Dark Arts French Oak Stave Finished Small Batch Bourbon is a high-rye straight bourbon whiskey crafted by Dark Arts Whiskey House. Originally distilled in Indiana using a mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, the spirit is aged 7 to 8.5 years before being finished with custom-toasted French oak staves sourced from the ancient Jupilles forest of France — a storied royal forest established in the 14th century and renowned for its exceptionally tight-grain oak, prized by fine winemakers for centuries. The whiskey is then blended and bottled in Kentucky at 108 proof, with each bottle numbered sequentially as part of a small-batch release averaging 600–750 bottles per batch.

The finishing process uses staves from Jupilles Fleur oak, which impart soft, sweet, warm wood notes that harmonize beautifully with the inherent spice of the high-rye base. On the nose, expect an inviting bouquet of spiced caramel, ripe red fruits, and crisp apples with a hint of funnel cake. The palate delivers sweet raspberry, toasted oak, and creamy tres leche with a whisper of cinnamon spice. The finish is long and indulgent, evolving through sweet toffee, velvety vanilla cream, and a subtle hint of cold smoke.

This expression has earned multiple prestigious awards, including Platinum at the Ascot Awards (2025), Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2025), and Silver for Best American Whiskey at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival (2025).