Mr Black has teamed up with Melbourne coffee pioneers ST. ALi to launch a special edition Single Origin Coffee Liqueur.
ST. ALi has been an institution in the world’s coffee capital for over 15 years. On a pilgrimage to Peru, it handpicked the ‘El Diamante’ coffee used in the Single Origin Coffee Liqueur. Sourcing the beans from a single farm in the Cajamarca region, it required a taxi up the mountains, perilous cable cars, and an hour’s hike up steep terrain from Apolinar Arevalo's house to his actual farm 2000 metres above sea level.
ST. ALi owner Salvatore Malatesta said: “When we arrived we were blown away by how Apolinar approaches fermentation, continuously working on experiments, taking meticulous notes on each lot. His hard work shines through with this exceptional Yellow Caturra coffee.”
Mr Black worked with the brains trust from ST. ALi on roasting, and then blending the combination of Peruvian Cold Brew Coffee with Australian wheat vodka and a little sugar.
Global Coffee Ambassador Martin Hudak describes the aroma as “honeydew melon and red currant fruit on the nose which opens up to the comforting smell of nonna’s kitchen.”
“You can taste biscotti on the palette with a clean finish of honeycomb and milk chocolate,”he said.
Hudak suggests the liqueur is best enjoyed on the rocks to fully appreciate the complex flavour profile.
Mr Black Founder Tom Baker added: “I first visited ST. ALi in South Melbourne some 10 years ago. To a young guy starting out in the industry they were legends in my eyes – absolutely at the top of their game. The fact we’re working alongside them a decade later is pretty special.”
Similarly, Salvatore has been an admirer of Mr Black from afar: “When they launched a few years ago, I remember trying Mr Black and thinking - this is pretty bloody good. Times are tough at the moment for independent crafters and creators, especially in Melbourne where ST. ALi operates a number of cafes. With people spending most of their hours at home right now, the timing seemed right to partner up and release this indulgent distraction to the world.”
Mr Black & ST. ALi Single Origin Liqueur is priced at $70 for a 700ml bottle.
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