THE WHISKEY

A Bottle of BLACKENED with Master Distiller Rob Dietrich looking into a Glencairn glass in the back

A COLLABORATION
OF BOURBONS & RYES

BLACKENED is a marriage of the finest bourbons and ryes, chosen by Dave Pickerell for the unique flavors that play a key role in the taste of the final spirit. Predominantly bourbon, the sweetness of the bourbon is paired perfectly with the savory spice offered by the rye. Rob Dietrich now overseas all sourcing and blending to match the taste of Dave’s original recipe.

Close up of BLACKENED Whiskey shaking during the BLACK NOISE finishing process

THE FINISHING

Dave was renowned for his whiskey finishes – an aspect he called “flavoring for adults”. By resting the whiskey in the barrel of another spirit during the maturation phase, the whiskey picks up some of the unique, residual flavors left behind in the barrel. For BLACKENED, Dave chose to finish the whiskey in black brandy casks. The result is an added apricot note that plays perfectly alongside the honey and caramel tones of the pre-finished whiskey. Rob also built a name for himself with finished whiskey. His finely tuned palate ensures each batch is finished for optimal taste.

After the whiskeys have been combined in the black brandy casks for finishing, they’re jolted back to life by the unmistakable, earth-shattering music of Metallica. Using our proprietary BLACK NOISE™ sonic-enhancement process, the whiskey is pummeled by low-hertz soundwaves which force the whiskey deeper into the wood of the barrel, where it picks up additional wood flavor characteristics.

Master Distiller & Blender Rob Dietrich Sipping BLACKENED Whiskey from a Glencairn whiskey glass

THE EXPERIENCE

The process the whiskey undergoes is intense; the flavor is anything but. The spirit has a warm, honey-amber color. Burnt caramel, oak and honey are present on the nose, with moderate hints of spice upon first taste. The flavor builds with notes of honey, cinnamon, allspice, clove and mint, with unexpected apricot lingering underneath. Expect a long and smooth finish with slightly creamy hints of butterscotch taffy, maple and honey.