At Alma Coffee, we are all about finding new ways to take our coffee to the next level. Recently our general manager, Max Folger, had the genius idea of partnering with our local small business friends at Reformation Brewery to create a barrel-aged coffee from their newest Reformation Rye Bourbon. When we reached out to partner with them in creating this roast, they were just as excited about the prospect as we were!

Barrel-Aged coffee is a unique fusion of coffee crafting using both traditional and modern roasting practices to create a distinctive taste. The smoky and woody flavors from the barrel mixed with the balanced and smooth flavor of our coffee create something that couldn’t be produced through our normal processes. The culmination of the barrel-aged coffee process is a symphony of flavor where notes of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness harmonize to create a truly unforgettable sensory experience. Each sip reveals new depths of complexity making the coffee drinking experience exciting. 

The Process

We headed over to visit our friends at Reformation Brewery to pick up one of their bourbon barrels to use for the barrel-aged coffee. From there, we brought it to the roastery and prepped everything to begin the process (RIP to my white cardigan that now has rust stains from trying to carry the barrel). We then poured in a bag of our green beans from our farms into the barrel and… we waited. We waited for what seemed like forever (it was only a 8 days in reality). Each day, we rolled the barrel to ensure every bean was fully exposed to those delicious whiskey aromas. 

The best part of the process? Tasting! One of the most important aspects of creating a new roast is trying the coffee to make sure it’s reaching a flavor profile that finds the balance between the coffee and whiskey flavor. You don’t want the coffee to be too boozy, but you also don’t want the flavor to be so subtle that you miss it completely. Our team of expert roasters worked tirelessly to achieve the final product that we are sure you'll enjoy!

The Result

Once roasted, the flavors of vanilla, burnt sugar, and oak from the Reformation Brewery Bourbon mixed with the flavor of our coffee created the perfect blend of smoky and sweet. This roast is the perfect way to spice up your morning cup of coffee. We carefully roasted this coffee to a medium-dark level to make sure the flavor of the whiskey stayed intact and prominent within the flavor of the coffee when brewed. Whether you like your coffee black, creamy, or somewhere in between, there's no denying the deliciousness of this barrel-aged coffee.

Later in the evening, pour yourself a glass of Reformation’s Bourbon. Get a little taste of bourbon in the morning and the full flavor in the evening. We’ve got a couple of bourbon fans here in the roastery, and let me tell you, the reviews could not be more glowing. “As someone who loves a great whiskey, this coffee is the real deal. I am so excited to partner with Reformation and use the barrels from their recently released Rye Bourbon for this project. I really feel like we nailed it with this roast and cant wait for everyone to try it out,” said Max Folger.

Order a bag of our limited stock Barrel-Aged Coffee (online only)! Once we are sold out, that’s it!

Um, so this coffee sold out in less than 24 hours... you guys are INCREDIBLE! We will keep you posted as soon as we release our next barrel-aged coffee. Thank you so much for all of your support with our new venture!

While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by Reformation Brewery’s Woodstock or Canton location or visit them online and grab a bottle of their Reformation Bourbon! Please support our friends who helped us make this barrel-aged coffee possible!