Lodestar American Whiskey Review
By Douglas Fraser
Rating: A
(Credit: Douglas Fraser
Lodestar Whiskey is a women-owned and -operated spirits brand, based out of California. Two German-born cousins, Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, founded the brand after discovering whiskey while working in the music industry. They found that, in their opinion, there was not a whiskey expression that spoke to everyone. In particular, they did not feel that, as women, many whiskey brands were able to connect with them as consumers. During the pandemic, the cousins decided to start their own spirits brand with the hopes of inviting more people to enjoy whiskey.
Please note that Lodestar sources from different distilleries to match their flavor profile. The current bottling is sourced from MGP in Indiana.
The Whiskey
Lodestar American Whiskey is a blend of 70% of four year old MGP high rye bourbon and the rest their malt whiskey. When I began tasting this whiskey, it seemed to be rather young. Although the age suggests it is immature or just barely mature, the whiskey makes up for this with its unique flavor. While lacking some complexity, it has enjoyable tasting notes for amateur and experienced whiskey drinkers alike. If the goal was to make a whiskey anyone could enjoy, they achieved that goal. Lodestar American Whiskey is bottled at 45% ABV, 90 proof. On a side note, I also tried it with a splash of water which subdued the spices even more but gave way to a lot more citrus.
Color: Dark Gold
On the nose are heavy notes of cereal and citrus. After the initial nosing, subtle floral notes accompanied by some baking spices and rye spice come through. I felt like I could almost smell apple pie. The palate was similar but more mellow with notes of citrus, oak tannins, rye spice, and a breakthrough of caramel (probably from the bourbon). The finish is medium in length, with a more malty finish. This is followed by more notes of oak, baking and rye spice, and a fading citrus, making this a very consistent tasting.
The Price
Lodestar American Whiskey can be found for $45.
