Lost Lantern × New York Distilling Co. Apple Brandy Finished Rye Review

Distillery:New York Distilling Co—Brooklyn, New York

Proof: 120.9 (60.45% ABV)

Age: Nine Years + Three Years, Seven Months Secondary Finish

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

MSRP: $120

---

Apple brandy secondary finish. Subtle orchard warmth.

Lost Lantern’s has built something rare in the whiskey world—a business model that sounds too good to be true. They travel the country, hunt down unique single barrels from independent craft distilleries, and release them under their own label with full transparency about the source. No smoke and mirrors, just good whiskey with a clear paper trail.

This Anniversary Cask release comes from New York Distilling in Brooklyn, a straight rye that spent nine years in its original barrel before a three-year, seven-month secondary finish in a former apple brandy cask. Lost Lantern released a similar apple brandy-finished rye last year, and frankly, it didn’t land. But whatever this extra time in wood did—whether it’s the extended aging or the magic of this particular cask—this one delivers.

Lost Lantern × New York Distilling Co. Apple Brandy Finished Rye Review: Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose paints in color before it speaks in flavor. What hits first is a deep, dark green—think clover fields at dusk. It’s unmistakably herbal, rich and grounded, with the kind of depth that makes you pause before your first sip.

Palate

The palate builds toward the back of the tongue, where the rye’s character takes hold. There’s weight here, and the apple brandy influence emerges not as bright fruit but as something denser—like biting into an apple close to the core, where the flesh turns thick and pulpy near the seeds.

Finish

The finish carries that same apple-adjacent quality, lingering with an earthy sweetness before it finally fades. It’s a slow exit, not a sharp one—the kind that rewards patience.

Value

At $120, you’re paying for craft provenance, age, and a unique finishing process. Lost Lantern’s model ensures you know exactly what you’re getting and where it came from. For a nearly thirteen-year rye with this level of complexity, the price holds up.

Lost Lantern × New York Distilling Co. Apple Brandy Finished Rye Review: The Verdict

This release is proof that time and the right cask can transform a whiskey. Where last year’s version fell short, this Anniversary Cask finds its footing—herbal, layered, and quietly confident. It’s available as a limited release through Lost Lantern’s website and ships nationwide. If you’re a fan of craft transparency and ryes that reward attention, this one’s worth tracking down. Shop now.

Verdict – 4.0/5

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