This month, we are proud to feature Rob Dietrich, the Master Distiller of Blackened Whiskey, on our cover. It’s an amazing honor to tell his story through the lens of our shared love of music and whiskey. Blackened stands alone as an incredible whiskey on the landscape. However, there is more to the story because this is the whiskey of Metallica. If you’re a fan of the band, you know that they do everything with an impossible level of quality and craftsmanship. In my story, you’ll understand why Rob is the right person to make whiskey suitable to bear the name of the juggernaut that is Metallica.
I asked our writers to help celebrate Blackened this month in as many ways as possible, so that we could make a December 2023 a Blackened Blackout possible. Of course, the response has been incredible. Be sure to look out for the following:
- Mymy Suajico whips up a delicious blueberry cake worthy of your most festive meals.
- Jim Zadrozny shares the Ecstasy of Gold cocktail to blast your tastebuds.
- Vicki Higginson whips up a cocktail called Fuel that will get you amped up.
- Daniel Rundquist offers his take on Blackened and Blackened Rye the Lightning.
- Nate Barlow tastes Blackened Masters Series from Wes Henderson and Rabbit Hole.
- I’ll have an additional story that features John Patterson, a Whiskey Network Family member in good standing. His new band Fevertree is making moves, and we taste Blackened Whiskey during the conversation.
In addition to that, we have even more whiskey content for you to enjoy!
- Brian G. Miller visits a vintage whiskey decanter exhibition.
- Joe Gulino has a triple feature: an article with GlenGlassaugh paired with cigars, a review of NeverAsh, and his choice for Cigar of the Year.
- Dave Yancey looks at the history of the Sidecar cocktail.
- Robert Diana is back with tasting notes of Ardbeg.
- Vicki Higginson has a treasure trove of festive cocktails to share.
- Daniel Rundquist visits Vermont Spirits, and also tells us about one of his own personal whiskey experiments.
- There will be more to come with all the whiskey news and stories you can handle!
With this issue, we close the 2023 chapter in our own story. It’s been quite a ride and there’re signs of things slowing down. It’s important to continue expressing my gratitude to our growing audience and your support in reading and sharing our content.
From the Whiskey Network Staff and Family to yours, we wish you all the best in the coming holiday season. Be safe, healthy, and always share a dram with those close to you!
Cheers,
Mark
