Syrup soaked raisins | Molasses | Charred oak | Black peppercorns | Green bell peppers | Saffron | Funky

Syrup soaked raisins | Bold rye spice | Brown sugar | Charred dry oak | Dry baking chocolate

Dry oak | Leather | Dry raisins | Rye spice | Incredibly dry | Bold heat

Rich Grain Distilling was started in 2016 by David Rich. Based out of Canton, Mississippi, It  was the third legal distillery ever in Mississippi. According to a post by Rich on the distillery’s Yelp listing, “After several years working as a mechanical engineer in the defense industry, I decided I wanted to strike out on my own and pursue my passion for fine bourbon.” Unfortunately, that dream was short lived as Rich Grain Distilling closed its doors in 2020, making it the first ever ghost distillery (i.e. a distillery that no longer exists) Lost Lantern has ever released whiskey from. To create this 500 bottle release of Mississippi Memory, Lost Lantern procured and blended Rich Grain Distilling 5 and 7 year old bourbons that were aged in 15 gallon barrels.

Mississippi Memory opens with a funky first impression thanks to a nose that is full of unusual scents. Syrup soaked raisins and molasses merge with herbal undertones thanks to black peppercorns and green bell peppers, along with a touch of saffron. A charred oak note is also present, which carries prominently throughout the rest of the sip and is most likely due to the smaller barrel size employed by this craft distillery. Along with oak, the palate displays raisins and spice, which push right through to the end of the sip, producing an incredibly dry finish.

Overall, Mississippi Memory is one of those whiskeys that is a piece of bourbon history. Its sip is clearly influenced by the barrel size used for its aging, yet not as much of a fault as you might think, instead adding a unique dimension to the whiskey. While the sip clearly shows this through its oak notes, especially in the finish, its funky and exciting nose helps balance it out. Mississippi Memory’s proof will certainly draw in a crowd, however, its history and interesting sip is what will get people to stay and ponder what could have been for Rich Grain Distilling and what other ghost distilleries are waiting to be brought to light.