BLACKENED is a marriage of the finest bourbons, ryes & 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.

THE FINISH

Dave is renown for his whiskey finishes—an 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.

THE AWAKENING

After the whiskeys have been combined in the black brandy casks for finishing, they’re jolted back to life by the unmistakable, earth-shattering music of Metallica. Using our proprietary sonic-enhancement system BLACK NOISE™, the whiskey is pummeled by sound, causing it to seep deeper into the barrel, where it picks up additional wood flavor characteristics.

THE ETHOS

It’s more than a whiskey. BLACKENED is a testament to the creative process, to the hard work and determination required to make something from nothing. It’s a monument to the ones who charge into the fray and come out the otherside stronger, together. Fueled by decades of creative passion, BLACKENED is a distillation of the incomparable bond between the band and their community of fans.

THE COLLABORATION

BLACKENED is a collaborative effort between Metallica and Master Distiller Dave Pickerell. As unapologetic masters of craft in their respective fields, they’ve built world-renowned legacies by carving out new spaces and bringing their singular, incendiary perspectives to everything they touch.

Unlikely collaborators on the surface, their shared creative fire and dedication to craft make them anything but. Together, they’ve created BLACKENED—an unconventional whiskey of uncompromising quality.