A small proof increase that unlocks fruit, balance, and the lineup’s sweet spot.
A modest bump in proof that meaningfully shifts the profile. Still malt-driven, but now with clearer fruit expression and improved balance.
About Lost Woods
Built on passion, grounded in nature, and designed to give back.
Founded in 2018 in Minnesota by outdoorsman Tom Schaeppi, Lost Woods was created to bring people together outdoors while supporting environmental preservation.
The brand commits 1% of all sales to organizations focused on conservation, education, and climate action. It positions itself not as a luxury whiskey, but as a human-centered American single malt built around community, conversation, and stewardship.
Production uses 100% locally sourced malted barley and Minnesota oak, along with a proprietary accelerated aging process that incorporates sherry-soaked oak staves. The intent is to extract more from less — reducing resource use while still developing character.
The 88 proof expression has earned multiple Double Gold awards and a Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, helping establish recognition for both the brand and Minnesota-produced whiskey.
“I have always wanted to evolve my work into a give back entity… creating the best human-centered American Single Malt Whiskey company… known for exceptional whiskey and a relentless approach to contributing to solutions for the climate crisis.”
— Tom Schaeppi, Founder & CEO
Stats
- Age: NAS
- Proof: 88 (44% ABV)
- Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
- Origin: Contract distilled by Dashfire Distillery — Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Finish: Sherry-soaked oak staves
- Aging: Propietary accelerated aging process
- Release: Wide Release
- MSRP: $94.00 (Ace Spirits)
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Haribo gummy bears, honey, and tropical and stone fruit candy over robust malt.
- Palate: Light smoke up front, followed by candied sweetness and toasted cereal. Mid-palate introduces peppermint spice.
- Finish: White pepper builds into lingering stone fruit and tropical candy with more presence than the 80 proof.
The added proof reduces grain-forward edges and allows fruit to take center stage.
While still somewhat simple, it’s cohesive and enjoyable. This feels like the core expression of the lineup.
Presentation
A standard bottle shape with textured glass designed to mimic tree bark. Labels are minimal, each featuring a different sunset over wooded imagery that reinforces the nature theme.
The execution is cohesive, though the label can feel slightly lower in perceived quality due to the textured surface.
Wooden toppers round out the presentation.
Distinctiveness
The tropical and candy-like fruit stands out compared to many American single malts, though globally the profile is less unique.
Transparency
Clear on 100% malted barley, Minnesota sourcing, and distillation at Dashfire (contract distilled).
An age statement is not provided, which makes value harder to assess and may give some enthusiasts pause.
The use of a proprietary accelerated aging process with sherry-soaked oak staves adds another layer to that conversation. Without an age disclosed, it invites questions around how young the whiskey is and whether that omission is intentional.
Greater upfront clarity here would strengthen trust, particularly acknowledging that the whiskey may be younger than traditional expectations, while reinforcing that the accelerated aging method is designed to build depth and character in a shorter timeframe.
Value
At $94, this enters a competitive range.
The improved profile helps justify the price, though it still leans slightly high for a non-age-stated release.
Conservation efforts contribute to overall value.
Buy this if you:
- You want a balanced, fruit-forward single malt
- You enjoy tropical / stone fruit notes
- You want more intensity without cask strength
Skip if you:
- You expect deep complexity or heavy oak
- You dislike candied fruit profiles
- Price-to-age transparency matters to you
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 4 / 7
- Palate: 3.5 / 7
- Finish: 4.5 / 7
- Presentation: 4.5 / 7
- Distinctiveness: 4.5 / 7
- Transparency: 5 / 7
- Value: 3.5 / 7
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 4.21 / 7 – Angelic
Good to great. High value for the price.
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable. |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
Disclosure: This bottle was provided to me free of charge for review. All opinions are my own.
Looking for more whiskey reviews? Browse my latest reviews here.
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