Metallica’s standard Blackened with the proof turned up to 11. The nose is nutty and sweet with pralines, caramel corn, brown-sugar butter, and vanilla-almond ice cream. There’s more spice on the palate, with Red Hots, toasted nuts and oak, candy apple, and pepper. The finish is rich and warming, carrying over many of the spices. Water elongates and opens the palate. This demonstrates excellent consistency from nose to finish and quality development over time.

Reviewed by: Ted Simmons (Spring 2021)