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When DISRUPTERS synergize over whiskey...

BLACKENED RESULTS

Masters of rock Metallica collaborated with legendary master distiller Dave Pickerell to create a whiskey that transcends the sum of its parts. An American spirit unlike any on the market, inspired and molded by music, BLACKENED captures the vision of icons pushing the limits of art and science.

'90 Points' -Wine Enthusiast
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THE ORIGIN

Blistering riffs and raw energy put Metallica on the rock map. Dazzling showmanship built a massive fanbase. Looking for a meaningful way to connect with fans, the band contacted the only man in the spirits business who could turn thoughts into liquid: Dave Pickerell.

METALLICA IDEA

In 1981 in Los Angeles, California, the world of music would forever change. That year, drummer Lars Ulrich and vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield formed Metallica. Over three decades, Metallica pushed the boundaries of rock to become one of the most influential bands in history. Along with longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, Metallica tours the world.

Seeking a new venture and fresh way to connect with fans, the band decided to create a whiskey. They’d bring the same attention to detail and passion for artistry they give their music, to the new spirit, but they needed the right partner. With a vision to go big and bold, to challenge the norms of whiskey aging, the band needed Dave Pickerell.

DAVE PICKERELL

Dave Pickerell enjoyed a storied career every young spirits enthusiast dreams to emulate. Pickerell’s talent for tasting and blending propelled him into the master distiller world. As an unapologetic master of his craft, he played a pivotal role in the expansion of bourbon and rye in America. Pickerell’s gift for whiskey made him the only option for a collaboration with Metallica. He brought BLACKENED to life; sadly, he left the world far too soon.

ROB DIETRICH

Taking the reins where Dave Pickerell left off, Rob Dietrich serves as the guardian of Pickerell’s blend. Dietrich’s background in Rock and Roll, military mountaineering, and whiskey distilling brings the right blend of edge, discipline, and palate experience to shepherd Blackened into the next era. He stands behind the power of Black Noise Sonic Enhancement. Whiskeys treated to low frequency vibrations, he says, “have deeper flavor, deeper color, and richer oak notes because the whiskey penetrates deeper into the wood.” Dietrich is responsible for future innovations, so stay tuned.

HOW IT'S MADE

Dave Pickerell and Metallica have pushed boundaries throughout their careers while always paying attention to the minutest detail of every project. Read on to see how their combined visions, energy and devotion to the final product resulted in BLACKENED American Whiskey.

BLENDING

Tapping into his vast network, Pickerell sourced favored lots of bourbon and rye. The goal: to blend the ultimate North American whiskey that would reflect the band’s palate and Pickerell’s vision. Pickerell experimented with the formula until settling on a precise ratio with an average age of 8 years. The finishing touch: black brandy casks delivering a zip of citrus and dark fruits notes. Master Distiller Rob Dietrich continues building the BLACKENED legacy while staying true to the recipe and unique blending approach Pickerell established.

BLACK NOISE™

Imagine if music could alter flavor. If the low hertz rumblings of Metallica’s music, played on a proprietary sound system, could influence the taste of whiskey. Pickerell explored this idea using Metallica’s Meyer Sound system during BLACKENED's finishing process. The theory behind sonic-enhancement: vibrations increase the liquid’s movement and interaction with the wood. The result: different music played to each barrel of Blackened created nuance in taste from one batch to the next.

TASTING NOTES

Start with classic sweet corn flavor of bourbon. Meld it with the savory spice of rye. Layer dark fruits from black brandy casks. Each sip is perfectly balanced and smooth. That is the taste of BLACKENED.

FOOD & COCKTAILS

Though undoubtedly a sipping whiskey, BLACKENED’s versatility with food and cocktails makes it unique in its class. Whether sharing with friends over a backyard BBQ or pushing late into the night mixing Manhattans and Old Fashions, Blackened fits many moods and settings.

Recipe 1
Blackened Salmon with Bourbon Soy Marinade with Bok-choy and Green Apple

By Edward Lee
610 Magnolia
Whiskey Dry
Succotash

Ingredients
    2 boneless skinless filets salmon (6 ounce each)
    1 Tablespoon olive oil
    4 Tablespoons Butter
    1/4 cup BLACKENED American Whiskey
    2 teaspoons Soy Sauce
    4 pieces Baby Bok-choy
    Half of Green Apple, sliced thin
    2 Red Thai Chili Pepper
For the Bourbon Soy Marinade:
    1 cup BLACKENED American Whiskey reduced by half and chilled to room temperature
    1/2 cup brown sugar
    1/4 cup soy sauce
    1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
• Mix all the ingredients for the Bourbon Soy Marinade.

• Place salmon filets into a plastic Ziploc bag and add the marinade.

• Close bag and let marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.

• Remove the salmon from the bag and discard the marinade.

• Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.

• Heat a cast iron pan over medium heat and add olive oil to pan.

• Add the salmon and let sear til blackened, about 3 minutes.

• Flip the salmon and turn heat to medium low.

• Let the salmon cook for 5 more minutes until it reaches medium rare.

• Turn off the heat and let salmon rest in pan for 3 minutes.

• In a separate sauté pan, add the butter over medium heat.

• Let the butter melt and bubble and slightly brown, about 2 minutes.

• Add the BLACKENED American Whiskey and soy sauce and simmer for 1 minute.

• Add the bok-choy and sauté for 1 minute until bok-choy is just cooked and the sauce is reduced.

To plate:
• Place the salmon on a plate.

• Carefully add the bok-choy to one side of the salmon.

• Garnish with thin slices of green apple over the bok-choy.

• Garnish with very thin slices of thai red chili.

• Pour the bourbon sauce over the salmon and serve right away.
Recipe 2
The Mind-Blowing Portobello “Steak” (or Juicy Bone in Rib Eye Steak) topped with BLACKENED American Whiskey Butter

By Quiana 'Chef Q' Jeffries Chefism
Chefism

Ingredients
SERVING SIZE: Shared Intimate Dinner for 2
    3-4 Portobello Mushrooms (Chef Q’s Recommendation) or Juicy Bone in Rib Eye Steak 1 lb.
    2 cups Wild Rice with a portobello mushrooms garnish
    1 Bunch of Fresh Asparagus
    1 Whole Fresh Mexican Squash
    1 Whole Zucchini
    Chives/ Parsley for garnish
    2-3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
    Spices needed: (You will use how much you desire)
    At least 3 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning,
    1-2 Tablespoons Sea Salt, 3 Tablespoons Granulated Onion, 3 Tablespoons of Course Tri color Pepper
    A GutFULL - The POWER of BRAVERY
Blackened Whiskey Butter:
    2 sticks unsalted Butter (softened)
    1 Tablespoon BLACKENED American Whiskey
    Sprinkle to taste Sea salt
    Sprinkle to taste coarse tri color black pepper
    2 Teaspoons Creole seasoning
    1 Tablespoon chopped FRESH Garlic
    1 Tablespoon fresh chopped Parsley
    1 Teaspoon fresh chopped Thyme
Directions
• Mix all ingredients for the Whiskey Butter one hour prior to service then place inside of a glass jar- leave out in a cool place ready to use

Dinner Meal for the SOUL

• First steam your wild rice and place on the stove back burner- Flame on low / check after 20-25 min

• In a HOT skillet with olive oil- sear your Dear Veggies- talk to them and let them know you appreciate them- the powerful asparagus and charming zucchini/squash – after place them on a plate and set aside

• In a Hot skillet with olive oil- sear your Portobello Mushroom (or Steak) until cooked to desired temperature - Once you reach your level of completion- you want to throw at least 2 Tablespoons of BLACKENED American Whiskey Butter on top and allow it to dip - you may add more once you plate your dish.

LET’S CREATE SOME MAGIC

• You want to place your food on the plate as if you are painting ART

• I typically plate the “meat or starch first” then plate around your MAIN ATTRACTION. Speak to your food and create the power of BRAVERY

• Ask your food to help you become BRAVER on a daily to conquer it ALL

• Garnish your plate with sprinkles of Parsley and Chives

• VIOLA take a bite of heaven – The Magic is now inside of YOU!!

Cocktail 1
RICHIE B. GOOD

By Masahiro Urushido
Katana Kitten

Ingredients
    2oz. BLACKENED American Whiskey
    1/4oz. ruby port wine
    1/4oz agave syrup
    2 dashes of angostura bitters
    1 dash of chili tincture
Directions
• Method: Stir and strain over ice

• Glass: Double rocks

• Garnish: Flamed orange zest

• Note: Take on a classic old fashioned. Ruby Port and Agave syrup compliments the layers of spice and flavor of BLACKENED American Whiskey. The touch of heat from chili tincture adds a nice dimension to the drink.

Cocktail 2
BLACKENED Manhattan

By BAD BIRDY
The House of Machines Los Angeles

Ingredients
    2oz BLACKENED American Whiskey
    1oz Sweet Vermouth Blend (Italian & Spanish)
    2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
    Orange Oils
    2 Drops of Saline
Directions
• Add all ingredients to Mixing Glass

• Add ice and stir until chilled

• Pour into Coupe and express Orange Oils

• Garnish with Orange Peel and Maraschino Luxardo Cherry

BATCH PLAYLISTS

How would the The Unforgiven, Fade to Black or Damage Inc. taste if music translated into whiskey? That was the question Metallica and Dave Pickerell sought to answer through Black Noise Sonic Enhancement. Each batch of BLACKENED whiskey received its own playlist during the finishing process. Metallica’s band members collaborated as well as created their own. Explore Blackened whiskey through the lens of song with selections by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo.

Pick your favorite playlist. Find your favorite batch.

Playlist
096
Selected & arranged by:
KIRK HAMMETT
Spotify
Playlist
097
Selected & arranged by:
ROBERT TRUJILLO
Spotify
Playlist
098
Selected & arranged by:
JAMES HETFIELD
Spotify
Playlist
099
Selected & arranged by:
LARS ULRICH
Spotify
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