Mr. Black cold press coffee liqueur review
Like your booze with a kick? Coffee-flavoured spirits combine the punch of an after-dinner espresso with a digestif. Read our review of Mr. Black, one of the best-known coffee liqueurs.
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Mr. Black cold press coffee liqueur (25% ABV)
Star rating: 5/5
In a nutshell: This deep black digestif from Australian brand Mr. Black has complex bitter notes ranging from espresso to chocolate, and is the benchmark for coffee liqueurs.
Read our full review of the best coffee liqueurs
Mr. Black was founded in 2013, when Philip Moore, one of Australia's foremost distillers, masterminded the idea to unite coffee with drinking with designer Tom Baker.
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Moore's background in horticulture – he managed a wholesale herb nursery and created award-winning Moore's Dry Gin before starting Mr. Black – means he has a deep understanding of herbs, spices and the spirit making process, all of which help produce a delicious liqueur.
The spirit is made just north of Sydney using coffee beans sourced from the world's best growing regions. For the cold press coffee expression, beans are imported from Brazil, Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia, and each bottle is produced by hand.
The nose of the bottle floods you with the aroma of freshly ground coffee, the bitterness of which is tempered by vanilla. On the palate, espresso takes the lead, joined by deep cocoa and a welcome acidity. The 1100mg of caffeine per litre is evident as coffee lingers on the finish, gradually mellowing out just as a good brew should.
The perfect pour
This is ideal for an espresso martini, as the true power of the caffeinated cocktail can be felt. Simply use two parts liqueur to one part espresso. It's the perfect way to start or end your night – the espresso and liqueur come together for a sophisticated and moreish drinking experience.
Read our full review of the best coffee liqueurs
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This review was last updated in December 2019. If you have any questions or suggestions for future reviews, or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
