Blackened American Whiskey by Metallica
Blackened American Whiskey — Metallica's 90-Proof Blend
Blackened American Whiskey is a blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys from across North America, finished in brandy casks and bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 750mL bottle. It is Metallica's whiskey — a collaboration with the late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell — and it is serious juice, not a novelty.
What sets it apart is the proprietary BLACK NOISE™ process: each batch rests in brandy casks while being exposed to low-frequency sound waves from Metallica playlists curated by the band themselves. The vibrations push the whiskey deeper into the wood, pulling extra caramel, honey, and vanilla from the barrel. The brandy-cask influence adds soft dark-fruit undertones that lift the bourbon's sweetness and the rye's spice — bold, balanced, and genuinely re-mastered American whiskey.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Burnt caramel and toasted oak, with a honeyed sweetness.
- Palate: Rich honey, cinnamon, allspice, and clove, with dark fruit and a cooling hint of mint.
- Finish: Long, creamy, and smooth — butterscotch taffy, maple syrup, and warm honey.
Key Highlights
- ✔ A blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys from North America
- ✔ Finished in brandy casks for dark-fruit depth
- ✔ The BLACK NOISE™ sonic maturation process — finished to Metallica's own playlists
- ✔ Bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) — bold but smooth
- ✔ A collaboration between Metallica and Master Distiller Dave Pickerell — a standout gift for fans and whiskey drinkers alike
How to Enjoy
Best neat or over a large rock so the honey-and-spice layers open up as it breathes. At 90 proof it also holds its own in cocktails — it builds a bold Old Fashioned or Boulevardier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who makes Blackened American Whiskey?
Blackened is Metallica's whiskey brand, created in collaboration with Master Distiller Dave Pickerell — a blend of straight bourbon and rye finished in brandy casks.
What is the BLACK NOISE process?
A proprietary finishing step where each batch rests in brandy barrels while low-frequency sound waves from Metallica playlists vibrate the whiskey deeper into the wood, intensifying flavor extraction.
What proof is Blackened American Whiskey?
It is bottled at 90 proof, or 45% ABV.
Is Blackened whiskey actually good, or just a celebrity brand?
It is a genuine award-winner — a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — with a rich honey, spice, and dark-fruit profile whiskey drinkers rate on its own merits.
