In the world of whiskey, innovation and collaboration often lead to exceptional creations that captivate the senses. BLACKENED Whiskey has been at the forefront of this movement, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. Their latest endeavor, the “Masters of Whiskey Series,” is a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. In partnership with Kaveh Zamanian, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker and founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery, BLACKENED has unveiled a new and extraordinary expression for 2023.
The BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Blend
The “Masters of Whiskey Series” by BLACKENED made its debut in 2021, and it has quickly become a symbol of collaborative excellence in the whiskey world. This series is built upon the idea of bringing together two master craftsmen to reimagine craft whiskey and create truly exceptional expressions. For their latest release, BLACKENED joined forces with Kaveh Zamanian, a visionary in the world of whiskey.
The BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled in Tennessee & Kentucky is a masterpiece crafted by BLACKENED’s Master Distiller & Blender, Rob Dietrich, and Kaveh Zamanian. This exceptional blend is finished in Calvados Casks and is bottled at cask strength with a proof of 106.59, ensuring a bold and rich flavor profile. What sets this whiskey apart is its commitment to quality – it’s non-chill filtered, allowing the full spectrum of flavors to shine through.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Blend
This collaboration between BLACKENED and Rabbit Hole Distillery is a fusion of two worlds, both known for their uncompromising passion and ability to innovate in the world of American whiskey. Zamanian’s approach at Rabbit Hole involves creating unique mash bills using malt sourced from Europe, while BLACKENED employs its groundbreaking Black Noise™ sonic-enhancement process during finishing.
The Black Noise™ process is a patent-pending scientific innovation co-developed with the expertise of sound engineers at Meyer Sound. It involves subjecting the whiskey to low hertz sound waves, causing it to reverberate and interact with the oak staves of the finishing barrel. This interaction measurably releases wood compounds and flavors, resulting in a distinctive and unforgettable taste.
The Flavor Profile
The BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Blend showcases a carefully curated flavor profile that combines the best of both worlds. It starts with a base of 13-year-old straight Tennessee bourbon whiskey featuring a mash bill of 64 percent corn and 36 percent rye.
To this, Rabbit Hole adds their Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky straight bourbon, made from a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 25 percent malted rye, and 5 percent malted barley.
The finishing touch in Calvados Casks imparts sweeter notes, as Calvados is an apple brandy. Expect to encounter aromas of apple butter, rhubarb, honey-suckle, graham cracker, and macadamia nut on the nose, while the palate offers hints of ripe pear, cinnamon stick, smoky campfire, field clover, honey, and black walnut.
The BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Blend represents the pinnacle of collaboration and innovation in the world of whiskey. This extraordinary expression is the result of two renowned whiskey visionaries, Rob Dietrich and Kaveh Zamanian, coming together to create something truly exceptional. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making processes has led to an award-winning blend that has earned a Gold Medal at the 2023 New York Wine & Spirits Competition.
Whiskey enthusiasts and connoisseurs can now experience this remarkable blend, available both in-store and online for a suggested retail price of $149. With the “Masters of Whiskey Series,” BLACKENED continues to redefine what’s possible in the world of craft whiskey, and the collaboration with Rabbit Hole Distillery is an exciting chapter in this journey. Cheers to innovation, craftsmanship, and the art of whiskey-making!