*Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Far North Estate-Grown Rye (2025) Bottle. Photo courtesy of Lost Lantern.*

Far North has the type of story I just can’t stay away from:

some kind of “-most” (northernmost)
heritage grain use
estate farming/family farm

Seriously, how could I stay away from that. They were on my to-do list to reach out to, and this has skyrocketed them to the top of the list. Trusting Adam and Nora at Lost Lantern to pick a representative cask as their first partnership release with Far North, I’ll take this as such. And they chose brilliantly.

The evolution from an herbaceous, stone-fruit-forward rye to one with enough proof heat to cut the sweetness, eventually opening up a chai vein that blooms like dried spices in hot milk, is delightful to experience. I’ve gotten cinnamon or clove before, even cardamom, but I can’t remember getting a chai blend specifically, that bold, pungent blend of sweet, spice, and dry floral tones. It’s remarkable. Of course, nobody is good enough to pick an empty barrel and say “this will make a good chai profile one day”, but it does make me wonder if that can be found in more of Far North’s releases.

If so, I’ve got a good feeling about how I’ll enjoy the rest of their lineup…

Release notes from the brand:

Lost Lantern hand-selected this cask from Far North Spirits, the northernmost distillery in the contiguous U.S. One of the country’s only estate distilleries, Far North grows all its rye and corn on its century-old family farm, creating cold-climate whiskies with a true sense of place.
Our first Minnesota single cask is a 4-year-old straight rye whiskey made from 65% Hazlet rye, 25% heirloom corn, and 10% malted barley. It has bright, fresh aromas of lemon bars, vanilla buttercream, and herbal notes. The palate is grain-forward and custardy, with layers of rye spice, pink peppercorn, and fresh grass. A classic cold-climate rye whiskey.

This sample was provided by Lost Lantern at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Far North Estate-Grown Rye (2025): Specs

Classification: Minnesota Straight Rye Whiskey

Producer: Far North Spirits

Mashbill: 65% Hazlet Rye, 25% Heirloom Corn, and 10% Malted Barley

Proof: 111.5º (55.8% ABV)

Age: 4 Years

Location: Minnesota

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Far North Estate-Grown Rye (2025) Price: $99.99

Official Website

Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Far North Estate-Grown Rye (2025): Tasting Notes

Eye: Golden honey. Medium rims, large, sloughing droplets and few legs.

Nose: Surprisingly hot up the nostrils. Herbaceous, slightly sweet rye comes through after the initial proof hit. Dried stone fruits, apricots in particular. Cantaloupe, summer fruits, would pair great as a high-proof highball.

Palate: Zing from woody, spicy herb stems, grilling peaches for a savory application. Bellinis with dry prosecco. Mild black pepper on the front half of my tongue, proof is quite understated. Pools mid-to-front. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied, piquant on the back palate, syrupy mid palate and rolling to the front. Black tea and real chai with strong spices.

Finish: Black tea and honey, the chai spices developing and blooming in warm milk. Drinking below proof all the way, medium length.

Overall: Medium-full body can be both piquant and syrupy without being sweet. The chai that develops out of the herbs and stone fruits is an exciting development that keeps the pour interesting from nose to finish. My first try of Far North, and it won’t be the last.