Dark Arts Ripple Rye Vol. 3 8 Year Old Rye Whiskey Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels with Toasted Amburana Oak Staves
Dark Arts Ripple Rye Vol. 3 8 Year Old Rye Whiskey is the third volume of Ripple Rye from Dark Arts Whiskey House, the Lexington, Kentucky blending house known for its wood-driven Special Series releases. The straight rye starts in Indiana from a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, ages 8 years in American oak, and then finishes in barrels that once held maple syrup, layered with toasted Amburana oak staves — the Brazilian wood prized for warm cinnamon and gingerbread spice. Bottled at cask strength, 110.4 proof (55.2% ABV), in a 750mL bottle, Vol. 3 echoes the original Ripple Rye while standing distinctly on its own. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Proof / ABV: 110.4 proof (55.2% ABV), cask strength
- Age: 8 years in American oak
- Mash Bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
- Finish: Maple syrup barrels with toasted Amburana oak staves
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Distilled in Indiana, blended and bottled in Kentucky
A Ripple, Third Time Around
The Ripple Rye series is Dark Arts' study in what two sweet-and-spice influences can do to a bold high-rye whiskey at the same time. Maple syrup barrels bring deep, measured sweetness; toasted Amburana staves — a wood used for generations to age cachaça in Brazil — wake up layers of warming baking spice. Vol. 1 introduced the idea, Vol. 2 aged 7.5 years and bottled at 105 proof, and Vol. 3 pushes both dials: a full 8 years of age and full cask strength. Explore more rye whiskey and the wider American whiskey shelf at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
French vanilla and ginger snaps lead the nose, layered with subtle oak, toasted hazelnut and bright fresh cherry. The palate opens on sweet oak and unfolds into iced cinnamon roll and candied ginger, followed by orange zest and warming mulling spice, with the maple influence rounding everything out in rich sweetness. The finish is velvety and lingering — holiday spice, maple sweetness and rich oak unfolding slowly, leaving a lasting warmth long after the final sip.
How to Enjoy
Sip it neat to experience the interplay of maple syrup, Amburana oak and cask-strength rye; a few drops of water open up softer stone fruit and spice. It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate as an after-dinner pour, and it brings real depth to a spiced whiskey cocktail. See more whisky and limited-release gift sets at Del Mesa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ripple Rye Vol. 3 differ from Vol. 2?
Both volumes finish straight rye in maple syrup barrels with toasted Amburana oak staves from the same 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash. Vol. 2 aged 7.5 years and bottled at 105 proof; Vol. 3 ages a full 8 years and bottles at cask strength, 110.4 proof.
What is Amburana oak?
Amburana is a Brazilian oak long used to age cachaça. In American whiskey it contributes intense baking-spice character — cinnamon, gingerbread and vanilla — which plays directly off rye's natural spice.
What proof is Ripple Rye Vol. 3?
110.4 proof (55.2% ABV), bottled at cask strength.
Where is it made?
The rye is distilled in Indiana and blended and bottled by Dark Arts Whiskey House in Kentucky.
Order Dark Arts Ripple Rye Vol. 3 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA, and catch the ripple while this limited volume lasts.