Vanilla custard | Lemongrass | Soft grain | Light summer fruits | Frosting | Inviting

Apple strudel | Cinnamon bread | Bright rye spice | Slightly charred oak | Yellow cake | Fantastic combination of flavors

Pop of rye spice | Chewy oak | Light leather | Lemon peel | Gentle lingering heat

This rye is Lost Lantern’s second release from Tom’s Foolery, following the company’s bourbon release in 2023. Located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Tom’s Foolery “is for people who care where their food comes from and how it is made.”  This release is part of Lost Lantern’s focus on the Midwest, with the 170 limited bottle release the oldest whiskey ever released by the company.

Tom’s Foolery is a distillery that many aren’t familiar with, so it should come as no surprise that while the sip is slightly familiar, it’s altogether a different beast. Opening on inviting scents of vanilla custard, lemongrass, and soft grain, you’re instantly drawn into the uniqueness of the aroma. The midpoint boasts a combination of flavors that stops you in your tracks and makes you think, “Wow!” Sweet notes of apple strudel and cinnamon bread combine with bright rye spice and slightly charred oak. There’s nothing overly exotic about this whiskey, instead it hones in on delivering these flavors with excellence. The finish is pleasing with a pop of rye spice and drier notes. Lemon peel adds intrigue, and while it delivers a gentle lingering heat, this is the sip’s weakest part that holds it back from even greater heights. Overall, this is a great rye that whiskey lovers should instantly seek out.