Leith-based Woven Whisky has teamed up with Assembly Coffee to launch a groundbreaking new drink: WXC, a unique spirit blend of Scotch whisky and coffee. The collaboration aims to merge the worlds of whisky and coffee in a way that celebrates both traditions while introducing a new and exciting product.
Woven Whisky, based in Leith, has revealed the results of its latest collaboration with Assembly Coffee of Brixton: WXC, a spirit drink that blends Scotch whisky with coffee. This innovative drink, which is bottled at 44.5% ABV, is not classified as a coffee liqueur due to its whisky base and the addition of coffee, which prevents it from being labeled as whisky. Instead, it is referred to as a “spirit drink.”
Crafting the Perfect Blend
The creation of WXC was a joint effort between Woven Whisky maker Pete Allison and Assembly’s head of quality, Claire Wallace. Together, they carefully balanced malt and grain whiskies with Assembly Coffee’s Colombian single-origin coffee, El Vergel Guava Banana. This cold-brew coffee, known for its fruity notes of pineapple and strawberry, brings a “juicy, tropical depth” to the whisky, according to Assembly.
Allison explained that the goal of this collaboration was to celebrate the best qualities of both whisky and coffee while honoring the rituals associated with each. He emphasized that each component of WXC was crafted with the other in mind, with both teams working to combine their expertise in a way that would result in a product greater than the sum of its parts.
“Teaming up with Assembly was about celebrating the best of both coffee and whisky, and the rituals they inspire,” said Allison. “Each component of WXC was crafted with the other in mind, embracing a shared belief that collaboration is a path to creativity and quality. We’ve created a product that supports our wider aim to make the world of whisky more accessible.”
A Response to Evolving Drinking Habits
The inspiration for WXC stems from the shifting culture of whisky drinking, which has been influenced by the rise of specialty coffee culture. According to Allison, people are increasingly moving between different categories of beverages—such as coffee, whisky, natural wine, and craft beer—and enjoying them in new and innovative ways. WXC is designed to cater to this evolving trend by offering a drink that transitions seamlessly from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
“We’re seeing a shift in the way people enjoy drinks,” Allison said. “There’s a growing fluidity between categories like coffee, whisky, natural wine, and craft beer. WXC is our response to this evolving landscape, a drink perfect for ‘in between places’ that transition from morning coffee to evening cocktails. It’s about finding common ground between different drink cultures and creating something exciting and new.”
A Harmonious Fusion of Coffee and Whisky
For Claire Wallace, the collaboration between Woven and Assembly was driven by a shared belief in the importance of quality, precision, and innovation. She emphasized that the unique character of WXC lies in how the two ingredients—whisky and coffee—are blended together with careful consideration, creating a harmonious profile where neither component feels like an afterthought.
“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,” said Wallace. “WXC showcases the potential in blending our two worlds when crafting with the other in mind. It’s this harmonious approach that has created a flavour profile where the whisky and coffee complement each other beautifully.”
Wallace added that both teams focused on achieving sweetness, complexity, and balance, ensuring that each sip of WXC delivers a rich and well-rounded experience. The result is a product that stands out not just for its innovative combination of ingredients, but for its exceptional quality—a true celebration of cross-category fusion.
A New Era for Whisky and Coffee
WXC represents a new era of cross-category drinks, where the lines between different beverage traditions are blurring, and consumers are seeking more versatile options that can be enjoyed at any time of day. By blending Scotch whisky with cold-brew coffee, Woven Whisky and Assembly Coffee are tapping into this trend while offering a high-quality product that appeals to both coffee lovers and whisky aficionados.
With its smooth and complex flavor profile, WXC has the potential to carve out a niche in the growing market for creative and innovative beverages. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or as a unique cocktail base, WXC promises to offer an exciting new way for drinkers to experience the best of both worlds.
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