Description

Dark Arts Barely Legal Small Batch Cask Strength Bourbon

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.

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.

Sometimes magic and a bit of luck collide. At our first barrel tasting and buying trip in Indiana, Dark Arts was offered a new, unique recipe that no one had yet brought to market. It derives its name from the 51% Corn / 49% rye combination. The rye is broken into two parts – a portion your traditional rye and a portion malted rye. Once we tasted this liquid gold, we knew the alchemy was complete in the recipe. We are excited to introduce it to the world.

This 3-barrel small batch straight bourbon is a series of sequentially numbered blends, each one distinct and crafted with precision. Aged between 6 to 8 years, every batch is bottled at cask strength, typically around 115 proof, delivering a bold and unfiltered drinking experience. Made from a high-rye mash bill of 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted rye, the whiskey offers a robust flavor profile with layers of spice, depth, and complexity. Originally distilled in Indiana and expertly blended and bottled in Lexington, Kentucky, each release yields approximately 600 to 750 bottles. With every batch unique, this series celebrates the art of blending and the richness of barrel-aged bourbon.

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. 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. 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.

This exceptional small batch bourbon has earned high praise across the industry, receiving multiple prestigious awards in 2025. It was honored with a Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards, a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), and was named Best American Whiskey (Gold) at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. These accolades highlight its superior craftsmanship, bold character, and standout quality among American whiskeys.

Dark Arts Barely Legal Small Batch Cask Strength Bourbon Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Rich mahogany
• AROMA: Delightful aromas of ripe orchard fruits, rye spice, caramelized sugar, lemon zest and graham cracker
• TASTE: Smooth and indulgent notes of honeyed chocolate and cherry cola with citrus notes and cinnamon spice
• FINISH: Lingering vanilla, caramel, and fruit
• ABV: 56.8%