Leith-based blender and bottler Woven Whisky has revealed the result of its collaboration with Assembly Coffee of Brixton: WXC, spirit drink blended from Scotch whisky and coffee.
WXC is not a coffee liqueur but a 'spirit drink' (the addition of coffee means the bottling cannot be called whisky) bottled at 44.5% ABV. To craft the blend, Woven whisky maker Pete Allison worked with Assembly head of quality Claire Wallace to balance malt and grain whiskies with Assembly's Colombian single origin coffee El Vergel Guava Banana. The cold-brew coffee has notes of pineapple and strawberry says Assembly, bringing "juicy, tropical depth" to the whisky.
Woven co-founder and whisky maker Pete Allison commented: “Teaming up with Assembly was about celebrating the best of both coffee and whisky, and the rituals they inspire. Each component of WXC was crafted with the other in mind, embracing a shared belief that collaboration is a path to creativity and quality. By bringing together the most important elements of both worlds, we’ve created a product that’s more than the sum of its parts and supports our wider aim to make the world of whisky more accessible.’’
The spirit drink was inspired by the changing culture of whisky drinking, mirrored by speciality coffee culture. Allison explained: “We’re seeing a shift in the way people enjoy drinks, moving fluidly between categories like coffee, whisky, natural wine and craft beer. WXC is our response to this evolving landscape, perfect for ‘in between places’ that seamlessly transition from morning coffee to evening cocktails. It’s about finding common ground between different drink cultures and creating something new and exciting around which people can converge.”
Claire Wallace, head of quality at Assembly Coffee said: “From the first meeting between Assembly and Woven, it was clear that a common belief in quality, precision and innovation presented an enticing opportunity to challenge preconceived perceptions of coffee and whisky drinks.
“WXC showcases the potential in blending together our two worlds when crafting with the other in mind. It’s this harmonious approach that has created a flavour profile in which the components complement one another and neither the coffee, nor the whisky, presents on the palate as an afterthought.
“By uniting our two teams’ shared dedication to achieving sweetness, complexity and balance, we’ve created a beverage unique in its quality — a celebration of cross-category fusion.”
WXC is made from 69.83 per cent whisky and 29.47 per cent coffee. Tasting notes from the brand highlight roasted coffee, fruit jam, crème brûlée, dark chocolate, and banana.
WXC (RRP £40) is available online via wovenwhisky.com, in-store at Assembly Coffee, and via selected retailers.
