Metallica, the iconic heavy metal band known for their thunderous music, has once again electrified the whiskey world with the release of the 2024 edition of Rye The Lightning, a limited-edition offering from their Blackened brand. Following the success of the 2022 release, which garnered a Gold medal from the prestigious John Barleycorn Awards and a stellar 93 rating from Whiskey Advocate, the anticipation for this latest batch has been palpable among enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Named after Metallica's seminal 1984 album, "Ride The Lightning," which features timeless tracks like "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "Fade to Black," Rye The Lightning embodies the spirit of the band's music in liquid form. Crafted by Blackened's Master Distiller & Blender, Rob Dietrich, this whiskey is a symphony of flavors derived from a meticulous blend of straight rye whiskeys, each aged in Madeira wine and Caribbean rum casks for 2-14 weeks, before undergoing Blackened's proprietary sonic-enhancement process.
Bottled at a robust 92 proof, Rye The Lightning is a sensory journey, with each sip revealing layers of complexity. On the nose, one can expect to encounter enticing aromas of green apple, barn hay, caramel, and banana bread, while the palate is treated to a harmonious interplay of pear, honeysuckle, muscovado, almond, cinnamon, sawn-wood, and waffle cone flavors. It's a veritable flavor explosion that reflects the artistry and innovation behind its creation.
Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett expressed his excitement about the release, stating, "They say that lightning never strikes twice, but the second release of Rye The Lightning proves otherwise." His sentiment is echoed by Rob Dietrich, who described the endeavor as an adventure in flavor exploration. "I absolutely love the hay spice and dark earthy notes in American rye whiskey," Dietrich shared, "so it was an adventure to play around with a creative flavor profile through cask finishing."
One of the most intriguing aspects of Blackened whiskey is its unique sonic-enhancement process, aptly named "Black Noise." Developed in collaboration with sound engineers from Meyer Sound Laboratories, this innovative technique involves subjecting the aging whiskey to low-hertz sound waves, causing it to reverberate within the barrel. The interaction between the whiskey and the oak staves releases wood compounds and flavors, contributing to the whiskey's exceptional quality and finish.
For enthusiasts eager to experience the thunderous taste of Rye The Lightning, bottles are now available for purchase at $69.99 each. However, with its limited-edition status, aficionados are encouraged to secure their bottles promptly before they vanish like a bolt of lightning. Whether savored neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for a bold cocktail, Rye The Lightning promises to ignite the senses and leave a lasting impression worthy of its legendary namesake.
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About Blackened
Blackened is a unique whiskey brand created in collaboration with the legendary heavy metal band Metallica and master distiller Dave Pickerell. Launched in 2018, Blackened whiskey combines the worlds of music and whiskey, drawing inspiration from the intense energy and complexity of Metallica's music. The name "Blackened" is a nod to one of Metallica's iconic songs and reflects the bold and intense character of the whiskey itself.
What sets Blackened apart is its innovative finishing process, known as "Black Noise Aging." During the aging process, the whiskey is subjected to a proprietary sonic enhancement technique called "Black Noise," which involves playing Metallica's music to the barrels as they age. This sonic vibration is believed to enhance the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, resulting in a more nuanced and flavorful spirit.
Blackened whiskey is crafted from a blend of hand-selected bourbons and ryes from various distilleries, which are then finished in black brandy casks to impart additional depth and complexity. The result is a bold and flavorful whiskey with notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak, complemented by a subtle hint of fruitiness from the brandy casks.
In addition to its distinctive flavor profile, Blackened is also known for its unique packaging, featuring artwork inspired by Metallica's iconic album covers and imagery. Each bottle is adorned with the brand's distinctive "C" logo, which represents the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration, and creativity.
Overall, Blackened whiskey offers a truly one-of-a-kind drinking experience that appeals to both whiskey enthusiasts and Metallica fans alike. With its bold flavors, innovative aging process, and rock-inspired branding, Blackened has carved out a unique niche in the world of American whiskey, earning a dedicated following among music and whiskey enthusiasts alike.
