(Image Source: Waplus Roasters, @WhiskyHobo)

The latest batch of the ever so popular Highlander Inn Chichibu x Waplus Roasters barrel-aged coffee is back! And you guessed it! The coffee beans are aged in ex-Chichibu barrels!

This highly seasonal release - in its 6th edition - was aged for several months in casks handpicked by Highlander Inn Chichibu, one of the most well-known whisky bars in Japan, before being roasted to take off the alcohol, leaving only the most classic and beloved flavors we know and love Chichibu's whiskies for!

Chichibu Distillery's whisky barrels have been used in a collaboration with one of Japan's most popular craft coffee roasters, Waplus Roasters, to produce some incredible barrel-aged coffee. (Image Source: Waplus)

A collaboration that is months in the making and always sold out in a flash, this release comes in three flavors:

1. Brazilian Coffee Beans (aged in IPA Beer Barrels used for Chichibu whiskies)

The combination of the light body of Brazil and the IPA Beer Cask has a slightly bitter aroma in the fruity sweetness, resulting in a nutty and rich berry finish.

Find it here!

2. Brazilian Coffee Beans (aged in Bourbon Barrels used for Chichibu whiskies)

The combination of the light body of Brazil and the bourbon barrel creates a sweet and sour berry-like fresh aftertaste.

Find it here!

3. Columbian Coffee Beans (aged in Bourbon Barrels used for Chichibu whiskies)

The deep flavor of blueberries and the sweetness of vanilla make it a lingering taste that reminds you of midnight.

Find it here!

Why Is It So Popular?

• A totally unique flavor profile that can't be achieved by coffee alone.
• 100% natural! No added flavoring, syrup or additives. No alcohol even!
• The harmony of whisky and coffee flavors are complementary.
• Healthier alternative to flavored coffee.
• Better taste as flavors are integrated rather than added-on.
• Greater variety with different types of whisky barrels used.

Where Can I Try It?

The past several editions have largely been dedicated for the Japan market, but now, on the back of its success, has begun to be made available for the international market.

As massive spirits lovers always on the hunt for great spirits, we jumped at the chance when we saw such a great cross-over! As they say, coffee in the morning, whisky in the evening!

88 Bamboo is collaborating with Waplus Roasters to help spread the joy of amazing coffee to a wider international audience. As such, we're now proud to announce that we'll be offering up some incredibly aromatic and tasty Chichibu Barrel-Aged Coffee.

You can get yours over at our Shop.

And of course, we'll love to hear your thoughts! We know we loved it, but how about you?

Based in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Chichibu Distillery currently produces one of the most sought after whiskies in the world. Yet, it doesn't stop there, Chichibu Distillery is actively finding ways to expand what they can bring to consumers - this time through coffee! (Image Source: The Whiskey Wash)

How Is Coffee Barrel-Aged?

Barrel-aged coffee is made by letting green or unroasted coffee beans rest in barrels that have previously stored whiskies, rums or wine. These barrels usually hold whiskies for anywhere from 2 years to 7 or even 10 years, which allows the barrels to absorb flavors from the alcohol. Those flavors are then imparted to the coffee beans stored in them. These coffee beans can be aged in the barrels for two weeks up till even 4-6 months, the longer it is aged, the stronger the barrel's influence on the beans.

Once the ageing period is completed, these beans are then roasted to strip away all of the alcohol (yes, the coffee is now alcohol free!) and can then be used to brew some incredible coffee.

Ever in search of new ways to up the coffee game, a new wave of barrel-aged coffee has even caught the eye of the likes of Starbucks, as craft coffee roasters seem to have found what looks to be the latest trend in the coffee game. (Image Source: Waplus)

Barrel-Aged Coffee 

Barrel-aged coffee is a trend that is fast gaining popularity - so much so, that even Starbucks has been unable to look away and have sought to dabble in this new wave at some of their boutiques - its Reserve collection.

So what's up with barrel-aged coffee and why's it so popular?

It all started out when craft coffee roasters and cafes begun looking for new ways to impart greater depth of flavors and notes that simply can't be found in coffee, and yet do so without the need for additives or added artificial flavorings and syrups.

This prompted these roasters and coffee brewers in the US to begin to try aging their coffee beans in oak barrels that once held Bourbon, in order for the the Bourbon to impart sweet vanilla, caramel, baking spice and nuttier flavors to the beans, which were then roasted.

The outcome was obviously a success and became a big hit - customers couldn't get enough of the truly unique coffee that just couldn't be found elsewhere.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot