Dark Arts Blunt Blend Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 2 Review.

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     Dark Arts Blunt Blend Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 2 Review.



    It’s not every day a whiskey catches both your curiosity and your caution, but Dark Arts Blunt Blend managed to do just that. Coming from the folks at Dark Arts Whiskey House, a brand that I've fallen in love with over the past year, this bottle represents a bold, unapologetically unique approach to finished rye. This release is quite the idea on paper, being deemed the "Blunt blend." Essentially this is taking an MGP Indiana rye and finishing it in both Madeira and Armagnac casks. The idea is playing off of the more recent "cigar batch" releases being something to pair well with a cigar. I'll let you figure out why this one is deemed a "blunt blend." Also to note, this is a yearly release on April 20th.

    Now the biggest worry for me is the inclusion of Madeira casks gave me pause; I’ve rarely enjoyed what that particular finish brings. Out of the times I've had it they tend to bring over too much of the over ripened fruit note, almost spoiled fruit. However, coming from Dark Arts I have high hopes to do the spirit and finishing justice.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ELBE5BLxpY0

Age Statement: 8 years.

ABV: 57.4%. (Barrel Proof).

Mash bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley.

Finishing: Madeira and Armagnac casks.

Area of Distillation: Lawranceburg, Indiana.

Appearance: Burnt orange.


On the nose:
    Right away, the intensity of the cask strength is evident. The rye opens up bold and herbal, packed with spice and medicinal notes. The Armagnac cask brings deep, dark fruits, plum, fig, and a rich, almost jammy character. Surprisingly, the Madeira influence is subtle on the nose, contributing more of an overripe fruit undertone than the off-putting funk I’ve come to expect. White grapes, stewed pears, and honey emerge with time, rounded out by peppercorn, clove, and charred oak. It’s layered, expressive, and constantly evolving in the glass.


Taste:
    Here’s where things get interesting. That familiar Madeira profile does make an appearance, but it plays nice, more of a subtle complexity than a dominating force. The fruit-forward elements carry through: dark berries, white grapes, and that same jammy richness. A velvety mouthfeel brings along spiced honey, dark black tea, and even some over-steeped tannins for depth. On the second sip, nutty and coffee-like notes join in, soft hazelnut and a basic, comforting coffee warmth. There’s a hazelnut mocha tone that fits beautifully with the rye’s spice.


Finish:
    The finish is long, oily, and well-integrated. That viscous texture lets the darker elements linger—think toasted nuts, mild oak, and bitter chocolate. While the 95/5 rye fights to stay present, the boldness of the finishing casks does soften its punch just a bit. I wouldn’t mind more rye intensity, but it’s still a beautiful balancing act.


Final Thoughts: 
    This bottle delivers strong value for a complex, well-executed double-finished rye. I came in skeptical, especially with my rocky history with Madeira casks, but this pour impressed me. It doesn’t fall into the trap of being overly sweet or unbalanced. Instead, it leans into its uniqueness, layered, fruit-forward, and rich without going overboard. For fans of bold finishing techniques or those looking for a “cigar blend” alternative with personality, this is a solid pick. It’s a creative, well-blended offering that makes me excited for what Batch 3 might bring next year.


Rating: B (Above average).

Cost: $89.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ELBE5BLxpY0

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

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