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Whiskey Review: Blackened Whiskey

We review Blackened Whiskey, an American blended whiskey done in collaboration between Metallica and a now passed on master distiller that's been influenced in barrel by music from the legendary band.

OVERALL RATING

8
$37
  • John Dover, creator of "Johnny Scotch," musician, and author.
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Blackened Whiskey

Tasting Notes

About:

This whiskey clocks in at 90 proof. The stylish art deco-inspired bottle is eye-catching and has a pleasantly decorative, yet understated, label. It has a majority Bourbon makeup with the next highest percentage being rye for a mature tasting experience that does not rely on the inherent sweet profile of many bourbons to shape its pallet. Priced between $45 and $50 retail, this is a solid entry into the upper-middle tier of American whiskeys.
Appearance:
Burnt caramel
Nose:
I found the nose to be very subtle, with some definite oaky notes and a hint of caramel and fruitiness from the brandy barrel aging that played with my nose a bit, but overall I was not blown away by the initial wafts from my glass.
Palate:
With such a subtle nose, I was expecting a delicate, if not watered-down, flavor profile to greet me. To my delight, that was not the case. When drank straight, it exhibits a lovely bright citrus flavor that evokes the juice from a limón. This tangy front end was accompanied by a predominantly leathery note and a soft mouthfeel. There was a hint of medicinal or herbaceous notes that chased the whiskey off of the center of my tongue. There was also a slightly saline or mineral aspect that was intriguing and very welcome. It reminded me of an Islay whiskey infused with a hint of seaweed.
Finish:
There was also a slightly saline or mineral aspect that was intriguing and very welcome. It reminded me of an Islay whiskey infused with a hint of seaweed.
Comments:
Whether the induction of Metallica is the keystone to the final structure of this whiskey, or if any other low frequency heavy sounds could produce the same effect, I admit that I can think of fewer ways to enjoy this drink than to throw on the double album of Metallica with the San Francisco Symphony and dive into a bottle with my musician friends to debate the collaborative genius behind it. What is the place in musical history that a band such as Metallica holds, and how has their influence transcended the norms of music, and now the norms of how to produce a high-quality whiskey? I will leave the physics of the sound induction process up to the experts, but a good whiskey will always play nice with good music. Don’t be afraid to crank up the volume and laugh, debate, and drink the night away with a glass of Blackened at your side.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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