Another project from the late, great Dave Pickerell. Continuing on his legacy of great barrel finished whiskies, Dave teamed up with Metallica to bring us Blackened Straight Whiskey, a blend of bourbon & rye finished in black brandy casks with rock music playing. The music supposedly reverberates through the spirit, enhancing its interactions with the wood.

Tasting notes from the Blackened team: 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.

Cheyne's thoughts: This brandy finished whiskey continues to reinforce my theory that cognac and brandy cask finishes do wonders for American whiskies, adding a soft, gentle spice, definitive stone fruit flavor and overall elegance.

Now here's the treat: Support the Blackened team with a purchase of their flagship whiskey and you have the opportunity to purchase a very special bottling...

Blackened x Willett is going to be a must have bottle for any Willett fan. This is Willett juice - hi rye, double distilled including pot still, low barrel entry proof (it's cask strength at only 109.6 pf), vibrant, savory, herbal baking spice notes that Willett is famous for. Then, it gains another level of toastiness through a Madeira cask finish. This worthy experiment makes me think I'm drinking something 10 yrs old from Willett.