Blackened Cask Strength Volume 04

It's always a pleasure to try a new offering from this brand, though it feels like the brand itself is becoming more elusive with every release. This time, I couldn't pinpoint the distillery, but I did locate two different bottling facilities. Furthermore, I struggled to find the usual Black Noise playlist (which has historically accompanied every Blackened batch on their website), settling instead for a less-than-official-looking Spotify compilation of some repeated tracks. Nevertheless, as usual, the powerful guitar riffs from one of the world's most legendary metal bands, playing loudly in the background on this fantastic Metal Monday, further fuel my anticipation for my inaugural experience with the cask strength version of the original American whiskey blend that started everything. It's also great that the MSRP was very reasonable for this market; my local shop, which always marks things up, charged only $1 over the suggested retail price this time. The color presents as an almost vivid burnt sienna/orange/brown, yet it's lighter than I'd expect for a more potent cask strength at this alcohol by volume. Then again, this brand has never been known for releasing age statements (an unfortunate commonality in today's whiskey landscape), so the lighter hue might indicate a younger spirit. The aroma begins quite sweet, with hints of caramel, nougat, and a subtle milk chocolate, before introducing lighter notes of floral essence, citrus peel, and a touch of mixed berries. After a few more inhalations, the proof emerges with a slight warmth, and also brings along classic cracked cinnamon notes reminiscent of a proper rye whiskey. The texture is initially quite light, but the caramel and nougat from earlier are the first to appear. The heat intensifies rapidly, with spicy cinnamon and chocolate flavors competing on the now-heated palate. The brandy barrel has consistently been a wise selection for this blend, contributing both sweetness and a drier floral character to the already well-integrated combination of sweet bourbon and spicy rye. In this cask strength iteration, the brandy is a much more prominent flavor, elevating the sweetness experienced so far and introducing a touch of dryness (with a hint of raisin) and subtle floral notes. The conclusion follows this trajectory, with the proof still maintaining a warm sensation, but there's not much syrupy coating here. While the proofed-down original Blackened is a delicious, engaging, and distinctive American whiskey easily understood by newcomers, this is the archetypal "older sibling" offering seasoned enthusiasts a chance to explore its more untamed, intense characteristics. Consider it akin to Metallica's unedited, raw, or demo recordings; while not as accessible for everyone, it provides a deeper insight into the authentic nature of these artists. For the cost, it's not only a delicious purchase, but it also encourages me to consider acquiring other volumes and comparing their distinct flavors. I don't foresee major new developments from this brand, as production and new product launches have already begun to decrease following its immense success; the one-off Metallica cigar collaboration suggests the band is exploring various avenues for their next venture. Nonetheless, Blackened will always stand out for its uniquely innovative finishing method in the market, regardless of one's musical preference. The straightforward, unpretentious tunes playing softly while enjoying this somewhat nostalgic whiskey encapsulate it perfectly: both Metallica and whiskey demonstrate that even recent creations can be excellent, yet there's an enduring appeal to familiar comfort.