Bourbon & Coffee: Can Old Weller 107 Work with Your Favorite Brew?
Bourbon and coffee might not seem like an obvious match, but this combination has been around longer than you might think. In fact, some of the earliest whiskey drinkers often paired their spirits with a strong cup of coffee. Both beverages have deep, rich flavors, making them a bold duo worth exploring.
One standout option for this experiment is Old Weller Original 107. This high-proof wheated bourbon is known for its warm caramel notes, hints of spice, and smooth finish. But does it complement coffee, or do the flavors clash? Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Good Bourbon & Coffee Pairing?
Pairing bourbon with coffee isn’t just about mixing the two and hoping for the best. A great combination requires balance, allowing both elements to shine without overpowering each other.
- Flavor Balance: The bold, roasted taste of coffee should complement the rich caramel, vanilla, and oak notes of bourbon rather than mask them.
- Sweetness Level: Bourbon with natural sweetness, like caramel or nutty hints, helps smooth out coffee’s bitterness for a more enjoyable sip.
- Strength & Proof: A high-proof bourbon like Old Weller Original 107 has enough body and depth to stand up to coffee’s intensity without getting lost.
When paired correctly, bourbon and coffee create a unique tasting experience, bringing out flavors you might not notice when enjoying them separately. Whether you prefer them side by side or blended, this duo offers a bold and satisfying combination worth trying.
Best Ways to Enjoy Bourbon and Coffee
There are different ways to pair bourbon with coffee, depending on how adventurous you feel. Here are a few ideas:
1. Neat Bourbon with Black Coffee
This is the simplest way to enjoy both without altering their original flavors. Take a sip of bourbon, then follow with a sip of coffee. The contrast between the warmth of the bourbon and the boldness of the coffee creates a layered tasting experience.
2. Bourbon-Spiked Coffee
For those who prefer a smoother blend, adding a splash of bourbon to a freshly brewed cup of coffee can work wonders. The natural sweetness of the bourbon cuts through the bitterness, making the drink more balanced.
3. Bourbon and Espresso Cocktail
If you enjoy espresso martinis, this is a fun alternative. Mix a shot of bourbon with espresso, simple syrup, and a dash of bitters for a bold, slightly smoky cocktail.
4. Coffee-Infused Bourbon
For a deeper flavor integration, try steeping coffee beans in bourbon for 24-48 hours. This method creates a subtle, roasted undertone without diluting the bourbon’s natural character.
Which Coffee Styles Work Best?
Not all coffee works well with bourbon. Some pairings will bring out harsh flavors, while others create a smooth, enjoyable sip. Here’s what to consider:
● Dark Roast Coffee – The smoky, slightly bitter taste of dark roast pairs well with bourbon’s caramel and oak flavors.
● Espresso – Strong and concentrated, espresso stands up to high-proof bourbon without getting lost.
● Cold Brew – Smooth and naturally sweet, cold brew makes for an easy-drinking combination.
● Vanilla or Caramel-Flavored Coffee – These enhance the natural sweetness of bourbon, making the pairing more approachable.
Avoid overly acidic or citrusy coffees, as they can clash with bourbon’s deep, oaky notes.
Old Weller 107 Meets Coffee: A Flavor Breakdown
How does Old Weller Original 107 hold up alongside coffee? The combination creates a bold yet smooth experience, bringing out rich flavors in both.
- Nose: The bourbon’s warm caramel and cinnamon spice beautifully complement the deep, roasted aroma of coffee.
- Taste: Its wheated profile softens the coffee’s natural bitterness, resulting in a velvety, well-rounded sip.
- Finish: Notes of oak, vanilla, and spice linger, adding layers of depth to every sip.
Thanks to its balance of sweetness and spice, this bourbon pairs surprisingly well with coffee. The rich caramel tones enhance the coffee’s boldness, while the spice adds complexity. Whether sipped separately or combined, this pairing offers a new way to enjoy both drinks. If you’re looking for a fresh take on your coffee routine, Old Weller 107 is a great bourbon to experiment with.
Final Thoughts: A Pairing Worth Trying
While bourbon and coffee might not be the most traditional pairing, they share enough flavor similarities to make them work together. Whether you enjoy them separately, blended into a cocktail, or infused for a richer taste, there are plenty of ways to explore this bold combination.
Looking for the perfect bottle to try this with? Fine Liquors offers a wide selection of premium bourbons, including rare finds like Old Weller Original 107. If you’re a fan of aged whiskey, don’t miss out on Very Very Old Fitzgerald 'Bottles in Bond' 12-Year Bourbon, another top-tier choice for whiskey lovers.
Explore our collection today and take your bourbon experience to the next level!