Backed by Diageo’s Distill Ventures Pre-Accelerator Program, Lodestar Whiskey is a Blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey.
Today, we’re taking a look at a new whiskey brand that just introduced their first expression. Lodestar Whiskey is a women-founded spirits company which just launched with a unique blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey. We were able to taste this whiskey before the launch and appreciate Co-Founders Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder for the opportunity. Our tasting notes and first impressions are just below, followed by the full press release about the launch of Lodestar Whiskey.
Bourbon Lens Tasting Notes:
- Nose: heavy cereal notes, reminded me almost immediately of Quaker brand Oatmeal Squares and Apple Jacks cereals.
- Palate: sugary sweet waffle cone with a nice touch of maltiness, and the breakfast cereals carry through. The whiskey is light on the palate in terms of mouthfeel, but not lacking in layered flavors.
- Finish: while the finish is not a lengthy one, it does leave you with a nice, bright and lingering citrus note. The shorter length of finish was not unexpected given the proof point of the whiskey (90 Proof / 45% ABV); this is certainly not a knock on the whiskey.
- Overall Impressions: this blend of high rye bourbon and American Single Malt is a unique one. As a fan of the growing popularity of American Single Malt, I was excited to see a brand incorporating single malt into their blend of American Whiskey. This is perhaps an unintended benefit of the growth of American Single Malt; more tools in the toolbox for blenders and whiskey-makers looking to explore fun and interesting blends. And frankly, I’m here for it!
Press Release: Lodestar Whiskey Launches in California and Online
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lodestar Whiskey (www.lodestarwhiskey.com), a women-founded and led spirit company, proudly introduces its first expression – a blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey. The first-ever whiskey to be backed by Diageo’s Distill Ventures award-winning Pre-Accelerator program, Lodestar Whiskey is offered in 750ml packaging at 90 proof for a suggested retail price of $45 and is now available in select retail locations across California and e-commerce retail.
Lodestar Whiskey is co-founded by cousins and entertainment industry veterans Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, who had long wanted to create an inclusive and approachable whiskey. When their careers took a serendipitous turn and the entertainment industry stalled in the pandemic, they knew there was no better time to follow their passion and create Lodestar Whiskey.
From the outset, Anna and Wendelin sought to create community – it was what they loved most about their decade spent working together in music and film. Having acquired a taste for whiskey through their travels, Anna and Wendelin crafted their own high-quality and approachable spirit, which embodies the laid-back California lifestyle where Lodestar is based, and the universal truth that life’s special moments are always better when shared.
Building community is one of our guiding principles. As we began developing the brand, it was important to us that our whiskey is approachable, with a uniquely delicious flavor you can enjoy neat or in a cocktail. We wanted it to be inclusive and inviting to those who are new to the whiskey community while also satisfying the palates of those who enjoy whiskey regularly. Lodestar invites everyone to the party.
Anna Axster, Co-Founder
Lodestar Whiskey is a blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt. Its notes of caramel, citrus, and warm baking spices from the rye pair perfectly with the approachable smooth finish of the single malt. By creating this unconventional blend, Lodestar Whiskey is versatile enough for a cocktail, while also delicious simply neat, or on the rocks. Offered in a 750ml size at 90 proof (45% abv), Lodestar Whiskey is available in select retail and boutique locations across California and online across the US beginning this month.
At Lodestar our golden rule is simple: bring joy to the journey and invite your friends. We love kicking back with our favorite people, a good spirit in hand. It’s all about connecting and a sense of belonging. We hope that however people choose to gather, that their good times are made extra special with Lodestar.
Wendelin von Schroder, Co-Founder
For more information, including cocktail recipe ideas and to find local retailers, visit www.lodestarwhiskey.com.
About Lodestar Whiskey
Established in Los Angeles in 2023, Lodestar Whiskey is co-founded by cousins and entertainment industry veterans Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder. The first-ever whiskey backed by Diageo’s Distill Ventures Pre-Accelerator program, Lodestar Whiskey is a high-quality, unconventional blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey that embodies the laid-back California lifestyle, and the universal truth that life’s special moments are always better when shared. Lodestar’s versatility easily pleases the palates of many, making it delectable neat, on the rocks, or in a tasty cocktail.
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