Metallica believes everything is better when they turn up the volume and let loose. This philosophy extends to their whiskey, which they craft with a unique twist.
Their Blackened American Whiskey isn’t just aged; it’s bombarded with their music while still in the barrel. This intriguing blend of heavy metal and traditional whiskey-making is showcased in the limited edition packaging for Blackened American Whiskey Batch 100.
Though ostensibly geared toward lovers of fine spirits, the rigid-box artwork, designed by Metallica Creative Director James North and produced by our friends at Fastkit Luxury Packaging [projects / website] on 95 lb. C1S paper (mounted on 95 pt. Eska board) with a soft-touch laminate, is pitched squarely at Metallica fans. (As is the whiskey’s name, which is a nod to their 1988 song “Blackened.”)
A Striking Design that Hits the Right Note
The packaging features tone-on-tone Black and White photos of the band and whiskey masters. It carries a worn “Whiskey Re-Mastered” logo, adding to the rugged, hard-rock look.
The most eye-catching feature is the recreation of the bottle on the box lid. It appears to leap off the packaging due to a Spot Gloss UV coating. This effect is also on the Orange logo along the side, perfectly blending dark photos with bright highlights.
The label plays an essential role in this limited edition. The Black sound-wave pattern behind the whiskey’s name hints at the music-infused blending process, cleverly called “Black Noise.”
So what’s inside? Let’s find out.
Unboxing the Limited Edition Treasures
Opening the box reveals two limited edition 12-inch Metallica vinyl picture discs. They come in a plastic sleeve, and beneath them lies the whiskey bottle. Nestled securely in a die-cut grotto, the bottle stays perfectly in place.
Next to it, a shallow tray holds more surprises: a small envelope made of Mano by Corvon mounted to 17 pt. uncoated Black board. Inside, you’ll find a die-cut vinyl sticker, a guitar pick, and an enamel pin.
The final treat is a ‘zine printed on 100 lb. text paper. It includes more Black and White band images, the story of how Master Distiller Rob Dietrich and drummer Lars Ulrich selected the Metallica songs for the whiskey barrels, and lyrics from the Batch 100 playlist. Orange accents add a subtle yet engaging touch to the design.
From the moody band photography to the striking Spot Gloss UV finish, this packaging speaks to Metallica fans. It’s a bold tribute to their iconic music, without the whiskey itself delivering the same sonic punch—though many fans probably wouldn’t mind that one bit. 😉
