American single malt whiskey distilled from local barley, shaped by Minnesota oak, and built around a commitment to conservation.
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 Whiskey was created to bring people together outdoors—using whiskey as a starting point for conversation and connection.
At its core, the brand is built on a simple but meaningful commitment: 1% of all sales are donated to environmental organizations focused on conservation, education, and climate action.
This isn’t positioned as a luxury whiskey. It’s a purpose-driven American single malt—built around community, accessibility, and stewardship.y, and stewardship.
1% to Nature
A standard, not a slogan.
Lost Woods commits 1% of all sales to organizations working in environmental preservation and climate-focused initiatives.
This includes support for groups like:
- Minnesota Forestry Association
- Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Association
Beyond financial contributions, the brand emphasizes sustainability in practice; using responsible materials, supporting aligned suppliers, and focusing on reducing resource use wherever possible.
The Whiskey
Three expressions, one core identity.
80 Proof
Light, malt-forward, and easygoing. A softer entry point that leans toward grain and subtle fruit.
88 Proof
The most complete expression—bringing forward tropical fruit, candy sweetness, and improved balance.
110 Proof (Cask Strength)
Higher intensity with deeper sweetness, funk, and a pronounced spice profile.
“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
How It’s Made
A modern approach to American single malt, grounded in local sourcing with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.
- 100% malted barley (locally sourced)
- Distilled at Dashfire Distillery (now transitioning in-house)
- Aged using new Minnesota white oak
- Proprietary accelerated aging process
- Finished with sherry-soaked oak staves
Rather than relying solely on time in barrel, the process is designed to extract more from the wood in less time, balancing flavor development with resource efficiency.
Overall Impressions
Lost Woods stands out less for chasing traditional markers of premium whiskey (age, rarity, or heavy oak) and more for its clarity of purpose.
Across the lineup, the profile leans malt-forward with bright fruit and lighter structure, especially compared to many American single malts that skew toward bourbon-like richness.
The 88 proof emerges as the most balanced and complete, while the 80 proof offers approachability and the 110 proof pushes intensity, sometimes at the expense of control.
Where the brand separates itself is in intent. The combination of local sourcing, an alternative aging approach, and a built-in commitment to giving back creates a whiskey experience that extends beyond what’s in the glass.
Final Note
Lost Woods isn’t trying to be the boldest or the oldest. It’s trying to be something more intentional.
For some, that adds meaning to the pour. For others, the value equation may still come down to what’s in the glass.
Both can be true.