Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo shared their musical beginnings in the most recent episode of ‘The Blending Sessions’

In the latest installment of “The Blending Sessions,” an exclusive series of conversations shedding light on the creative processes behind both music and whiskey, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Rоbert Trujillo, alongside Blackened’s master distiller and blender Rоb Dietrich, delved into their early beginnings and the driving forces behind their artistic passions.

Blackened Whiskey, a product of Metallica’s innovative spirit and expert craftsmanship, is a blend of premium bourbon and rye whiskeys, uniquely finished in brandy casks and enhanced through the Black Noise process. The original concept was conceived by Blackened’s founding master distiller Dave Pickerell, whose suԀԀen passing in November 2018 was a significant loss to the whiskey community.

Dietrich, now at the helm of Blackened, brings with him a background in the music industry as a concert promoter and tour manager. When Metallica sought a successor to Pickerell, they prioritized finding someone who could honor his legacy while continuing to elevate Blackened’s quality. Dietrich’s addition to the team was met with enthusiasm from Metallica, who recognized his shared reverence for craftsmanship and dedication to the brand.

Blackened Whiskey has garnered numerous accolades, including Double Gold at the SIP Awards and PR%F Awards, Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Platinum at the Ascot Awards, and Gold at the John Barleycorn Awards. Additionally, the band’s limited-edition releases such as Rye The Lightning and Blackened’s Masters Of Whiskey Series: Willett have earned praise with Gold and Double Gold honors.

Since their formation in 1981 by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, Metallica has solidified their place as one of the most influential and successful rock bands in history, with a global reach spanning nearly 120 million album sales and over 15 billiоn streams. Their extensive catalog of multi-platinum studio albums includes iconic releases like “Kιll ‘Em All,” “Ride The Lightning,” “Master Of Puppets,” and “Metallica” (often referred to as The Black Album). The band’s philanthropic efforts through their foundation, All Within My Hands, have contributed nearly $16 million to various charitable causes, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the communities that support them.