The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
Sweet Amber Distilling Co. today announced the appointment of Rob Dietrich as Master Distiller of Blackened American whiskey, the unconventional spirit created by preeminent Master Distiller Dave Pickerell and shaped through sonic enhancement by Metallica’s music. A veteran in the spirits and music industry, Rob’s experience makes him well-suited to continue the work begun by Dave Pickerell.
Over the past few years, Dave Pickerell brought his vision and creativity to Blackened to offer a premier whiskey enhanced by the sounds of Metallica. Known as one of the world’s most masterful distillers, Dave Pickerell was a teacher to whiskey lovers worldwide and an advocate of lesser-known spirits. With a background in chemical engineering, he revolutionized the final steps of the distilling process through a range of experiments in aging and finishes. Together with Metallica and Sweet Amber Distilling Co., his final project was the development of Blackened, a composition of bourbons, and ryes from across North America and a testament to his advocacy for blended American whiskies.
“Dave Pickerell will forever be a member of our band and our family,” says Metallica. “When we needed to begin searching for our next master distiller, it was a priority to find someone who could honor and continue the magic that Dave started. Rob shares a great respect for craftsmanship that Dave had and that we have for Blackened and our music.”
As Master Distiller and Blender, Rob is poised to oversee the sourcing, blending and cask finishing of barrels for each batch of Blackened American whiskey. With an affinity for distilling and music, Rob will continue to build upon the foundation set forth by his predecessor. As he brings his own unique talents and skills to the role, he will be working closely with Sweet Amber Distilling Co. and the band to keep Dave’s legacy alive.
“The opportunity to follow in Dave Pickerell’s footsteps at Blackened is humbling. Dave Pickerell set a very high standard with everything he touched,” says Rob Dietrich, Master Distiller of Sweet Amber Distilling Co. “His spirit of kindness and dedication live on with the team. I feel excited by the challenge of taking Blackened to new heights that Dave would have been proud of. “
“Dave was not only one of the most groundbreaking distillers to ever walk the earth, but he was also a great friend. He possessed an unstoppable passion for the world of whiskey. It was of utmost importance for us to find someone like Rob Dietrich, who is also devoted to the craft,” states John Bilello, CEO of Sweet Amber Distilling Co.
