BBR adds coffee liqueur to own-label spirits range

London fine wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) has expanded its own-label spirits range further with the addition of a coffee liqueur, tapping into a growing trend for caffeinated cocktails.

Produced in partnership with Thames Distillers and Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, Berry Bros. & Rudd Coffee Liqueur is made using a cold drip process to extract less acidity from the bean, with the result being “greater flavour and sweetness and a more concentrated coffee essence”, and distilled at a higher strength (35%) for a more “intense and fuller coffee flavour”.

The coffee beans used to produce it are grown on small, sustainable and quality-focused producer farms, collectively called “Bob-o-Link”, all neighbours of Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza, in Brazil.

While the popularity of coffee-based cocktails has been growing, led by the resurgence of the Espresso Martini, particularly in the capital, there is another reason for BBR’s interest in the coffee bean.

While often overlooked, hanging above the door of the company’s historic premises at No.3 St James’s Street is a sign of a coffee mill. When the shop was first opened in 1698 it was known as ‘The Sign of the Coffee Mill’.

The giant scales which still hang inside the company’s reception are further testament to its historic link with coffee.

Lizzy Rudd, chairman of Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: “Coffee was where the business started back in 1698, and so it feels rather nostalgic but incredibly appropriate to be offering a coffee-based product to our customers once again.

“Having already relaunched our London Dry Gin earlier in the year and providing a new classic range of whiskies under our Berry Bros. & Rudd label, it’s fun to have something a bit different to add to our range.”

Adding to a growing trend for coffee-based spirits, earlier this year Jameson whiskey added a Fairtrade certified “coffee spirit” called Jameson Cold Brew to its portfolio.

The limited edition 35% ABV spirit is made with Faitrade Arabica beans from Colombia and Brazil mixed with Jameson’s blended whiskey.

Available now, Berry Bros. & Rudd Coffee Liqueur, 70cl (35% abv) carries an RRP of £26.50, and will be supplied to the UK trade by FMV (Fields, Morris & Verdin).