Blackened Whiskey at 90 proof — at $45, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
I found the nose to be very subtle, with some definite oaky notes and a hint of caramel and fruitiness from the brandy barrel aging that played with my nose a bit, but overall I was not blown away by the initial wafts from my glass. With such a subtle nose, I was expecting a delicate, if not watered-down, flavor profile to greet me. To my delight, that was not the case. When drank straight, it exhibits a lovely bright citrus flavor that evokes the juice from a limón. This tangy front end was accompanied by a predominantly leathery note and a soft mouthfeel. There was a hint of medicinal or herbaceous notes that chased the whiskey off of the center of my tongue. There was also a slightly saline or mineral aspect that was intriguing and very welcome. It reminded me of an Islay whiskey infused with a hint of seaweed.
Palate
There was also a slightly saline or mineral aspect that was intriguing and very welcome. It reminded me of an Islay whiskey infused with a hint of seaweed.
Finish
Whether the induction of Metallica is the keystone to the final structure of this whiskey, or if any other low frequency heavy sounds could produce the same effect, I admit that I can think of fewer ways to enjoy this drink than to throw on the double album of Metallica with the San Francisco Symphony and dive into a bottle with my musician friends to debate the collaborative genius behind it. What is the place in musical history that a band such as Metallica holds, and how has their influence transcended the norms of music, and now the norms of how to produce a high-quality whiskey? I will leave the physics of the sound induction process up to the experts, but a good whiskey will always play nice with good music. Don’t be afraid to crank up the volume and laugh, debate, and drink the night away with a glass of Blackened at your side.
The Bottom Line
Blackened Whiskey delivers the goods. It is well-made, genuinely enjoyable, and at $45 represents solid value for what you are getting. I would happily buy this again.
