Dark Arts Sherry Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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Dark Arts Sherry Finished Bourbon Whiskey

    
    Dark Arts Whiskey House has quietly become one of those names that perks my ears up anytime a new release drops. Their approach to sourcing, blending, and finishing feels thoughtful and transparent, and more importantly, the results consistently deliver in the glass. “Sherry Garcia” immediately caught my attention, not just because it’s their first standalone Oloroso Sherry Cask finish, but because the presentation and color alone hinted at something special.

    With a limited release of just under 4,000 bottles, this felt like one I couldn’t pass up. The deep, dark hue in the glass leans almost rum-like with a reddish tint, and as someone who loves sherry-finished whiskey when it’s done right, it hits so well. Now honestly Oloroso sherry cask finishing is not my first go to. I am more of a PX sherry when it comes to bourbons. I just feel like PX adds a deeper depth overall, but I've had a great experience with Dark Arts and their finishing either way.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/1wMsdghdeU0.

Age Statement: 7 1/2 years.

ABV: 55.88%. (Cask Strength).

Mash bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Finishing: Ex-Sherry casks.

Appearance: Red mahogany.


On the nose:
    Right away, the Oloroso influence announces itself. Dark fruits lead the charge with figs, plums, grapes, and raisins, wrapped in a thick, almost viscous sweetness. There’s a beautiful nuttiness that develops with time, reminiscent of a fruit-and-nut charcuterie board. Beneath all of that, the bourbon still shines through with caramel, vanilla, oak, and a touch of char. Hints of candied orange peel and even milk chocolate round things out, and remarkably, the proof stays completely in check.


Taste:
   The mouthfeel is rich and coating, delivering dark fruits again with figs, plums, and raisin-heavy notes that flirt with chocolate-covered raisins. Brown sugar, dark caramel, and vanilla bean paste follow closely behind. The rye finally steps forward here, bringing gentle spice, light pepper, and an herbal edge without drifting into anything medicinal. Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg build through the mid-palate, giving this whiskey depth and warmth without overwhelming sweetness.


Finish:
   Long, velvety, and balanced. The dark fruit lingers alongside caramelized wood sugars and gentle char from the original bourbon barrel. It never becomes syrupy or cloying, instead tapering off with a refined bourbon-driven warmth accented by dried fruit and soft spice.


Final Thoughts: 
    “Sherry Garcia” drinks older than its 7½ years, easily passing for something closer to the 8–9 year range thanks to how well the finishing complements the base whiskey. The balance here is the real win: rich and sweet without excess, expressive without losing its bourbon core. For an Oloroso-finished bourbon, this is about as well-executed as it gets.

    At typical pricing around $85–$105, the closer you can get to the lower end, the better, but even then, this is a standout bottle that earns its place on the shelf.


Rating: A- (Amazing).

Cost: $84.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/1wMsdghdeU0,

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt.

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