What Is Barrel-Aged Coffee? How the Barrel Changes the Bean

Wine, bourbon and whiskey have been aged in barrels for generations. But what happens when unroasted coffee beans spend time in those barrels? 

The answer is barrel-aged coffee: a bold combination of coffee craftsmanship and the character left behind by a previously used spirits barrel. 

How Is Barrel-Aged Coffee Made? 

The process begins with green coffee beans, the raw, unroasted seeds found inside coffee cherries. 

The green beans are placed inside a barrel that previously held a spirit such as bourbon, rye, rum or single malt whiskey. While resting in the barrel, the beans interact with the wood and the aromatic compounds that remain inside it. 

Once aging is complete, the beans are removed and roasted. Roasting develops the coffee's natural flavors while revealing the character it picked up from the barrel. 

What Does Barrel-Aged Coffee Taste Like? 

No two barrel-aged coffees taste exactly alike. Flavor depends on the coffee's origin, the barrel, what it previously contained, aging time, roast profile and brewing method. 

Depending on the combination, you might notice flavors reminiscent of oak, vanilla, caramel, smoke, dried fruit or baking spices. 

Is It the Same as Flavored Coffee? 

Not exactly. Many flavored coffees are roasted and then coated with flavoring oils. Barrel-aged coffee develops its character before roasting through its time inside the barrel.

Rather than tasting like coffee with flavor added on top, a well-crafted barrel-aged coffee allows the bean, barrel and roast to work together. 

Does It Taste Like Drinking Whiskey? 

Barrel-aged coffee is still coffee, not a substitute for a glass of whiskey. You may recognize characteristics associated with bourbon, rum, rye or single malt whiskey, but those notes sit alongside the natural coffee flavors. 

How Should You Brew It? 

Use the equipment you already own: a drip maker, pour-over, French press, AeroPress, espresso machine, cold-brew system or single-serve brewer. 

Taste your first cup black before adding cream or sweetener. Then make it your own: add milk, serve it over ice or use it in a coffee cocktail. 

Clout Coffee was built for people who expect more from what fuels them. Barrel-aged coffee gives an everyday ritual a story, a process and a little more clout.

Looking for more ways to enjoy Clout? Try one of our recipes HERE