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I was very excited to review the Lost Lantern FEW Spirits Illinois Straight Bourbon Single Cask Series because I was previously exposed to Lost Lantern's single malts, and they were exceptional. Also, being a single-cask series, each bottle of this FEW Spirits Illinois Straight Bourbon is a limited edition, adding a sense of exclusivity and rarity to the experience of enjoying these bourbons. Let's see how it stacks up!
Sample provided by Lost Lantern with no expectations.
Rating: 76
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 77
The nose of Lost Lantern’s FEW Spirits Illinois Straight Bourbon is initially very warm and inviting. No unpleasant ethanol notes are to be found. The nosing begins by featuring a brown sugar and nutmeg theme. Some floral notes are evident after a quick swirl, suggesting the rye is a little more prominent in this 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley mash bill. The nose, unfortunately, begins to show its youth after it sits in the glass for a while and the deeper you get into the tasting.
Palate Review - Rating: 78
The initial sip of this 5-year-old Evanston, Illinois bourbon provides a punch that is indicative of the 124.6 proof. However, after a few sips, the heat of 62.3% ABV tapers off, allowing the tasting notes to shine through. A wave of sweetness is quickly followed by baking spices featuring black pepper, rye spice, and some cinnamon. This bourbon has the bite of a younger whiskey. Lost Lantern FEW Spirits Illinois Straight Bourbon, a part of Lost Lantern’s Midwest Collection, hits the front of the tongue with salted caramel but quickly turns into an unusual astringent taste similar to dried Blackcurrant. However, distributing the bourbon evenly over your tongue allows it to become a little more balanced with honeyed brown sugar, black pepper, and mint.
Finish Review - Rating: 77
The finish is mildly warm and lasts for quite a while but at a low level. The finish definitely goes dry, featuring more of that tannic Blackcurrant.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 77
Some distinctive traits certainly allow this to be an engaging pour at times. FEW Spirits Illinois Straight Bourbon is a single cask bourbon.
Value Review - Rating: 72
With an MSRP of $90 for a 5-year-old bourbon, FEW Spirits Illinois Straight Bourbon is a value reach.
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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