Dark Arts 9 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Finished Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2026 Exclusive 118.4 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026) 75cl One of the most sought after exclusives at this...
Dark Arts 9 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Finished Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2026 Exclusive 118.4 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026) 75cl
One of the most sought after exclusives at this year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.
This year at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, it was difficult to walk around without seeing someone holding a box of Dark Arts bourbon that they purchased. Upon moving towards the stand, all one saw was commotion at all times. Not only were Buff Turkeys bottled but also their younger releases were also damned good.
Mash bill is 75% Corn │ 21% Rye │ 4% Malted Barley
The Chief Alchemist Reserve Cuvée is the most ambitious bottle in the lineup. You’re dealing with 19-year-old Kentucky bourbon that spent seven years in Mizunara, bottled at 115 proof, and the result is a whiskey where the finishing oak is impossible to ignore. It’s fascinating, sometimes overwhelming, and much more interesting after sitting with it than it is as a quick first sip.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: The nose is comparatively restrained, with ripe red apple, cherry and honey joined by pepper, smoke and nuttiness. The sherry influence is present without completely taking over.
Palate: The palate gets considerably denser, with sherry, nuttiness and dark sweetness building quickly. The high rye brings a climbing pepper note that keeps the finish from becoming overly sweet.
Finish: Sherry and pepper coalesce into molasses, white pepper and dark red fruit, with a smoky, almost barbecue-like character. It is powerful without becoming dominated by the finishing barrel.
About Dark Arts Whiskey House
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.
This is more than just whiskey. It’s alchemy; wood, fire, grain and water transformed into liquid gold. Inspired by the alchemists of old, Our Master Blenders take good whiskey and elevate it to extraordinary using equal parts mastery and belief in the unknown. Don’t settle for ordinary. Defy convention and unleash your spirit.
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.
The Two Founders: Chief Alchemist is Macaulay Minton, master taster and blender known for bold, sought-after expressions, with a background in microbiology, distillation, and one of the industry’s largest private barrel programs. David Peet David Peet, a seasoned entrepreneur and whiskey enthusiast, founded Dark Arts to bring back exceptional bourbon at a fair value after years of rising prices and dwindling quality.
59.2% ABV
75cl
We’re committed to providing a seamless shopping experience, from order placement to delivery and beyond. Enjoy fast, secure shipping with tracking on all orders, so you know exactly when to expect your items. If something isn’t quite right, don’t worry—our easy return process allows you to return or exchange products within 30 days of receiving them. We prioritize your satisfaction and aim to make every step, from shipping to returns, as smooth and stress-free as possible.
