Lost Lantern George Dickel 10 Year "Yabba Dabba Don't!" Not Charcoal Mellowed Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey The Prime Barrel Selection #174

Lost Lantern secured something genuinely rebellious from Cascade Hollow. This ten-year-old Tennessee straight bourbon deliberately skips the famous Lincoln County Process, entirely avoiding the charcoal mellowing that normally defines the region's traditional profile. It doesn't hide behind anything. By stripping away customary filtration, the liquid refuses to mask its rugged, muscular identity. At 114 proof, Prime Barrel Selection #174 highlights a robust mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.

This single cask reveals an entirely different side of the storied distillery. Those familiar flinty, mineral-heavy Tennessee markers step aside, letting deeper waves of mature oak and aggressive baking spices dominate the glass. It's a remarkably heavy pour! Lost Lantern pinpointed a standout cask that brings dark, brooding orchard fruits directly to the forefront. Every sip reinforces why independent bottlings aren't just novelties, but remain pivotal for enthusiasts seeking outlier flavor profiles.

Nose: Sweet and buttery, like walking through a state fair. Spun cotton candy, caramel apple and warm buttered popcorn, lifted by a light floral note.
Palate: Echoes the nose with honey toffee, caramel, and the soft sweetness of wheat. Bright berry fruit and a playful bubble gum note recall New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk.
Finish: Medium to medium-long, with berries dominant as the honey toffee sweetness fades.

Smoked beef brisket highlights the heavy oak and rye spice present in this unfiltered bourbon. The rich rendered fat instantly tames the massive proof. It creates a stunning contrast. For a sweeter approach, rich dark chocolate truffles easily amplify the deep cocoa and caramel notes hiding just below the surface. Pairing this bruising Tennessee powerhouse with hard aged cheeses like extra-mature Gouda provides the crucial savory anchor needed to balance the intense tannins.