You’ve probably heard of the unorthodox bourbon chiseled and perfected using rock band Metallica’s headbangers — Blackened Whiskey.
If that sounds intriguing, you’re in luck, as they’re our focus for today.
Let’s look at Blackened Whiskey from its price point, origin, and its unique Black Noise enhancement system to learn what makes it special.
Everything About American Blackened Whiskey Price
The first thing you have to know about Blackened American Whiskey is that it’s forged and perfected with the earth-shattering music of Metallica.
Sweet Amber Distilling Company, launched in 2018, calls this sonic-enhancement proprietary system Black Noise.
In Black Noise, the whiskey is pummeled by low hertz frequencies of Metallica’s music.
With every quickfire drum riff or chugging power chord, the liquid vibrates, resulting in more wood and whiskey surface interaction, thereby picking up more flavor and color.
Of course, some will think it’s all a gimmick. Personally, we think it’s a decent sip. Its flavor notes include citrus, dark brown sugar, and a bit of Dr. Pepper.
A Closer Look
History & Origin
Blackened Whiskey is the brainchild of rock band Metallica and Master Distiller, Blender, and Chemical Engineer Dave Pickerell. They wanted a bourbon they could fuse with their love for rock and roll.
Dave was fascinated with how sound affected things and how the right note on an organ could shake an entire building.
He thought of how this could be incorporated into Blackened Whiskey and, with Meyer Sound’s help, innovated a subwoofer that harnessed the vibrations a Metallica concert typically has.
Sadly, Dave passed away just after Blackened Whiskey was first launched in 2019.
In his place is Rob Dietrich, who serves as the guardian of Dave’s original recipe. He is also known for fusing traditional distilling methods with unique and contemporary artistry, making him a perfect fit for the brand.
How It’s Made
The company has not disclosed the specific mash bill for Blackened Whiskey, but we know that the juice is made from a blend of sourced bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys. It is bottled at 90 proof (45 percent ABV).
Aging Process & Age Statement
Blackened Whiskey is made with a blend of sourced straight whiskeys aged for no less than eight years.
The juice is dumped into ex-brandy casks and lulled with their sonic-enhancing Black Noise, where it picks up more flavor and color from the constant vibration.
Ownership & Distillery
Blackened Whiskey is owned by Sweet Amber Distilling Company, a collaboration between Metallica and Dave Pickerell.
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Tasting Notes
Palate: It’s a fairly decent sip and had a good first impression. Flavor notes that stood out to us were brown sugar, dark berries, and apricot. There is also a bit of citrus zest to balance the sweetness.
Color/Hue: The spirit has a rich copper hue.
Nose: It has a pretty intense nose considering the spirit only has 90 proof. We were able to pick up classic bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with some dark berries and apricots.
Finish: Its finish is the best part of the sip, which was long and dry, with a bit of spicy heat.
Common Blackened American Whiskey Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Blackened American Whiskey | 750ml | 45 | Around $45 |
Compared to Other American Whiskeys
Michter’s US★1 American Whiskey
Something you have to take note of Michter’s US★1 American Whiskey is that it isn’t classified as bourbon because it’s matured inside ex-bourbon barrels (whereas bourbon has to be aged in virgin casks) [1].
That being said, Michter’s has plenty of bourbon notes through and through, such as caramel, vanilla, and smoky oak.
A 750ml bottle of Michter’s US★1 American Whiskey will cost you around $50, which is more or less similar to Blackened.
TINCUP American Whiskey
TINCUP American Whiskey is made with a blend of high-rye bourbon sourced from Indiana and single-malt whiskey. We find that it can be comparable to Scotch in terms of flavor, as it’s peatier and crisper than most sweet American bourbons.
You can get a 750ml bottle of TINCUP American Whiskey for about $30, slightly cheaper than Blackened.
Kessler American Blended Whiskey
Kessler American Blended Whiskey is one of the cheapest bottles you can get at the liquor store.
Having said that, you probably won’t find it that impressive. You will get plenty of alcohol and a watery body, which we find more reminiscent of vodka than whiskey.
Kessler American Blended Whiskey is one of the cheapest whiskeys at less than $15 per 750ml bottle.
Popular Blackened American Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Smoked Old Fashioned
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Blackened Whiskey
- 0.25 oz sugar syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Maraschino cherry
Instructions:
Pour the liquid ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir well to combine. Strain and pour into an Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube/sphere. Garnish with an orange peel and maraschino cherry.
Serving: 1
The Old Pal
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Blackened Whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- Orange peel
- Maraschino cherry
Instructions:
Pour the liquid ingredients into a mixing glass with fresh ice and stir well until everything is well-incorporated. Strain and pour into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel and maraschino cherry.
Serving: 1
FAQs About Blackened Whiskey Price
Is Blackened whiskey limited?
No, Blackened Whiskey isn’t limited. We have yet to hear from the brand about the limited availability of their whiskeys to the public.
Is Blackened Metallica limited edition?
No, Blackened Metallica isn’t a limited edition. However, they did release a limited edition bottle in collaboration with Metallica’s The Black Album, which they dubbed The Black Album Whiskey Pack.
This collector’s item includes a 750ml bottle of their Batch 114 finished to the songs of The Black Album, a whiskey coin, and the Snakebyte Cocktail Booklet.
What is Blackened Whiskey?
Blackened Whiskey is a unique blend of bourbon, rye, and other whiskies, crafted to honor the legacy of Metallica’s music. It undergoes a proprietary aging process called “Black Noise” that involves soundwave technology to enhance its flavor profile.
What is the price range of Blackened Whiskey?
The price of Blackened Whiskey varies depending on the bottle size, location, and retailer. Generally, it falls within the premium whiskey category, with prices ranging from $40 to $80 for a standard 750ml bottle.
How does Blackened Whiskey taste?
Blackened Whiskey offers a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. The aging process with music vibrations is said to enhance the whiskey’s depth and character, resulting in a smooth and balanced taste.
Can I visit the distillery where Blackened Whiskey is made?
Yes, you can visit the distillery where Blackened Whiskey is produced. Located in the United States, the distillery offers tours and tastings, providing an opportunity to learn about the whiskey-making process and the unique aging technique used for Blackened.
Is Blackened Whiskey suitable for cocktails?
Yes, Blackened Whiskey can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in cocktails. Its rich and robust flavor profile adds depth to classic cocktails like Old Fashioned or Manhattan, or you can explore creating your own signature drinks.
Is Blackened Whiskey affiliated with the band Metallica?
Yes, Blackened Whiskey is a collaboration between the legendary heavy metal band Metallica and master distiller Dave Pickerell. The whiskey’s name is inspired by one of Metallica’s songs and reflects the band’s influence on its creation.
Is Blackened Whiskey limited edition?
While Blackened Whiskey has released limited edition batches and special releases in the past, it is also available as part of their core lineup. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding limited releases for collectors and enthusiasts.
How should I store Blackened Whiskey?
To maintain the quality of Blackened Whiskey, store it upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation, and enjoy it responsibly within a reasonable timeframe for the best taste experience.
Final Verdict
If you want to know if Blackened Whiskey’s proprietary sonic-enhancing Black Noise system did any good on the outcome of their whiskeys… hell yeah, it did!
It’s not the absolute best whiskey out there, but we have to say that it’s something different.
We have yet to find a whiskey that intrigued us as much as this one did, and the sip more than lived up to our curiosity. It’s nicely tangy and syrupy from the brandy casks, with plenty of citrus zest to cut back the sweetness.
If you’re considering getting a bottle for your growing bourbon collection, we highly urge you to try it.
Reference:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
