Blackened Whiskey is owned by a joint venture between the iconic heavy metal band Metallica and the late, highly respected craft distiller Dave Pickerell. This collaboration brings together the worlds of music and whiskey, creating a unique and exciting product for fans of both.
Metallica, formed in 1981, is one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands of all time. With their powerful music and energetic performances, they have garnered a massive fan base worldwide. Over the years, Metallica has not only revolutionized the metal genre but also branched out into various ventures, including their own record label and now, a whiskey brand.
Dave Pickerell, who sadly passed away in 2018, was a renowned figure in the world of craft distilling. He was known for his expertise and passion for creating high-quality spirits. Pickerell had an impressive career, having worked as the master distiller for Maker's Mark and later consulting for numerous distilleries around the world. His dedication to the art of distilling and commitment to excellence made him the perfect partner for Metallica in creating their own whiskey.
The joint venture between Metallica and Dave Pickerell resulted in the formation of Sweet Amber Distilling Company, which oversees the production of Blackened Whiskey. The name “Sweet Amber” is a reference to one of Metallica's songs, showcasing the band's involvement and influence in every aspect of this endeavor. With their deep involvement in the process, Metallica brings their passion and creativity to the creation of Blackened Whiskey.
Blackened Whiskey is a unique expression of the collaboration between Metallica and Pickerell. The whiskey is crafted using a proprietary sonic-enhancement technique called “Black Noise.” This involves exposing the barrels of whiskey to a playlist of Metallica's music during the aging process. The vibrations from the music are believed to enhance the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, resulting in a distinct flavor profile.
As a sommelier and brewer, I find the partnership between Metallica and Dave Pickerell fascinating. It showcases the crossover between different artistic mediums and highlights the diversity of talent and passion that exists within the world of spirits. The involvement of Metallica in the creation of Blackened Whiskey adds a unique touch, connecting fans of the band to the drink they love.
Blackened Whiskey is owned by Sweet Amber Distilling Company, which is a joint venture between Metallica and the late craft distiller Dave Pickerell. This collaboration brings together the expertise of both the band and the distiller, resulting in a truly exceptional whiskey that appeals to fans of Metallica and whiskey enthusiasts alike.