Last week I visited the Custom Lane Gallery Space in Leith for the launch of WXC, a one-of-a-kind spirit drink that blends Scotch whisky with Colombian single-origin coffee.
From the award-winning contemporary Leith whisky studio Woven, known for its fresh approach to whisky, they’ve partnered with Assembly Coffee in Brixton to launch WXC, exploring the intersection of whisky and coffee cultures, and bringing two worlds of ritual, flavour, and craftsmanship into this very moreish drink.
The collaboration brings together the expertise of Woven’s Whisky Maker and Co-founder, Pete Allison and Assembly’s Head of Quality, Claire Wallace, who placed third in the World Barista Championship 2023. It marries the artistry of Woven’s whisky blending techniques with Assembly’s meticulous coffee roasting and sourcing philosophy.
The result is a flavour profile in which both components interact harmoniously for a serve that is bold yet balanced, fresh yet familiar – with neither whisky or coffee presenting as an afterthought.
The final product combines a proprietary blend of whiskies, leaning on fruit forward Speyside malts, and a particularly silky grain whisky that pairs beautifully with Assembly’s single-origin El Vergel Guava Banana, which boasts bright notes of pineapple and strawberry. Cold-brewed and expertly balanced, the coffee infuses the whisky with a juicy, tropical depth, resulting in a liquid which is equally at home in a cocktail or served neat, or adds a special touch to an old fashioned or espresso martini.
The spirit is designed to reflect an evolving whisky culture, where traditional consumption habits are being increasingly influenced by other categories and occasions. The rise of speciality coffee culture has created a roadmap for whisky to navigate new serves and drinking occasions that appeal to a curious, educated audience who value quality products as well as interesting flavour experiences.
Pete Allison was on hand to explain more about their latest creation. “WXC celebrates the shared complexity and processes associated with both whisky and coffee, offering a spirit that invites both whisky enthusiasts and specialty coffee aficionados to discover an entirely new taste experience. In the same way that the traditional boundaries about where, and when, and by who these drinks are consumed are dissolving, the two brands hope to blend their communities through WXC.
“We’re seeing a shift in the way people enjoy drinks, moving 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.”
With just 1,500 bottles of the spirit available, WXC is as rare as it is unique. Non chill filtered and bottled at 44.5 ABV, with less than 1% sugar, WXC features 69.83% whisky and 29.47% coffee.
WXC is available to purchase at wovenwhisky.com and in-store at Assembly Coffee in Brixton, as well as from specially selected retailers, including Margiotta Food and Wine stores in Edinburgh, at an RRP of £40.
