Emma Jones
Review of Blackened Cask Strength: Volume 01
Nose
Dark fruit | Black raspberry | Vanilla | Toffee | Surprisingly light
Palate
Plum | Dark cherry | Black raspberry | Baking spices | Pie crust | Vanilla custard | Abundantly sweet | Rich & approachable
Finish
Peppery spice | Cinnamon | Raspberry jam | Brown sugar | Short
Overall
Blackened began as a project between the metal band Metallica and the late renowned master distiller, blender, and chemical engineer, Dave Pickerell. Each batch, or volume, is intended to be unique, offering a different flavor profile and coming in at varying proofs. Volume 01 is a surprisingly light, vibrant, and easy drinking whiskey considering the fact that its cask strength. Dark fruit, vanilla custard, and brown sugar are most prominent, with a mixture of spices and other flavors that lean sweet and weave their way throughout the whiskey. The finish is somewhat abrupt, which is typically a negative, but somehow it works for this whiskey making it all the more drinkable. A higher proof brings more intensity and richness, but the whiskey remains highly drinkable none-the-less. All in all, it’s a very approachable whiskey that anyone would be hard pressed to dislike.
Classification: Blend of Straight Whiskeys Finished in Black Brandy Casks
Company: Sweet Amber Distilling Co.
Distillery: Undisclosed
Release Date: May 2023 (Ongoing)
Proof: 122.85
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Copper
MSRP: $70 (2023)
Palate
Rich | Dark chocolate | Brown sugar | Smoky oak | Lingering spice
“The Blackened Cask Strength: Volume 01 definitely lives up to its name with a rich and complex flavor profile. The nose of dark fruit and vanilla is perfectly balanced with the palate’s notes of rich chocolate and smoky oak. Overall, a well-crafted and enjoyable whiskey.”
The Blackened Cask Strength: Volume 01 is a complex and delicious whiskey. The dark fruit and black raspberry notes create a unique flavor profile that is complemented by hints of vanilla and toffee. Despite its cask strength, the whiskey has a surprisingly light and smooth finish. Overall, a must-try for any whiskey lover.
Palate
Creamy | Buttery | Dark chocolate | Spicy oak | Hint of smoke
“The Blackened Cask Strength: Volume 01 is a delicious and well-balanced whiskey with a surprisingly light nose and a creamy, buttery palate. The dark fruit and chocolate notes are complemented by a subtle hint of smoke and spicy oak. A great addition to any whiskey collection.”
This review offers a tantalizing glimpse into the unique flavor profile of Blackened Cask Strength: Volume 01. The blend of dark fruit, black raspberry, vanilla, and toffee is intriguing, and the mention of a surprisingly light quality adds even more interest to this review. It definitely piques my curiosity and makes me want to try this whiskey for myself.