Rob Dietrich standing in front of the Blackened war wagon

My Story

Motorcycles are freedom on two wheels (in some cases, three) and I’ve always loved wrenching on them. My foray into making whiskey started with a diesel motorcycle project with a friend and meeting the first head distiller for Stranahans whiskey, who also happened to have an alternative fuel motorcycle project. This led me to the incredible  job of making whiskey for a living, which I have been doing for over 18 years. 

Rob Dietrich smoking a cigar

I am from Denver, Colorado and am a three-tour combat veteran of the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, a former professional rock-n-roll roadie and at present, am honored to be the master distiller and blender for Metallica’s whiskey; Blackened American whiskey.

I also love cigars and have the distinct honor of collaborating and creating a world-renowned cigar brand–Blackened Cigars; M81 Maduro to the core & S84 Shade to Black–with Metallica’s James Hetfield and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate Cigars. 

I am a dog lover (love those puppers!), an amateur foodie and wanna-be chef, a hopeless gear-head who tinkers on vintage cars & motorcycles, a vinyl record & art collector and an outlaw yogi. I sometimes like to shoot guns, drink whiskey and start impromptu mosh pits, not necessarily in that order or at the same time. I also have a penchant for vintage flare guns and old typewriters. I don’t know why.

They’re just cool. 

So, let’s share a dram and talk about all things whiskey and the adventure of life worth living large for…

Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for my work in a variety of capacities. 

Each award represents not only a personal achievement, but also the combined support and collaboration of many talented individuals along the way, for whom I owe a great deal of gratitude.

  • BLACKENED x Wes Henderson bottles of whiskey

    DOUBLE GOLD: 2023 @SFWSpiritscomp

    BLACKENED x Wes Henderson

  • BLACKENED Rye the Lightning bottle

    Gold: 2024 John Barleycorn Awards

    BLACKENED Rye the Lightning

  • BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole bottle of whiskey

    GOLD: 2024 NY World Spirits Competition

    BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole

  • DOUBLE GOLD: 2024 SIP Awards

    BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole

  • DOUBLE PLATINUM & BEST IN SHOW: Ascot Awards

    BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole