Dark Art's Amburana Oak Stave Finish Rye Whiskey
Dark Art's Amburana Oak Stave Finish Rye Whiskey takes 95% rye whiskey aged 6 to 8 years and finishes it on custom-toasted Brazilian Amburana oak staves, bottled at a bold 108 proof. Founded in 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky by Macaulay Minton of Wilderness Trail's single barrel program, Dark Arts blends each release in numbered 3-barrel small batches of just 600-750 bottles. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 108 proof (54% ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 6-8 year base rye, finished on Amburana staves
- Origin: distilled in Indiana; finished, blended, and bottled in Lexington, Kentucky
- Production: 95% rye / 5% malted barley; custom-toasted Amburana staves; 3-barrel small batches
Gingerbread Spice from Brazilian Oak
Amburana — the fragrant Brazilian hardwood behind Brazil's cachaça tradition — is having its moment in American whiskey, and Dark Arts applies it with a Kentucky blender's touch. Weeks on custom-toasted Amburana staves layer gingerbread, baking spice, and toasted coconut over the high-rye backbone, without overwhelming it. Each 3-barrel blend is numbered, so every batch is its own release. Browse the Dark Art's Whiskey House collection, more finished whiskey, and Del Mesa's small-batch bourbon shelf.
Tasting Notes
Expect gingerbread and graham cracker up front, with cinnamon, vanilla, and honeyed baking spice from the Amburana, riding a strong rye-spice backbone of pepper and mint. The 108-proof intensity carries a long, warming finish of exotic fruit and toasted oak.
How to Enjoy
Neat with a few drops of water to open the Amburana aromatics, or over one large cube. This is a contemplative pour — give it time in the glass and the Brazilian oak character keeps evolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Amburana oak add to whiskey?
Gingerbread, cinnamon, vanilla, and toasted coconut character — fragrant baking-spice notes distinct from American or French oak.
Where is Dark Arts whiskey distilled vs. finished?
Distilled in Indiana, then finished, blended, and bottled in Lexington, Kentucky by Dark Arts Whiskey House.
Is each Dark Arts small batch the same?
No — releases are numbered 3-barrel blends of 600-750 bottles, so each batch varies.
Brazilian oak meets Kentucky rye — order Dark Art's Amburana Oak Stave Finish Rye Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.