Dark Arts Whiskey House

Three bottles of Dark Arts Whiskey House bourbon and rye, each with a different label color: red, green, and black, featuring a bearded alchemist illustration and decorative gold accents.

In the heart of the bourbon industry, where tradition and heritage thrive, our founders embarked on a quest for something more. As whiskey enthusiasts, they were excited by the industry's rapid growth but sensed a void—an untapped magic waiting to be unleashed. Their journey began with a revelation: the art of whiskey making is not just science, but an alchemical fusion of flavors and possibilities. Driven by a passion for elevating the role of Master Blenders to artists, prioritizing taste, and defying convention, Dark Arts Whiskey House was born.

Dark Arts is a blending, rebarreling, and finishing house in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, with a process that is anything but ordinary. Inspired by the alchemists of old, our Master Blenders wield underutilized maturation and blending techniques to transform wood, fire, grain and water into liquid gold. Using equal parts mastery and belief in the unknown, we procure high-quality ingredients, create custom blends, and age them in unconventional barrels to craft unique and elevated whiskeys.

Black and white illustration of a bearded alchemist in his laboratory surrounded by barrels, distillation equipment, books, beakers, and holding a Glencairn glass of whiskey.

But Dark Arts Whiskey House is more than just a destination; it’s an immersive experience. Instead of the typical distillery tour and tasting, we offer a hands-on excursion into the world of experimental blends. Savor whiskey straight from the cask, or take part in the time-honored tradition of hand-filling and hand-bottling your own personalized blend. Veer off the beaten bourbon trail and onto a new path forged by the creativity and skill of our Master Blenders, with no limits to the hidden gems and combinations awaiting you.

Every sip is its own journey of discovery. Dark Arts Whiskey House caters to those seeking a soul-stirring experience, one that expands your whiskey worldview. Whether you're a seasoned dabbler or an intrepid apprentice, we welcome you to our house, where experimentation reigns supreme and innovation knows no bounds.

A triangular logo with an eye in the center and rays extending outward, surrounded by alchemical symbols. Text reads "Dark Arts Whiskey House."

7 Stages of Whiskey Alchemy

FINISHING

This unique symbol represents the switching of barrels during the finishing process

Black and white illustration of an alchemical symbol representing "Finishing."

MATURATION

The alchemy symbol for wood represents the barrels our whiskey is matured in

Black and white illustration of an alchemical symbol representing "Distillation." A black outline of a triangle with a shaded interior, adjacent to a curved line that forms the letter 'm'.

DISTILLATION

This is the official alchemy symbol for distillation

Black and white illustration of an alchemical symbol representing "Maturation."
Black and white illustration of an alchemical symbol representing "Blending."

BLENDING

This is the official alchemy symbol for mixing/blending

Black and white illustration of an alchemical symbol representing "Bottling."

BOTTLING

The alchemy symbol for glass represents bottling

Black and white illustration of an alchemical symbol representing "Fermentation."
Black and white illustration of an alchemical symbol representing "Crop Growth."

CROP GROWTH

The symbol for Saturn: The God of Agriculture

FERMENTATION

This is the official alchemy symbol for fermentation

Barely Legal Bourbon

A bottle of Dark Arts whiskey with a round black label featuring a detailed illustration of an alchemist working with barrels, gold accents, and the text "Dark Arts Whiskey House" and "Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel Selection."
Gold award badge for the 2024 American Spirits ASCOT Awards, indicating gold medal winner from the American Spirits Council of Tasters.
  • Small Batch Three Barrel Blend

  • Cask Strength

  • 51% Corn, 39% Rye, 10% malted rye

  • Age 6-7 Years

Nose: On the nose, you can detect the delightful aroma of ripe orchard fruits and a gentle infusion of rye spice. There is also a hint of caramelized sugar, a touch of tangy lemon zest, and the comforting scent of graham crackers.

Palate: When you take a sip, you’ll discover the smooth and indulgent taste of honeyed chocolate. There’s a satisfying blend of cherry cola and citrus notes, enhanced by a sprinkle of cinnamon spice.

Finish: As you savor the finish, you’ll experience a rich and buttery mouthfeel. A delightful wave of vanilla, caramel, and fruity flavors lingers on your palate, mingling with the subtle infusion of oak spice.

A bottle of Dark Arts Barely Legal Bourbon whiskey and a mason jar mug filled with a yellow drink garnished with mint leaves, placed on a wooden table against a light blue wooden wall.

Mint Julep

Ingredients

  • ½ oz Simple Syrup

  • 2 oz Dark Arts Bourbon Whiskey

  • Club Soda

  • Mint leaves

Process

  • Add a few mint leaves,  simple syrup, and whiskey to a shaker and muddle. Add ice cubes and stir. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice and top off with club soda. Garnish and Enjoy!

A bottle of Dark Arts Whiskey House straight bourbon whiskey with a label featuring a black and white illustration of a man working in a distillery, with gold and red accents, a wooden cork, and a detailed description of the whiskey's tasting notes and aging details.

French Oak Bourbon

Custom Toasted Jupilles French Oak

Two gold medals for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The left medal reads "San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 Double Gold" with a wheat design in the center. The right medal shows the number "99" with images of a trophy and a still, and the text "SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION" around the edges.
  • Small Batch Three Barrel Blend

  • 108 Proof

  • 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% malted barley

  • Age 6-7 Years

Nose: Upon first nosing, you’ll be greeted by the enticing fragrance of spiced caramel, enticing you to take a closer sniff. Accompanied by the delightful aroma of ripe red fruits and crisp apples, the scents intermingle and create a harmonious bouquet reminiscent of a delicious funnel cake.

Palate: On the palate, prepare for a delightful experience as sweet raspberry flavors take center stage, complemented by the savory notes of toasted oak. As the taste lingers, you’ll discover subtle hints of tres leche, evoking thoughts of a creamy and indulgent dessert, accentuated by a touch of cinnamon spice.

Finish: As the experience comes to its conclusion, you’ll appreciate the creamy mouthfeel that emerges. The flavors evolve, revealing a complex array of sensations, ranging from sweet toffee to velvety vanilla cream. A subtle hint of cold smoke adds an intriguing layer to this enticing finale.

Bottle of David Art Whiskey House Straight Rye Whiskey with toasted Amburana oak staves, 6.5 years aging, 108 proof, small batch, batch number 001, bottle number 61 of 420.

Amburana Rye

Custom Toasted Amburana Oak

Gold award badge for the 2024 American Spirits ASCOT Awards, indicating gold medal winner from the American Spirits Council of Tasters.
  • Small Batch Three Barrel Blend

  • 108 Proof

  • 95% Rye 5% Malted Barley

  • Age 6-7 Years

Nose: On the nose you’ll encounter the alluring scent of butter cream, delicately infused with the inviting aroma of cinnamon sugar and the freshness of apple and ginger.

Palate: As you take your first sip, prepare yourself for a charming experience akin to savoring a warm apple pie à la mode.  e taste unfolds with the delectable combination of French vanilla ice cream, reminiscent of a delightful dessert. The flavors are further accentuated by a subtle hint of warm spices like Vietnamese cinnamon dusting. A luxurious caramel drizzle adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall experience.

Finish: The finish is long-lasting and multifaceted. You’ll discover the pleasant richness of toasted coconut, paired with the juiciness of red fruits. A final note reminiscent of freshly baked rye bread adds an intriguing layer to the overall sensory experience.

Gold medal with the inscription 'San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024' and a trophy icon, displaying the number 99 in bold.
A bottle of Dark Arts Whiskey House bourbon whiskey with a light grey label featuring a black-and-white illustration of a man surrounded by barrels and a Glencairn glass. The bottle has a clear glass stopper and contains amber-colored bourbon.

Toasted Mizunara Bourbon

Why Mizunara?

Mizunara oak is no ordinary wood—it’s a legend, whispered about in the hallowed halls of Japanese whisky lore. With its elusive and temperamental nature, Mizunara demands patience, precision, and reverence. But the reward? Notes of sandalwood, exotic spices, and a mysterious incense-like depth that we’ve harnessed to elevate our bourbon into the realm of the extraordinary.

  • 100 Proof

  • 64%Corn, 24%Rye, 12%Malted Barley

  • Kentucky Bourbon

Nose: An inviting bouquet of butterscotch and sandalwood leads the charge, mingling with toasted oak and dried berries. Notes of vanilla custard and freshly baked bread evoke a comforting warmth, setting the stage for the indulgence to come.

Palate: Rich and creamy on the tongue, this bourbon unveils layers of snickerdoodle cookies, gingerbread spice, and zesty lemon. Brown butter yeast rolls and hints of cardamom and nutmeg weave through a backdrop of vanilla cream and toasted oak, offering a dynamic and satisfying complexity.

Finish: A luxuriously long finish unfolds in waves of sugar cookie dough and warming baking spices, including nutmeg and cinnamon. Subtle toasted oak and creamy vanilla give way to lingering hints of leather, toffee, and the sweet depth of stewed fruits, leaving an enduring impression of balance and sophistication.

Limited Time Offerings

Blunt Blend - Madeira & Armagnac Rye - 2025 Release SOLD OUT

A bottle of Dark Arts Whiskey House Blunt Blend straight rye whiskey with an amber liquid, decorative blue and gold label featuring a black-and-white illustration of a man in medieval attire, and a unique glass stopper.

The Blunt Blend returns with “Dank Arts: Batch #2, a daring fusion of 7-year-old cask strength rye whiskey, masterfully finished in Armagnac and Madeira wine casks.

This year’s release continues to defy tradition, delivering an intricate medley of flavors that push the boundaries of what rye whiskey can be.

Bold, complex, and unapologetically unique - this is whiskey reimagined.

Other brands offer cigar blends but as Macaulay says, "I don't smoke cigars. I smoke blunts."

Maple Amburana Rye - “Ripple Rye” - 2024 Release SOLD OUT

A bottle of Dark Arts Whiskey with a vintage-style label, green and gold design, featuring an illustration of a man in a medieval setting, and details about the whiskey including aged 7 years, finished in maple syrup barrels, with toasted amburana oak staves.

Step into a world where tradition meets bold creativity. Our latest Limited Release, crafted by our Master Alchemists takes the beloved Amburana Rye to a whole new level.

This is a whiskey that defies the ordinary—a rich and decadent expression that’s perfect for those cold, cozy nights by the fire, surrounded by friends and family you actually like.

Imagine a gingerbread village being bombed by buttercream icing, while the red gumdrop brigade comes in for the final annihilation!

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Fresh baked gingerbread, spiced cherry, with hints of sweet buttercream icing.

Palate: Maple syrup intertwines with the complexity of rye, creating a rift of bold flavors — think red gumdrops, caramelized sugars, a wave of holiday spice and warmth.

Finish: A long lingering, sticky, sweet, and slightly spiced. Maple and a subtle hint of the amburana’s signature flavors dusted with cacao.

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