The Sweet and Bitter History of Allen’s Coffee Flavored Brandy

Allen's Flavored is a that is produced trough M.S. Walker in Massachusetts but has become an icon in Maine. For over two decades, it has been the top-selling liqueur product in the state. In 2008, the people of Maine consumed nearly one bottle for every man, woman, and child in the state's 1.3-million population.

This liqueur is made with neutral grain spirit mixed with coffee bean extract and sweetener. The result is a very sweet and lightly caffeinated with a taste of burnt coffee. Allen's is not made to be consumed on its own, but rather as an ingredient in .

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy has a nose of slightly burnt coffee syrup, and it tastes like an incredibly strong cup of joe. The liqueur coats the palate with a sugary viscosity that hides much of the flavor of . However, it is not too wild on that front, as Allen's clock in at 60 proof or 30 percent ABV.

The affordability of Allen's has made it a popular choice in Maine. It is often mixed with milk to create a “coffee milk” cocktail, or with hot chocolate to create a boozy winter warmer. The sweet and bitter flavors of Allen's also make it a popular addition to desserts and baked goods, such as coffee-flavored cakes and tiramisu.

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy is a beloved icon in Maine, known for its sweet and bitter taste and versatility as a cocktail ingredient. Its affordability and popularity have made it a staple in the state's drinking culture for over two decades.

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Ingredients in Allen's Coffee Brandy

Allen's coffee brandy is a type of liqueur that contains several key ingredients. The primary ingredient is a neutral grain spirit, which is a type of alcohol that has been distilled from grains such as corn or wheat. This spirit serves as the base for the liqueur and provides the majority of its alcohol content.

In addition to the neutral grain spirit, Allen's coffee brandy also contains coffee bean extract. This extract is made by soaking coffee beans in or alcohol, which allows the flavor and aroma of the coffee to be infused into the liquid. The coffee bean extract gies Allen's coffee brandy its distinctive coffee flavor and aroma.

Allen's coffee brandy contains a sweetener to balance out the strong coffee flavor. The sweetener used in Allen's coffee brandy may vary depending on the specific recipe, but it is typically a type of sugar or syrup.

The combination of neutral grain spirit, coffee bean extract, and sweetener gives Allen's coffee brandy its unique flavor and character.

Where is Allen's Coffee Brandy Produced?

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy is produced by M.S. Walker, a company based in Massachusetts. While the production of this iconic liqueur does not take place in Maine, it is incredibly popular in the state, with Mainers consuming nearly one bottle per person in 2008.

Does Allen's Coffee Brandy Contain Caffeine?

Allen's Coffee Brandy does contain caffeine, althogh the amount is relatively low compared to other caffeinated beverages. This popular coffee-flavored liqueur typically contains around 33 milligrams of caffeine per 1.5-ounce serving, which is roughly equivalent to the amount of caffeine in a small cup of decaf coffee. However, it's worth noting that the caffeine content may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and production methods used by different brands. while Allen's Coffee Brandy may not be a significant source of caffeine, it's still important to consume it in moderation and be aware of the potential effects of caffeine on your body.

ABV of Allen's Coffee Brandy

Allen's coffee brandy has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 30 percent or 60 proof. This means that for every 100 milliliters of Allen's coffee brandy, 30 milliliters are pure alcohol. In other words, Allen's coffee brandy is a relatively strong alcoholic beverage, and it should be consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy is a sweet and lightly caffeinated liqueur that has become an iconic drink in Maine. While it may not be the most sophisticated liquor out there, it is beloved by many for its unique taste and affordability. Its bitter taste of burnt coffee, coupled with a sugary viscosity, makes for a memorable drinking experience. Allen's is not meant to be consumed on its own, but it can be a great addition to a variety of cocktails. At 60 proof or 30 percent ABV, it is not too wild on the alcohol front, making it a great choice for tose who want to enjoy a drink without getting too intoxicated. Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy is a classic drink that has stood the test of time, and it will likely continue to be a favorite among Mainers and beyond for years to come.

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Thomas Ashford

Thomas Ashford is a highly educated brewer with years of experience in the industry. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours.