Dark Arts "Spice Rack" Mizunara Finished BourbonLast year during a visit to Dark Arts Whiskey House of Lexington KY, we embarked on one of the most fun and freewheeling barrel selections we have ever done (aka tasted so many barrels, havent the foggiest as to how many we tried that day.) And it wasnt for a lack of great options, there were many lovely bourbons in the mix, it was the unique opportunity that a producer like Dark Arts can offer. They have the flexibility and depth (and willingness) to

Ureshino green tea leaves

or in craft cocktails where its distinctive vegetable character shines—try it with mezcal and an espresso ice cube for a grounding

Fruity: apples and pineapple

Whether enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its complexity or with a splash of water to open up additional dimensions

Classic Sonoma Zinfandel from the acclaimed Alexander Valley appellation

The nose opens with herbaceous

using wood and river stones

many a Scotch lover's cult favorite distillery

Honoring their shared history

Kentucky style rye

Unlike most recent releases of Foursquare

malted at Admiral Maltings in Alameda