Master Distiller & Blender Rob Dietrich

From Metallica’s Roadie To Our Master Distiller

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.

Rob is well-regarded for his unique limited-release, cask finish expressions such as Snowflake, Sherry Cask and more. Rob is responsible for every aspect of production and is committed to maintaining the original recipe, artisanal methods and handcrafted approach to creating world-class whiskey.

Full Speed Or Nothing

The World’s Most Interesting Distiller

Started Out As A Roadie And Rigger For Metallica

Rob first started working for Metallica as a part of the road crew working as a rigger to help set-up and break down their stage. From there he went on to work for other famous groups like James Brown, before building motorcycles and getting into biofuels led him to legendary distiller Jess Graber.

Mentored By Legendary Distiller Jess Graber

Rob Dietrich initially learned the art and science of distilling from legendary distiller Jess Graber whom he proudly calls his mentor. His passion for music was honed across 10 years spent in the music business with Bill Graham Presents, as a freelance agent for a variety of venues like Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Fillmore in San Francisco, as well as managing tours and festivals. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and served from 1992 to 1995. His two tours in Somalia and relief operations in Haiti helped shape his life-affirming philosophy.

He Blends His Experience In Music And Whiskey To Create Blackened’s Bold Flavors

Like any true renaissance man, Rob draws on his wide variety of experiences to create the bold flavors of Blackened Whiskey, and work with Drew Estate and James Hetfield to create Blackened M81 Cigars.

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