Blackened X Wes Henderson (Master of Whiskey Series)

I've linked the specific BLACK NOISE playlist used during the tasting of this whiskey, which I listened to in its entirety for this review. Listen along: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLK8agEj0UdPZyvjR0Mzb2cSYCBf5obU&feature=share. In celebration of Metal Monday and Metallica's upcoming new album, I'm thrilled to support these enduring metalheads. Initially, I only noticed "Blackened" and "Wes Anderson" before the price tag made me reconsider. I also mistakenly thought Wes Anderson was an actor or musician I didn't know or care for. A few nights later, during an insomniac gaming session, an article about this release sparked my excitement about a potential connection with Angel's Envy. Despite their occasional pretentiousness, Angel's Envy certainly pioneered barrel finishing, particularly with their iconic port wine barrel. If I hadn't already tried their American and rye expressions, I likely wouldn't have immediately purchased their first bourbon, especially at this price point (which is unfortunately common for the craft market at this age). I'm not surprised they withheld the mash bill and finishing duration, but with a 6-year age statement, cask strength, barrel finished, and badass BLACK NOISE enhanced bourbon, there's good reason for enthusiasm. The color is fantastic; though the body appears light in sunlight, the hue is a deep rust with crimson or violet undertones, resembling a high-aged brandy more than a young whiskey. The nose is somewhat unexpected, starting with a moderate ethanol burn before yielding an earthy, watery, mossy note, akin to compost made entirely of red berries and grapes. The oak is present but dry rather than sweet, masking the typical caramel or vanilla from the bourbon barrel in favor of more toasted and earthy characteristics. The ethanol hits intensely upfront; handle the airflow carefully. The same earthiness from the nose reappears as the primary flavor, but less watery and yeasty, tasting more like mushrooms cooked with black pepper. There's some rye presence around the gums, but only at the front, stopping at the teeth and not reaching the back of the mouth as higher rye content usually does. However, when I focus on it, the rye has a potent spearmint flavor, like eating a slice of seeded light rye bread while chewing spearmint gum; I wish there was more of this taste. The finish is extremely hot, making it difficult to discern the influence of the port wine finish on the taste so far. A few more sips begin to reveal more raw grain, which is surprising given its 6 years of aging. There's a faint taste of sweet grape in the mouth just before swallowing or breathing, and I suspect this, along with the sweet, raw corn flavor near the finish, are the only indicators of the port wine barrel's influence. Ultimately, this is a good-tasting whiskey and an enjoyable way to support not only one of the best metal bands still active but also a unique collaboration with a top bourbon distillery, especially with Metallica venturing into port wine finishing in honor of Angel Envy. The BLACK NOISE process is incredibly cool, and it's even more impressive that each whiskey expression has a different playlist released to the public for listening and drinking along. Does all of this justify the price tag? Barely, and that's largely because we've all become accustomed to the significant inflation in this market with no recourse. I did see other retailers selling it for over $135, and while some will pay that without hesitation, I feel fortunate to have purchased it at Blackened's suggested retail price, and believe it offers more value than some of their previous offerings, regardless of whether they were "limited edition." While I may not always choose to drink Metallica, they will forever live on in my headphones and speakers. 🤘

The smell offers crisp fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The taste follows suit. Considering its potency, it's surprisingly gentle and invigorating. The fruit notes yield to delicate acidity, then it concludes with a peppery sensation, and the cinnamon remains right to the finish. As is typical for cask strength whiskey, it is packed with flavor, yet it is also an unexpectedly mellow drink for 58.1 ABV. All in all, I view it as a significant departure and an enhancement from the standard Blackened. Angel's Envy founder Wes Henderson clearly leaves his imprint here with the port cask finish. The outcome, however, is anything but what you'd anticipate based on its description and character. To put it briefly, this whiskey is not what you'd expect. It's a welcome surprise.

Drinking this makes me want to blast Metallica in my head. This is a really solid bottle. I had the chance to sample it a year ago at a local store. It's a celebrity brand from one of my favorite bands. This has an amazing apple note on the nose and finish; it's a great combination of spice and fruit all around. I purchased it for less than another store's price at a different shop, and I definitely feel it's a very smooth bottle considering its flavor and finish. I see many people complaining about the price, but I believe you're paying a bit extra for the name rather than the value. Honestly, I think it's worth $75 rather than the listed $103. But you can be the judge.

NOSE: Jammy/fruity, oak, cinnamon, caramel, a bit metallic with an alcohol pop. The aroma is not very pronounced, making it difficult to discern much beyond the recurring alcohol notes. PALATE: Jammy/fruity, oaky, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla, roasted citrus, hints of cocoa, leather, and marshmallow. It possesses a roasted, almost ashy quality beneath a generous amount of jammy sweetness. FINISH: Medium-long with ashy oak, nuts, cinnamon, and intense fruity sweetness.

Primarily oak and cinnamon notes dominate, with a faint fruitiness at the start quickly overshadowed by intense cinnamon heat. The finish is extended, leaving an oily sensation in the mouth. I had anticipated more fruit complexity based on other opinions. Adding ice or a bit of water elevates it to a 3.25 score.

Cherry and raisin on the nose, with the port finish apparent in the flavor. The alcohol's warmth arrives swiftly and persists through a lengthy finish. A small amount of water improves it, allowing hints of vanilla and heather to emerge beyond the cinnamon heat. I plan to repurchase this.