Country: Australia
Distillery: Distillery Botanica
Producer: Mr Black
Type: Coffee Liquor
ABV: 25%
Proof: 50
Price: $40
Nose: Cold brew, ground coffee, earthy notes, damp tree bark
Palate: Starts with Demerara sugar, oily, roasted coconuts, molasses, cocoa, leather, a touch of cherries.
Finish: Very long, rum sweetness, brewed espresso disc, cinnamon, nutmeg.
I do have a love for coffee if not an obsession. Over the last 5-6 years, I have used 4 different espresso machines, various coffee making tools and methods. Also being Turkish adds to my love of coffee, but I often find myself drinking espresso and cold brew for the intense taste and also caffeine source for my workouts. That is why Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur was on my 'To Taste List' for a while.
Background
Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is made in Erina, Australia at the Distillery Botanica. It was founded in 2013 by the distiller Philip Moore and designer Tom Baker. Their common love for coffee Australia's passion for craft coffee made them to make coffee also a night drink by creating something delicious.
How Is It Made?
For a good spirit, you need a good base! That's for sure. For the base, Mr Black uses Australian wheat vodka. I used to see rum base in the past, though Mr Black's approach of having a cold brew in focus can happen very well with a good distilled wheat vodka.
Then of course the most important ingredient joins. The cold-brewed coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans. They work with farmers, cooperatives and importers to source ethically cultivated, sustainable coffees. Water used for cold brewing is purified cold water without any additives. A minimal amount of cane sugar is added to balance the taste as you can imagine.
The good news is, the whole process including the roasting of beans and distillation happens on-premises and every bottle is made by hand.
Cold Brew Old Fashioned
How Does It Taste?
As an Espresso Martini addict, I can say that I have tried most of the coffee liqueurs in the market. I have seen the sweet and bitter ones so to say. Mr Black excels from the ordinary one with its focus on coffee. There is no doubt that it is more robust, strong, coffee oriented, earthy and darker than any I tried.
As you pass the coffee character and sweetness coming with the cane sugar, you can notice flavors like tobacco, chocolate, cherries, roasted coconuts and baking spices.
Cocktails
I have tried their signature Cold Brew Old Fashioned cocktail that is shown in the photo above and an Espresso Martini below.
Mr Black Espresso Martini
Cold Brew Old Fashioned
So easy! You just need a good rye whiskey with darker flavors. I splurged some money and chose A Midwinter Night's Dram for this cocktail.
- 1oz Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
- 1oz rye whiskey
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Stir, serve on rocks and garnish with an orange twist.
You can find a video of how I made it here!
Espresso Martini
I honestly found my Espresso Martini a little bit bitter. So I can suggest using a sweeter coffee liquor or lighter coffee which was what I also needed. But the froth was dense and amazing!
- 1 part Mr Black
- 1 shot espresso
- Shake vigorously
- Pour into a cocktail glass