Manly Spirits Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

Appearance: Hazy dark brown. Against a strong light it’s a dark amber colour. Aroma: Freshly ground coffee beans, pure and simple, with a hint of earthy dark chocolate. Flavour & Texture: Sweet and rich but not at all syrupy or cloying, the sugar level has been held low in this liqueur and it is just enough to balance the bitterness of the coffee. Demerara sugar, caramel, cocoa and a hint of vanilla. There are some background nuances that I can’t pin down but which add complexity. This is a very good coffee liqueur that does not play around trying to be too fancy. It very much delivers the aroma and flavour of a sweetened cup of drip-filter or cold-brew extraction black coffee. Also, if you are familiar with Italian coffee soda drinks like Stappi or Brasilina (and if not you should be) this is very much like one of those with added neutral alcohol. What’s not to like? This has a base of wheat vodka (made by the distillery) and apparently there are also some foraged botanicals added, but their presence is extremely subtle and for me they add texture rather than overt aroma or flavour. This is not as intense and commanding as Mr Black coffee liqueur (which remains my go-to) but the more relaxed character is somehow more “realistic”. This is very pleasant to taste neat as a liqueur and it makes an excellent espresso martini or black Russian. Recommended. “Very Good” : 87/100 (4.25 stars)