Dark Arts Whiskey House
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.
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.
7 Stages of Whiskey Alchemy
FINISHING
This unique symbol represents the switching of barrels during the finishing process
MATURATION
The alchemy symbol for wood represents the barrels our whiskey is matured in
DISTILLATION
This is the official alchemy symbol for distillation
BLENDING
This is the official alchemy symbol for mixing/blending
BOTTLING
The alchemy symbol for glass represents bottling
CROP GROWTH
The symbol for Saturn: The God of Agriculture
FERMENTATION
This is the official alchemy symbol for fermentation
Barely Legal Bourbon
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.
French Oak Bourbon: Custom Toasted Jupilles French Oak
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.
Amburana Rye: Custom Toasted Amburana Oak
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.
Limited Time Offerings
Oloroso Sherry Bourbon
Our Master Alchemist, inspired by the ancient art of alchemy, sought out the finest Oloroso sherry casks to age our premium bourbon. These casks, steeped in history and rich in character, have imparted a complexity and depth that transforms our bourbon into a symphony of flavors. The result is a harmonious blend that tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Each bottle of our Oloroso Sherry Aged Bourbon is a testament to this journey, inviting you to experience the magic that happens when tradition and innovation collide.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: A rich and enticing aroma of dried fruits, predominantly raisins and figs, intertwined with the deep, nutty notes of Oloroso sherry. Subtle hints of toasted oak and dark chocolate, with a whisper of orange zest and spice.
Taste: The palate is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory. Initial flavors of rich caramel and vanilla merge seamlessly with the complex nuttiness and dried fruit character imparted by the Oloroso sherry cask. Mid-palate reveals layers of spice, including cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by the warmth of toasted oak and a touch of dark cocoa.
Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sherry sweetness and oak spice. The rich, viscous mouthfeel leaves a lasting impression of dried fruit and a gentle, warming spice.
Maple Amburana Rye - “Ripple Rye”
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.