This whiskey, a spring 2022 release from Metallica and master distiller and blender Rob Dietrich, hits hard up front with an herbal and spicy nose. Fennel, anise cookies, and dank grains give way to dandelion and sweet grapes when water is added. The palate is crisp and spicy, showing great balance between the whiskey itself and the cask finishing. Lightning strikes again on the finish, which is extremely long and ties the entire sip together. More spice, more fruit, just more. —Shane English