Lost Lantern 6-Year New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye

New Riff Distilling completely flipped the traditional Kentucky rye script. Lost Lantern snatched up this six-year single cask for their impressive Spring 2026 collection, recognizing pure, unadulterated brilliance hiding inside the wood. A standard mashbill usually brings heavy spice, but weaving in malted grain sparks an unexpected aromatic depth. It defies the high-proof gut punch. Sitting at a natural 115.1 proof, the liquid showcases a gentle complexity that readily commands your full attention.

Expect a striking departure from aggressively charred, over-spiced flavor profiles. Maturation in a deeply toasted Kelvin cooperage barrel carved out a profoundly rich foundation. The malted rye element smooths rough edges into a remarkably supple texture. The execution feels entirely deliberate. Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski hunt down distinct regional identities, and this specific cask captures the lush Ohio River Valley climate beautifully.

• Age: 6 Years
• Proof: 115.1
• Mashbill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Rye

Nose: A bright burst of cherry cough syrup immediately grabs your attention! Rich butterscotch softens the heat. As the spirit breathes in the glass, faint wisps of charred lemon peel and wet hay intertwine to add an incredibly inviting, rustic charm.

Palate: Vanilla cream crashes across the tongue with surprisingly heavy weight. The texture feels wonderfully supple. As the liquid moves, vibrant flashes of fresh eucalyptus and zesty orange peel brilliantly cut through the dusty milk chocolate richness.

Finish: Lemon cream lingers on the back palate for an eternity. Blackberry notes emerge quite late. The gentle, grassy rye spice quietly hums along the edges, slowly fading into a dry, seasoned oak warmth that demands another immediate pour.

Rich, fatty meats brilliantly complement the bright herbal notes hiding within this spirit. Sear a medium-rare duck breast with a dark cherry glaze to echo the fruity undertones remarkably well. Pair it with aged gouda. The crystalline cheese crunch matches the underlying oak spice, while the robust dairy fat absolutely coats your palate to counter the high-proof heat perfectly. It elevates a standard Tuesday dinner into an extraordinary culinary event!