Lemongrass | Light spearmint | Rye grain | Oak | Faint cotton candy | Touch of brown sugar | Light lemon rind | Touch of ethanol

Aged oak | Bold rye spice | Chewy malt | Spearmint gum | Dried fig | Lemon essence | Bold

Bold rye spice | Lemongrass | Faint Lemonhead candy | Peppery oak | Leather | Dry & spicy

Spirit Works Distillery is far from where you might normally seek out a whiskey distillery. Based out of Sonoma, California, this region is better known for wine than whiskey. The company started 12 years ago, meaning the rye that was sourced for this release is some of the oldest distillate produced by the distillery. This is the third time that Lost Lantern has partnered with Spirits Works Distillery, with their last release being in 2022.

An unexpected and intriguing set of scents for a rye greets you as you lift the glass up. Lemongrass and light spearmint wrap around faint sweet notes of cotton candy and brown butter, while rye grain, oak, and a light lemon rind add further depth. While the nose slightly gives away the barnstormer proof, the proof is quite noticeable at the midpoint, as bold in-your-face flavors of aged oak, rye spice, dried fig, and lemon essence make themselves known. This boldness carries over to the finish as rye spice rushes forward, followed by intriguing lemongrass and faint Lemonhead candy notes before more traditional notes of peppery oak and leather take over.

Overall, this is an intriguing rye. It’s just shy of HAZMAT at 139.2 proof, but it will sneak up on you as the sip goes on. The various lemon flavors throughout are an intriguing proposition, but never detract from the experience. Rye lovers will find a lot to like, especially those who are trying to break away from the more standard flavor profile associated with this whiskey type.

Lost Lantern 2024 Single Cask #18: Spirit Works 10-Year-Old California Straight Rye is a 120 bottle release.