What does America taste like in a glass? In honor of America’s 250th Semiquincentennial anniversary, independent bottler Lost Lantern Whiskey did the seemingly impossible: they sourced straight bourbon from all 50 states to create the groundbreaking "United States of Bourbon" collection.
In this episode, we sit down with Adam from Lost Lantern to break down the massive logistical mountain, wild road trips, and blending wizardry required to bring this historic project to life. From tracking down micro-distilleries in states with virtually no whiskey footprint—like Hawaii and North Dakota—to navigating tricky local compliance laws, Adam shares the behind-the-scenes secrets of this 50-state sourcing marathon.
We dive deep into the crown jewel of the release: the highly collectible 1776 Edition. Inspired by the original colonies, this ultra-limited blend (restricted to exactly 1,776 bottles) captures unique regional terroir and coastal salinity. Discover how Lost Lantern’s Master Blender Nora Ganley-Roper constructed a harmonious, multi-regional profile using heavy-hitting bases from historic whiskey regions like Maryland, North Carolina, and Iowa's Cedar Ridge, while maintaining complete transparency and authenticity.
Whether you’re a whiskey history buff, a collector chasing cask-strength rarities, or curious about the true state of American terroir, this episode showcases how blending is elevating the American whiskey landscape to competitive new heights.
Timestamps:
- (00:00) - Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with Lost Lantern
- (00:26) - Adam’s First Father’s Day & Personal Reflections
- (01:06) - The Wild Vision: A Bourbon from All 50 States
- (02:07) - Sourcing Across the Map: Vermont to Mississippi
- (03:05) - Sourcing Hurdles & Maintaining 100% Transparency
- (04:21) - The 50-State Road Trip: Finding Whiskey in Hawaii & the Dakotas
- (06:02) - Navigating Tough State Compliance Markets
- (08:23) - Breaking Down the "1776 Edition" vs. The 50-State Collection
- (09:12) - Proof Breakdown & Tasting Notes: Cask Strength vs. Bottled Proof
- (11:15) - Nora’s Blending Process: Crafting Regional Character
- (12:01) - The Foundation: The Role of Cedar Ridge & Key Distilleries
- (15:01) - Exploring Regional Terroir & Micro-Climates
- (17:14) - Market Release Numbers & Early Consumer Reception
- (19:02) - How This Project Elevates the Art of American Blending
- (23:12) - Building the Intricate Base Blend for the 1776 Bottle
- (26:03) - Ocean Air & Salinity: Coastal Influences on the Palate
- (28:04) - Future Releases & Lost Lantern's Lasting Legacy
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