Distillery: Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.—DeKalb, IL
Proof: 118.1 (59.5% ABV)
Age: Five Years
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 15% Wheat, 15% Malted Barley
MSRP: $100
Cornbread, Cinnamon, and a Taste of Midwest Terroir
Lost Lantern’s Estate-Grown Series highlights distilleries that don’t just make whiskey—they grow it. From the grain to the barrel, every part of the process happens on-site. That’s what makes Whiskey Acres a natural fit for the series. They grow their own corn, wheat, and barley, distill it on their family farm, and age it just steps away from where the crops were planted.
This particular barrel was selected for Lost Lantern’s Summer 2025 release. It spent five years in a char #3 barrel and was bottled at 118.1 proof, straight from the cask with no filtering or dilution. Just 176 bottles were released, making it a rare snapshot of what true grain-to-glass bourbon can taste like when it’s given room to shine.
Lost Lantern Estate-Grown Single Cask Series Whiskey Acres Illinois Straight Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.3/5
Honey-butter. Warm cornbread. Nutmeg. Roasted coffee beans.
This opens with a warm, cozy aroma—like fresh cornbread with honey and a touch of baking spice. A deeper sniff brings out a subtle coffee note, giving it a little roasted edge.
Strengths: Friendly and familiar. Grain-forward without smelling overly young or raw.
Why it’s not higher: It sticks close to the expected cornbread-and-spice profile—no surprises, no added dimension.
Rating justification: A pleasant and confident start, just not particularly complex.
Palate – 4.2/5
Caramel corn. Vanilla bean. Cinnamon. Soft oak.
Strengths: Classic mix of sweetness and spice. It’s got weight without being heavy. The proof gives it a gentle warmth rather than a burn.
Why it’s not higher: The flavor leans a bit safe—doesn’t push boundaries.
Rating justification: Tasty and balanced. Plays it a little too close to the middle of the road.
Finish – 4.25/5
Dry oak. Cinnamon. Slight bitterness.
The finish brings a bit of dry wood and lingering cinnamon, but it’s undercut by a subtle bitter edge that creeps in as it fades. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it keeps the finish from ending on a clean note.
Strengths: The structure holds together well. No burn or harshness. There’s still some spice that lingers nicely.
Why it’s not higher: A subtle bitter edge that creeps in as it fades and distracts from the otherwise smooth exit.
Rating justification: Good length. The bitter note dings an otherwise clean fade.
Value – 4/5
Five years old. Single barrel. Estate grain. Cask strength. MSRP: $100.
For folks who appreciate true grain-to-glass bourbon, there’s a lot to like here. It’s thoughtfully made, bottled with intention, and carries a story worth knowing.
Strengths: Full transparency. Production integrity. A small-run expression from people who actually grow their grain.
Why it’s not higher: Flavors might feel a bit soft or traditional for drinkers seeking something bolder or more complex at this price point.
Rating justification: A solid value for those who care about how their whiskey is made, but maybe not a universal home run.
This is a bourbon that leans into its agricultural roots. It’s sweet, grain-driven, and warm in all the right ways.
Lost Lantern Estate-Grown Single Cask Series Whiskey Acres Illinois Straight Bourbon Review: The Verdict
This is a bourbon that leans into its agricultural roots. It’s sweet, grain-driven, and warm in all the right ways. But it’s also a little restrained, and that slight bitterness on the Finish holds it back from greatness. Still, if you’re looking for a whiskey that proudly reflects where and how it was made—and you appreciate knowing the process behind the bottle—this one earns your attention. Shop here.
Verdict – 4.1/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.
