Lost Lantern Opulent Orchard Apple Brandy Finished Straight Rye Review

Distillery: New York Distilling Company—Brooklyn, NY

Proof: 114.9 (57.45.0% ABV)

Age: Seven Years

Mashbill: 72% Rye, 16% Corn, 12% Malted Barley

MSRP: $80

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Opulent Orchard? Not Quite. Lost Lantern’s Apple Brandy Rye Disappoints

Lost Lantern’s Spring 2025 Collection continues its now-expected pattern of shining the spotlight on distilleries that are doing things their own way. This time, their second collaboration with New York Distilling Company brings a familiar flavor combination—rye whiskey finished in apple brandy casks.

Named “Opulent Orchard,” this expression started as a 7-year-old straight rye from New York Distilling in Brooklyn. After its initial aging, it was finished in ex-apple brandy casks, drawing from New York’s own orchard traditions.

Lost Lantern Opulent Orchard Apple Brandy Finished Straight Rye Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3/5

The Nose opens with stewed apples and cloves, rye bread, and fresh mint. There are notes of black licorice situated well under the fruit aroma. It’s not overly sweet—more baked apple than candy apple—and the proof is warm rather than sting.

Palate – 2/5

The first sip reveals charred oak and a punch of tangy rye spice. A soft, oily texture is overwhelmed by tart and sour notes, presumably from the apple brandy influence.  Those notes are dominant and serve to detract rather than enhancing the mid-palate. There’s a sharpness from the proof, but it doesn’t overwhelm the flavors.

Finish – 2/5

The Finish is dry, peppery, and long, with the mint, oak, and sour apple notes that linger well after the sip.

Value – 1.75/5

At $80, this release is priced in line with other Lost Lantern single casks, and considering the 7-year age, high proof, and apple brandy finish, I wanted it to deliver significant value for enthusiasts interested in Secondary Finishing influence. Unfortunately, I think it misses the mark and doesn’t live up to the significant price point.

Lost Lantern Opulent Orchard Apple Brandy Finished Straight Rye Review: The Verdict

While the concept behind Opulent Orchard is intriguing—a high-proof rye finished in apple brandy casks—the execution just leaves a lot to be desired. The Finish, rather than enhancing the rye, ends up overpowering its natural structure. The apple influence seems to cause the underlying spirit to lose clarity, making for a confusing and muddled pour.

For rye enthusiasts hoping for sharpness, grain-forward spice, or layered complexity, this expression will likely disappoint. And for those expecting a fruit-forward sipper, the flavor integration may fall short. While Lost Lantern is known for highlighting bold and creative finishes, this particular cask feels like a miss.

Verdict – 2.1/5

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