About Common Grounds - Barrel Aged Coffee
Common Grounds grew out of a collaboration on a coffee porter with our friends at Magic Rock Brewery. They were aging the porter in bourbon barrels and we borrowed one to experiment with resting green coffee in before roasting.
After much experimenting we arrived at the choice of a washed Ethiopian Yirgecheffe whose natural floral, citrus character became completely transformed by the process. Retaining notes of vanilla and dried fruit from the oak and carrying a surprising amount of sweet Bourbon aroma this formerly limited-edition coffee is a regular sell-out and cult favourite amongst customers worldwide.
Please note that because each batch must be aged in the barrel for up to two weeks there can sometimes be a short wait for the coffee to be roasted. The flavour and intensity of the whiskey character may also vary as different barrels affect the coffee in their own way - just as single cask whiskies have their own unique signatures.
How to brew
Common Grounds is great as either a filter or espresso coffee. For espresso, try a 17g dose (or whatever suits your machine's filter basket best), and work on a 1:2.5 ratio, making a balanced espresso weighing about 42g. For filter, we recommend using 60g per litre of water. It’s the industry standard for a reason, delivering a rich balanced flavour with most coffees.
Tasting notes
We are delighted that Common Grounds has won many 3-Star Great Taste Awards over the years. Judges commented that it, "has a great nose; feels like you can taste the barrels in the aroma. It delivers a big hit of blackcurrants and forest fruits. With milk the fruits are even more pronounced. Funky, sweet, rich and smooth. Delicious!".
