July 20, 2026
Ep. 27 - 7/15/26 - Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski - Lost Lantern - 50 States of Bourbon
<p>In Episode 27 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, founders of Lost Lantern, America’s first independent bottler. This episode covers major whisky and bourbon headlines including Kilchoman Rockside 11-Year-Old, Port of Leith Table Whisky cans, Diageo’s Crown Royal bottling plant sale, the new Isle of Harris Single Malt, Kentucky Bourbon Trail expansion, Barton 1792 Straight Rye and 1792 XV, Aberfeldy 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask, the continuing Uncle Nearest legal saga, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash, and Yellowstone Limited Edition 2026. In premium cigar news, Chris highlights new and limited releases from Black Label Trading Co., Toscano, San Cristobal, Martello Cigar Co., Notorious Cigars, Puro Sabor Festival 2027, and La Aroma de Cuba. The episode also features upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events, followed by a detailed WNSNN pairing review of C.B. Jackson Kentucky Straight Bourbon with the C.B. Jackson Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Toro, making this a must-watch for fans of bourbon news, Scotch whisky, American whiskey, independent bottlers, premium cigars, cigar reviews, whiskey pairings, and the latest releases across the whisky and smoke industries.</p><p><br></p><p>Summary</p><p>In this episode, Chris Kumnick hosts a deep dive into whiskey, cigars, and industry insights, featuring Nora Ganley Roper and Adam Polonski of Lost Lantern. Discover the stories behind America's first independent bottler, new whiskey releases, and expert pairing tips.</p><p><br></p><p>Keywords</p><p>Whiskey, Cigars, Lost Lantern, Independent Bottler, Whiskey Releases, Cigar Pairing, Industry Insights</p><p><br></p><p>Key topics</p><p>Lost Lantern's founding story and philosophy</p><p>Latest whiskey releases and distillery expansions</p><p>Cigar and whiskey pairing techniques and recommendations</p><p><br></p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Lost Lantern is the first independent bottler in America, emphasizing craftsmanship and discovery.</p><p>New whiskey releases include Kilhoman's Rockside 11-year-old and Isle of Harris Single Malt.</p><p>Expert pairing tips highlight how cigars can elevate whiskey experiences.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Whiskey and Cigar Industry Insights</p><p>01:03 Interview with Nora Gainley Roper and Adam Polansky of Lost Lantern</p><p>02:14 Latest Whiskey Releases: Kilhoman Rockside 11-Year-Old</p><p>03:02 Port of Leith's New 100ml Cans of Table Whiskey</p><p>04:45 Expansion of Isle of Harris Distillery</p><p>06:09 Kentucky Bourbon Trail's New Destinations</p><p>07:07 Barton 1792's Landmark Releases</p><p>08:47 Aberfeldy's Limited Edition White Port Double Cask</p><p>09:46 Uncle Nearest Legal and Financial Developments</p><p>11:25 Heaven Hill's New Bottle and Bond Release</p><p>12:50 Yellowstone's 2026 Limited Edition Bourbon</p><p>13:18 Cigar News: Black Label Trading and More</p><p>14:45 Canadian Exclusive Toscano Rosso Cafe</p><p>15:44 San Cristobal Golden Hour Launch</p><p>17:12 Martello's Limited Edition Cigar Ordolan</p><p>18:09 New Core Lines from Notorious Cigars</p><p>19:06 Upcoming Cigar Festivals and Events</p><p>20:34 La Aroma de Cuba Sampler Release</p><p>21:32 Upcoming Industry Events and Festivals</p><p>22:30 Interview with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern</p><p>23:37 Closing Remarks and Follow-up</p><p><br></p><p>Resources</p><p>Kilhoman Distillery - https://kilhoman.com</p><p>Port of Leith Distillery - https://portofleithdistillery.com</p><p>Isle of Harris Distillery - https://harrisdistillery.com</p><p>Barton 1792 - https://barton1792.com</p><p>Aberfeldy Distillery - https://aberlfeldy.com</p><p>Heaven Hill Distillery - https://heavenhilldistillery.com</p><p>Yellowstone Bourbon - https://yellowstonebourbon.com</p><p>Black Label Trading Company - https://blacklabeltrading.com</p><p>San Cristobal Cigars - https://ashtoncigar.com</p><p><br></p><p>Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!</p>
