Both of us are at a Blackened pour night. The ‘speakers vibrating the barrels’ line is real marketing, but the Pickerell-and-Dietrich blend work is the part that actually matters. Blackened earns its place when you taste past the brand story.

What is Blackened American Whiskey?

Blackened American Whiskey is the project of Metallica and the late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell (formerly Maker’s Mark and WhistlePig). The brand is owned and produced by Sweet Amber Distilling Co., the band’s independent distilling venture. After Pickerell’s death in 2018, Master Distiller Rob Dietrich (formerly Stranahan’s) took over the program.

Blackened’s signature ‘BLACK NOISE’ finishing process pumps low-frequency Metallica setlists through Meyer Sound subwoofers at the barrel during a finishing period — the sonic vibration is engineered to increase wood-spirit interaction. The whiskey itself finishes in black brandy casks. The lineup includes the flagship blend, Blackened Rye The Lightning, and Master of Puppets / S&M2 limited cask finishes.