Wine Enthusiast 90
A collaboration between iconic heavy metal band Metallica and the late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell, this is a blend of American whiskeys, on average aged about seven years, and finished with sonic aging in ex-brandy barrelsyes, that means Metallica's music was played to the whiskey. Look for bold honey, vanilla and golden raisin, drying into a spicy, slightly fiery black pepper and clove finish

A truly unconventional whiskey of uncompromising quality. Blackened is a marriage of the finest bourbons, ryes and whiskeys, hand selected by Dave himself. Each of the whiskeys offer unique flavor that play a key role in the final spirit. Predominately bourbon, the sweetness of Blackened pairs perfectly with the savory spice offered by the high rye composition of 46.

Dave is renown for his whiskey finishesan aspect he calls flavoring for adults. By resting the whiskey in the barrel of another spirit during the maturation phase, the whiskey picks up some of the unique, residual flavors left behind in the barrel. For Blackened, Dave chose to finish the whiskey in black brandy casks. The result is an added apricot note that plays perfectly alongside the honey and caramel tones of the pre-finished spirit.

Each batch of BLACKENED has a unique playlist that was used to sonically-enhance the whiskey during finishing. As the well-aged whiskey rests in the finishing barrels, the music is played to the barrel causing the whiskey inside to move and interact with the wood. The movement of the whiskey and the amount of interaction depends on the song being played, so the variation of the music creates a slight nuance from one batch to the next. Throughout this process, Dave tests the whiskey to determine the optimal color and flavor profile for each batch.