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Review: Mr Black x Whistlepig Barrel Aged Coffee Liqueur

We review Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. It's a vodka-based liqueur aged for nine months in Whistlepig rye barrels.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Mr Black x Whistelpig Barrel Aged Coffee Liqueur (image via Mr Black)

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged 9 months in Whistle Pig Rye barrels, with an ABV of 28%. $59
Appearance:
Black coffee with a sheet like viscosity on the side of the glass.
Nose:
Iced coffee hits first. There is a sweet quality to the smell, but it doesn’t overpower or come off as artificial. There is a hit of black licorice followed by faint vanilla note. The nose is finished off with just a hint of oak.
Palate:
Like a properly mixed Irish coffee, the rich coffee notes hit first. Dark, bitter chocolate and a bit of dried cherry accompany the roasted bean notes of cold brew coffee that is the base of this drink. It is not burned and not overrun by artificial flavorings. The bitter is balanced out by a soft honey sweetness. There is also a whisper of smoke that brings out the roasted nature of the coffee beans. The heat is subtle. Anise and clove provide a licorice note. If you are not a fan of sweet in your coffee, I recommend an ice cube. When chilled it leans towards a creaminess like a latte. This liqueur raises the bar for me on coffee flavored spirits. It leans on the coffee and whiskey combo without being cloyingly sweet. It stands well on its own, over ice, or could easily be incorporated into a mixed drink, or deserts such as Tiramisu or simply poured over a scoop of ice cream. I would never have thought I would take my palate all the way to Australia to find such a delightful entry into the flavored spirit market.
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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