The story

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 other side stronger, together. Fueled by decades of creative passion, BLACKENED is a distillation of the incomparable bond between the band and their community of fans.

MASTERFUL
COLLABORATION

BLACKENED began as a collaborative effort between Metallica and Master Distiller & Blender Dave Pickerell. Sadly, Dave passed away in late 2018, shortly after the launch of BLACKENED. In 2019, Master Distiller Rob Dietrich joined the team as Master Distiller & Blender, and guardian of Dave’s legacy blend. 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.

Metallica posing for a picture with Master Distiller & Blender Rob Dietrich
Metallica posing for a picture

METALLICA

Metallica is one of the most influential rock bands of all time. With massive success spanning over decades, they continue to break the mold — their way. As Co-Founders of BLACKENED, the band has led the brand’s charge into the spirits industry. 

Dave Pickerell

Dave was a legendary Master Distiller & Blender. As Co-Founder of BLACKENED, Dave set out to challenge the status quo with a super-premium blend of straight American whiskeys. Although Dave is no longer with us physically – his spirit lives on in the hearts of the BLACKENED family, and in his legacy whiskey.

Legendary Master Distiller Dave Pickerell posing in front of a barrel and a bottle of BLACKENED
Master Distiller & Blender Rob Dietrich Posing Holding a Bottle of BLACKENED American Whiskey

rob Dietrich

Rob Dietrich joined the BLACKENED family in 2019, taking the helm as Master Distiller & Blender in Dave’s passing. He serves as both the guardian of Dave’s original recipe as well as brand steward moving into the future. He’s widely known for his ability to fuse traditional distilling methods with unique artistry.