Lost Lantern Montgomery Distillery Montana Straight Wheated Bourbon

Lost Lantern ventured up to Big Sky Country to unearth this remarkable single cask. Most high-elevation whiskeys roar out of the barrel with hazmat-level intensity, but Montgomery Distillery in Missoula purposefully takes a decidedly different, far more restrained approach. The operation relies heavily on a 4th-generation family farm in central Montana to source its grain. They barreled this wheated straight bourbon at a deliberately modest entry proof. The result is pure nuanced perfection.

Expect a seriously deep flavor profile. The exact mixture of corn, local wheat, and malted barley matures into a staggeringly balanced composition inside its 53-gallon oak vessel while successfully avoiding the harsh tannins frequently found in much older barrels. The liquid sits brilliantly in the tasting glass. Drinkers experience raw Montana terroir dialed up with genuine craftsmanship rather than overwhelming ethanol heat. Only 207 bottles survived the evaporation process.

• Mashbill: 70% Corn, 20% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
• Aged 4 Years in a 53-gallon oak barrel
• Strictly limited production of 207 bottles

Nose: Warm baking spices immediately command attention, presenting thick layers of ground cinnamon and clove intertwined with faint peach, fresh dinner rolls, and gentle toasted oak.

Palate: The texture feels surprisingly soft yet substantial, delivering dense milk chocolate and vanilla bean that quickly shift toward hearty fruit bread and a prickle of green peppercorn spice.

Finish: Fades out slowly on a remarkably dry trajectory. Unsweetened baking chocolate lingers on the tongue alongside trace elements of white pepper, light oak, and a fading whisper of vanilla.

Pour this wheated Montana bourbon alongside slow-smoked beef brisket. The rich milk chocolate notes playfully contrast the charred, peppery bark of the meat. The spirit’s underlying baking spices easily cut through the fat of a sharp aged cheddar cheese. Alternatively, pair it with a decadent slice of warm peach cobbler. The cinnamon notes effortlessly bridge the gap between the whiskey and the sweet fruit. If you prefer savory snacks, grab a handful of heavily roasted almonds.