Chief Alchemist Macaulay Minton takes us behind the scenes of the “Thief from the Barrel Experience.” | Photo by Alexis Baker | LEXtoday
In the heart of downtown Lexington, where tradition and creation collide, Dark Arts Whiskey House is quietly transforming whiskey. At Dark Arts, barrels from Japan, France, and South America line the walls, and the air is thick with the scent of innovation. Chief Alchemist Macaulay Minton is rewriting the rules of whiskey — and Kentucky bourbon.
Minton started the company in 2023 and opened a brick-and-mortar space this past June. The venue features a full bar, tours, and tasting experiences.
With a full service bar — try one of Dark Art’s exclusive cocktails.
Photo by Alexis Baker | LEXtoday
From the Cask
Minton describes Dark Arts Whiskey House as Lexington’s premier interactive blending, finishing, and re-barreling house. It has roughly 75 unique products and four signature spirits in its core lineup.
Dark Arts also has an extensive cocktail menu. As a cold brew lover, I’m looking forward to trying the Brazilian Jitter Juice, it’s made with Amburana Rye and said to be “caffeinated, complex, and charged with orange zest and spice.”
36th Annual Lexington Roots & Heritage Festival | Friday, Sept. 5-Sunday, Sept. 7 | Times vary | Elm Tree Lane | Price of purchase | Honor African-American culture and local communities with food, music, performances, a parade, educational programs, and local vendors.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Apple Festival | Saturday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 7 | Times vary | Evan’s Orchard, Georgetown | $12+ | Celebrate apple season with fun for all ages — hayrides, corn maze, paintball, slides, apple cannons, music, and more.
Swiftie Sing-Along and Dance Party | 6-9 p.m. | MoonDance Amphitheater | Price of purchase | Sing and dance your heart out to the full Eras Tour setlist, complete with themed outfits, food trucks, and Swiftie community fun.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Model and Talent Search | 11 a.m. | Images Model & Talent Agency | Free | Put your skills to the test at this open audition for aspiring actors, models, singers, dancers, and songwriters.
Monday, Sept. 8
THAT MEXICAN OT - Recess Tour | 7 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall | $52.52 | Known for the viral hit “Johnny Dang” and the hard-hitting “Rodeo”
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Windy Corner Birthday | 11 a.m. | Windy Corner Market | Price of purchase | Celebrate 15 years of Windy Corner with giveaways, throwback specials, and live music from the PawPaw Pickers.
🍂 How to win fall in Lexington (hint: start with your porch)
Presented by King's Gardens
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons to transform your outdoor space, and King’s Gardens has everything you need to create the perfect front porch makeover. | Photos provided by King’s Gardens
Registration is now open for Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope and his wife Lee Anne’s second annual Hoops and Heels event on Friday, Oct. 3 at Memorial Coliseum from 5–7 p.m. Open to all ages and skill levels, proceeds benefit the Markey Cancer Foundation.
Award
Kentucky Children’s Hospital has earned bronze-level certification as a Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital, recognizing the hospital and its healthcare team for their commitment to modeling and promoting the highest standards of infant safe sleep. (UKNOW)
Listen
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has signed a deal to bring The Andy Beshear Podcast to SiriusXM Progress channel 127, starting Wednesday, Sept. 10. He will also host a series of live specials called “Andy Beshear Presents” on the channel. (Kentucky Lantern)
If you’ve read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” or “Dune,” you’ve read one of the titles on Mental Floss’ “13 Quintessential Gen X Books” list. These books are beloved for a reason, so there’s a good chance you’ll find them at one of Lexington’s independent bookstores. (Mental Floss)
Biz
To ketchup on recent news, Kraft Heinz announced it will be splitting into two companies — 10 years after merging. While we don’t know what the future holds for these food brands, we know we can rely on these locally made products in Lexington. (AP News)
Cause
Lexington’s Dining Out For Life returns Thursday, Sept. 18. Choose any participating restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — and at least 25% of your bill will support AVOL Kentucky’s mission to end HIV and dismantle stigma, one meal at a time.*
Shop
Score this cap sleeve tee for an effortless transition from summer to autumn wardrobing. It features a chic V-neck design and is available in 12+ colors. Bonus: It’s under $17.*
Category
Festival
3 fall events you autumn have on your radar
Presented by Woodford County Chamber of Commerce
The best part of a fall festival? The snacks, obviously. | Photo provided by Woodford County Chamber of Commerce
We’re calling it — it’s fall y’all. And Woodford County has a jam-packed, family-friendly calendar to help you celebrate.
Don’t miss these events:
Twilight Festival | Sept. 6 | Enjoy live music, food, and drinks during the largest festival of the year in Versailles.
Millville Days | Sept. 13 | Explore classic cars, local bites, kids’ games, a petting zoo, and more.
Midway Fall Festival | Sept. 20 + 21 | Shop arts and crafts, savor treats, and catch live demos and music.
The chance to learn a new language during Babbel’s Best Sale of the Year. Turn your morning read into a new daily habit — with Babbel, 10 minutes a day builds real conversation skills you can use on your next trip or at the international festival downtown. Get lifetime access for $199 across all 14 languages.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’ll admit, I’ve never been to Hoops and Heels. Am I hooping in heels? Probably not. Either way, it sounds like a blast, it’s for a great cause, and I trust Lee Anne Pope with life — so I’m all in.
