Hop | Malt | Disney’s Jungle Juice | Guava nectar | Lemon zest

IPA | Juicy Fruit gum | Lemon | Green tea

Passion fruit | Orange juice | Bright malt | Pine | A touch of roasted malt

Lost Lantern is a non-distiller producer that sources their whiskey from various distilleries from around the country. The latest release in their Single Distillery Series focuses on a blend of four single malts from St. George Spirits, which is located in Alameda, California. Founded in 1982 by Jörg Rupf, St. George Spirits was the first small American distillery since Prohibition according to their website. They have become known for their one-of-a-kind single malts, and that is glaringly apparent with this release.

Even before a sip is had, you notice this single malt’s color, which is incredibly uncommon for an American-made single malt. Its bright orange and golden hue has more in common with an Irish whiskey than an American whiskey. The whiskey’s color though is spot on for how you should expect it to taste and smell. It’s hoppy and malty from the onset, with a Disney’s Animal Kingdom Jungle Juice scent that is unmistakable for anyone who has visited the theme park before. The whiskey’s taste isn’t far off of it either, with the addition of Juicy Fruit gum, lemon, and jasmine tea on the palate. The finish is in line with the whiskey’s flavor profile and mainly adds additional malty notes with a few minor roasted ones.

To say that this whiskey is unique tasting would be an understatement. It’s so unlike any American whiskey I've ever had that I’m equally perplexed and deeply fascinated by it. It should come as no surprise that Mountain Meadow will likely be polarizing, but given its fruity sweetness and citrus backbone, I’m sure there will be many who will enjoy more than an occasional sip of it. If you’re someone who enjoys the adventurous side of American whiskey, St. George Spirits is blazing their own trail on whiskey’s unexplored frontier. Additional props also go to Lost Lantern for identifying its greatness and working to bring it to a wider audience. The blend for this release produced a total of 600 bottles.