Lost Lantern caps landmark year of growth

Vermont-based independent whiskey bottler expands team, secures funding, and earns national recognition

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lost Lantern, the Vermont-based independent bottler of American whiskey, enters 2026 following a year of continued momentum, defined by strategic investment, team growth, solid consumer demand, and national recognition. The company successfully closed a $1 million seed round, welcomed new hires, and launched several initiatives that drove growth across multiple areas of the business.

Why it matters

As an independent bottler, Lost Lantern plays a key role in the growing American whiskey market by sourcing unique casks and blends from distilleries across the country and introducing them to whiskey enthusiasts. The company's success and expansion highlights the continued consumer demand for craft and artisanal spirits, as well as the opportunities for innovative businesses to thrive in Vermont's vibrant food and beverage ecosystem.

The details

In 2025, Lost Lantern closed a $1 million seed round led by FreshTracks Capital, a Vermont venture capital firm. The funding supported expanded sales and marketing initiatives and enabled the company to grow its team, including the addition of Robin Cornell as Operations Manager and Emily Trostel as Marketing & Vermont Sales Manager. Lost Lantern also launched its Discovery Club, which helps whiskey lovers explore new distilleries and exclusive bottlings curated by the Lost Lantern team. Throughout the year, the company saw increased demand for its private barrel offerings, strong ecommerce sales, and the successful launch of its whiskies in the Vermont market.

  • In 2025, Lost Lantern successfully closed a $1 million seed round.
  • In 2025, Lost Lantern launched its Discovery Club.
  • Throughout 2025, Lost Lantern saw increased demand for its private barrel offerings and strong ecommerce sales.

The players

Lost Lantern

An award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont, founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski.

FreshTracks Capital

A leading Vermont venture capital firm that led the $1 million seed round investment in Lost Lantern.

Robin Cornell

The new Operations Manager at Lost Lantern.

Emily Trostel

The new Marketing & Vermont Sales Manager at Lost Lantern.

Nora Ganley-Roper

The co-founder of Lost Lantern.

Adam Polonski

The co-founder of Lost Lantern.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“2025 marked a very exciting year for Lost Lantern, even as the spirits industry faced some new challenges. We were particularly pleased by the great response to the Lost Lantern Discovery Club, launched last spring, which doubles down on our mission of helping whiskey lovers discover great distilleries they might otherwise not. And as we look back on the year, it was a tremendous honor to be named to Food & Wine's inaugural list of Drinks Visionaries — a true validation of our vision for American whiskey. We have very big plans for 2026, and we're excited to continue to share our enthusiasm and excitement about the ever-broadening world of American whiskey.”

— Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Co-Founders, Lost Lantern (Vermont Business Magazine)

What’s next

Lost Lantern is poised for an ambitious 2026, with major new projects, releases, and partnerships in development that the company looks forward to sharing in the coming year.

The takeaway

Lost Lantern's success highlights the growing consumer demand for craft and artisanal spirits, as well as the opportunities for innovative businesses to thrive in Vermont's vibrant food and beverage ecosystem. The company's strategic investments, team growth, and national recognition position it for continued expansion and leadership in the American whiskey market.