 135. Rounded on the edges, stops fully on the tongue.

Finish: Never reaches the heat it could, and that’s a good thing for the palate, but it also never quite reaches the level of complexity I’m waiting for. Lemony and bright like a younger Scotch whisky. Medium length finish, lemon custard spiked.

Overall: I think I want more complexity and that this just needs more age. It has those Meyer lemon and bright malt notes of a younger Scotch producer, with enough toasted malt flavor to indicate it has more to give. For a four-year-old American single malt aged at a relatively cool climate, this is probably right where it should be. If anything, I’m impressed it got up to that proof so quickly and remained almost oak-free. Certainly one to keep an eye on year-by-year.

Final Rating: 7.2

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Peated Massachusetts American Single Malt Whiskey: Specs

From the brand: Smoke & Sea Spray

Lost Lantern hand-selected this cask from Triple Eight Distillery on the island of Nantucket. The distillery’s traditional methods, long aging times, and the maritime climate of Nantucket make for exquisitely balanced whiskies that truly rank among the finest single malts in the world. Its flagship single malt, The Notch, is the longest-aged American Single Malt ever released and a beacon for what American single malt can be.

This release is part of a Lost Lantern trio of the first Triple Eight single casks ever released. Made with 100% malted barley smoked with peat from the Scottish Highlands, it was aged for 6 years in an ex-bourbon barrel. Briny on the nose, with hints of dried apricot, salt, and dense smoke. The palate is rich and smoky, with notes of dried fruit, marzipan, and golden raisins. well rounded, with a warm, smoky finish.

This is the first peated whiskey from Triple Eight ever released.

Adam’s note: Triple Eight’s flagship American single malt, The Notch, is one of the industry’s most beloved whiskies. It does not last long at any industry tasting. Yet the distillery’s limited quantities and very long aging have meant it is normally very limited in availability, primarily available at the distillery on Nantucket. We are honored not only to release Triple Eight’s first single casks and first cask strength whiskies ever, but to be able to make the whiskies available more widely and at a more approachable price point.

The peated whiskey, with a smoky and maritime character, will particularly speak to lovers of smoky whiskies from Scotland’s Islands region.

Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey

Producer: Triple Eight Distillery via Lost Lantern Whiskey

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

Proof: 115.9º (58% ABV)

Age: 6 Years 6 Months Old

Location: Massachusetts

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Peated Massachusetts American Single Malt Whiskey Price: $120

Official Website

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Peated Massachusetts American Single Malt Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Eye: White tea. Thin rims and legs, tiny droplets.

Nose: Highland peat, immediately, grassy with minimal salinity, plenty of flame rathe than smoke here. Malt is light in character, not much roasting. No prof or oak. Horse paddock and fresh hay, smoking dried orchard fruits.

Palate: Sweet peat, quite gentle. This is either a younger malt or straightforward and barely roasted. The peat turns earthy here and more smoky, taking over from the flame, hitting the whole tongue simultaneously. Unsweetened cocoa in a cookie or brownie mix. Mouthfeel is silky, deceptively light, mild astringency and orchard fruit-forward. Proof spikes as it sits as do earthy if indistinguishable spices.

Finish: Spice/proof flash across the whole palate, then the earthy peat settles over the entirety of my tongue. Unsweetened cocoa, Aztec style. Very long and coating finish.

Overall: Balance is delicate, leaning towards the peat. I wish the malt were stronger. Tastes close to a Highland style in a good way, but I feel like there’s not enough to differentiate it from a Scotch. If I’m asking what’s making this an ASM vs a peated Scotch, that’s difficult to answer.

Final Rating: 7.0

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery American Single Malt Whiskey: Specs

From the brand: The New Gold Standard

Lost Lantern hand-selected this cask from Triple Eight Distillery on the island of Nantucket. The distillery’s traditional methods, long aging times, and the maritime climate of Nantucket make for exquisitely balanced whiskies that truly rank among the finest single malts in the world. Its flagship single malt, The Notch, is the longest-aged American single malt ever released and a beacon for what American single malt can be.

This release is part of a Lost Lantern trio of the first Triple Eight single casks ever released. Aged for 10 years in an ex-bourbon barrel, it has notes of graham cracker, sea salt caramels, and french vanilla on the nose. The palate has balanced spice and hints of butterscotch, caramel apples, and vanilla. bright yet deep, with distinct maritime influence.

Adam’s note: Triple Eight’s flagship American single malt, The Notch, is one of the industry’s most beloved whiskies. It does not last long at any industry tasting. Yet the distillery’s limited quantities and very long aging have meant it is normally very limited in availability, primarily available at the distillery on Nantucket. We are honored not only to release Triple Eight’s first single casks and first cask strength whiskies ever, but to be able to make the whiskies available more widely and at a more approachable price point.

This single cask particularly reminds me of some of my favorite single malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside and nearby parts of the Highlands – rich, deep, and complex, with balanced spice.

Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey

Producer: Triple Eight Distillery via Lost Lantern Whiskey

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley (Maris Otter from East Anglia)

Proof: 124.2º (62.1% ABV)

Age: 10 Years Old

Location: Massachusetts

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Massachusetts American Single Malt Whiskey Price: $150

Official Website

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Massachusetts American Single Malt Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Eye: Apple juice. Thin bleeding rims, barely-there legs and tiny teardrops.

Nose: Gentle, some nuttiness from toasting barley. Fresh barnyard is more green than brown or yellow. Fermenting apples. No proof or oak. Cream soda, but from one of those brands that is all cane sugar and herbal flavors so it’s extra strong.

Palate: Apple-forward, some proof burn hits quickly on the front of my tongue alongside tart stonefruits, like a peach and apple pie. Cinnamon bursts out, mulled cider, a pleasant astringency like expiring cinnamon sticks building quickly on the sides and back of my tongue. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, mouthwatering, dried, baking spices, lightens on the chew.

Finish: Not powerful, has a surprising and sudden drop-off after the pour leaves my mouth. Green apple and barley bread barely hang on before both flavor and texture are gone.

Overall: Tight nose and super short finish detract from the experience, but the palate promises great things. Fruity, especially with apples and stone fruits on a well-balanced astringency for 10 years old. If either the finish or the nose matched the palate even half way, this might be a full point higher.

Final Rating: 6.7

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Sauternes Cask Aged American Single Malt Whiskey: Specs

From the brand: A Golden Dram

Lost Lantern hand-selected this cask from Triple Eight Distillery on the island of Nantucket. The distillery’s traditional methods, long aging times, and the maritime climate of Nantucket make for exquisitely balanced whiskies that truly rank among the finest single malts in the world. Its flagship single malt, The Notch, is the longest-aged American single malt ever released and a beacon for what American single malt can be.

This release is part of a Lost Lantern trio of the first Triple Eight single casks ever released. This exceptional single malt was fully matured for 11 years in an ex-Sauternes cask. The nose bursts with notes of golden raisins, honey, and candied almonds. The warm, rich palate has hints of dried figs, honey-roasted peanuts, and chocolate sea salt caramels. The finish is bright, long, and warm.

This single malt is not only our first whiskey fully aged in Sauternes casks, it is the oldest whiskey we have ever released.

Adam’s note: Triple Eight’s flagship American single malt, The Notch, is one of the industry’s most beloved whiskies. It does not last long at any industry tasting. Yet the distillery’s small size and long aging have meant its whiskey is normally very limited in availability, primarily at the distillery on Nantucket. We are honored not only to release Triple Eight’s first single casks and first cask strength whiskies ever, but to be able to make the whiskies available more widely and at a more approachable price point.

This single cask reminds me of my favorite Scotch single malts from the Highlands, powerful yet warm and honeyed at the same time.

Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey

Producer: Triple Eight Distillery via Lost Lantern Whiskey

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley (Maris Otter from East Anglia)

Proof: 120.9º (60.45% ABV)

Age: 11 Years Old

Location: Massachusetts

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Sauternes Cask Aged Massachusetts American Single Malt Whiskey Price: $180

Official Website

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Triple Eight Distillery Sauternes Cask Aged Massachusetts American Single Malt Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Eye: Cherrywood. Thin rims and legs, tiny droplets.

Nose: Yep, that’s Sauternes! Powerful sweetness flows out, treacle and white grapes, maybe even ice wine levels of grape intensity. Just a touch tart stops it from being one note. Can see the barest barley underneath, but it’s a struggle under that Sauternes power.

Palate: Sauternes curbs itself a bit, letting some toasted malt emerge on the back palate. Dark malt, too, like an unsweetened chocolate shortbread, high percentage chocolate bars. Mouthfeel is solid, mild proof coming through the center of my tongue, no astringency. Sauternes is still dominant. Oily, the malt and chocolate coming together late.

Finish: Cooling, numb sensation covers my whole tongue, the Sauternes sweetness finally tempered enough to allow more malt and chocolate to emerge, the malt with a Vienna or pilsner roast on it. Medium to long, coating, a touch drying.

Overall: The Sauternes is so strong at first it’s difficult to find the malt, and I worried that that would be the case throughout. It remains a powerhouse through to the finish, but in the palate the malt begins to emerge as a darker roast with chocolate and ale notes. The chocolate shortbread paired with the sweet wine is wonderful, so it’s a shame it only comes through on the finish for the first few sips. Give this one time and a try or two - it might take that much to get past the Sauternes’ raw power.