CRAFT DISTILLERY

Dark Arts Whiskey House & Alchemy Lab

Lexington,
Kentucky
— Bourbon, Rye

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🎭
Performance Art
Live shows alongside whiskey tastings
⚗️
Experimental Spirits
Botanical infusions most distilleries avoid
🍸
Cocktail Laboratory
House spirits in creative mixed drinks
🏭
Industrial Space
Converted warehouse with steampunk vibes
🎪
Themed Events
Underground parties disguised as tastings
👫
Husband Wife
Chris distills while Megan creates cocktails
📞 (859) 222-7790
🌐 https://www.darkartswhiskey.com/
📍 1170 Manchester St Suite 190, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Industrial Warehouse Turned Whiskey Alchemy Lab

Dark Arts Whiskey House & Alchemy Lab sits in a converted industrial space on Manchester Street in Lexington, blending modern distilling with theatrical flair. Founded by Chris and Megan Zaborowski in 2019, this isn’t your typical Kentucky bourbon house—it’s part distillery, part cocktail laboratory, part performance venue. The couple transformed a former warehouse into what they call an “alchemy lab,” complete with copper stills, a full bar, and event space that hosts everything from whiskey tastings to burlesque shows. Chris handles the distilling operations while Megan manages the creative cocktail program and events side of the business. The space reflects their vision of whiskey as both craft and art, with industrial elements mixed with vintage laboratory aesthetics. They produce small-batch bourbon, rye, and experimental spirits, but the real draw is how they’ve reimagined what a distillery visit can be. Instead of just tours and tastings, you’ll find themed events, cocktail classes, and performances that blur the line between education and entertainment. The Zaborowskis came from hospitality backgrounds and wanted to create something that felt more like a speakeasy than a traditional distillery tasting room. Their approach attracts a younger crowd looking for an experience that’s equal parts whiskey education and nightlife.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Burlesque Shows Meet Small-Batch Bourbon

Dark Arts stands apart by treating whiskey production as performance art, hosting burlesque shows, themed parties, and immersive experiences alongside traditional distillery operations. The theatrical approach extends to their spirits—they experiment with unusual botanicals and aging techniques that most traditional Kentucky distilleries wouldn’t touch. Their cocktail program uses house-made spirits in creative ways, and they regularly collaborate with local artists and performers to create events that feel more like underground parties than corporate tastings. The industrial space itself contributes to the atmosphere, with exposed brick, copper equipment, and mood lighting that makes every visit feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret laboratory.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

More Speakeasy Than Tasting Room

Walking into Dark Arts feels like entering a steampunk laboratory crossed with a speakeasy. The industrial space buzzes with energy, especially during their themed events where you might catch fire performers or live music alongside your whiskey tasting. Chris or Megan usually handle tastings personally, explaining their experimental approach while mixing cocktails that showcase their spirits in unexpected ways. The atmosphere is relaxed and social—more like hanging out at a friend’s really cool basement bar than a formal distillery tour. You’ll taste their current spirits while learning about their unconventional aging experiments and botanical infusions, often with live entertainment adding to the experience.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Skip This For Traditional Tours

If you’re looking for traditional Kentucky bourbon heritage and formal tours, this isn’t your spot. But if you want to see what happens when creative hospitality people get into distilling, Dark Arts delivers something genuinely different. It’s perfect for couples looking for a unique date night, groups wanting something more exciting than standard tastings, or anyone curious about experimental spirits. The theatrical elements aren’t just gimmicks—they create an atmosphere that makes whiskey feel accessible and fun rather than intimidating. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how spirits work in cocktails and probably a few ideas for your own home bar.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Check their Facebook page before visiting since their hours vary based on events and private bookings. The space is relatively small, so reservations are smart, especially for weekend visits or special events. Their cocktail program is the real highlight, so don’t just stick to straight tastings—try their mixed drinks to see how their spirits work in creative applications. Parking can be tricky on Manchester Street, so arrive a few minutes early to find a spot. The vibe is casual, but their themed events can get creative, so ask what’s happening when you book.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dark Arts Whiskey House & Alchemy Lab — Visitor FAQ

What makes Dark Arts different from other Lexington distilleries?
They combine traditional distilling with theatrical events like burlesque shows and themed parties. The focus is on experimental spirits and creative cocktails rather than traditional bourbon heritage tours.
Do I need reservations for tastings?
Yes, especially for weekends and special events. The space is intimate, so they prefer to schedule visits to ensure you get proper attention from Chris or Megan.
What kind of events do they host?
Everything from burlesque shows to cocktail classes to themed parties. Check their social media for current events since their calendar changes frequently based on collaborations with local artists and performers.

GETTING THERE

Find Dark Arts Whiskey House & Alchemy Lab

📍1170 Manchester St Suite 190, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

 — 

📞 (859) 222-7790

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