Audible gasps are frequent on the ES Best Shopping desk.
They occur when computers freeze, when we hear news of an exciting new launch, when it’s someone’s birthday, or when something completely commonplace has happened.
Yet never has a gasp from our Shopping Editor (rippled with delayed reactionary gasps among the team) sent such shockwaves through the office as the one she made after learning that Patron’s delectable coffee-infused liqueur was set to be discontinued.
Citing a desire to focus on the brand’s core products, Bacardi announced the devastating decision in late 2021.
Things looked up in 2023 when, due to popular demand, Patron’s parent company said they’d bring it back in limited amounts for the US market only. Confusingly, you can still grab a bottle in the UK via Amazon or The Whisky Exchange for £40.50, and stocks don’t appear to be limited. And so fans remain confused as to the future of Patrón XO Café. One thing’s for sure: if its days are numbered, it’s time to start seeking an alternative.
If it’s a pre-mixed espresso martini you’re after, there are plenty of ready-to-drink formulas on the market. I know, because I tried them here. Other coffee-laced alternatives exist from the likes of Mr Black, Bandero, Cazcabel and Vivir, as you’ll note in our roundup here.
While many come close to Patron’s nutty, slightly honeyed Mexican-made distillation, a new contender has turned my head. Allow me to introduce: Belvedere’s Dirty Brew.
With an RRP of £41.99, the 30 per cent ABV spirit is crafted to be served straight-up, unlike liqueurs such as Kahlúa, which is normally used as part of a cocktail for a sweeter, creamier, rum-infused coffee base.
It’s Kahlúa’s super sweet flavour when served straight-up that makes a smooth yet dry coffee-infused liqueur like Patrón XO Café such a surprising and grown-up treat. But can Belvedere’s take on a coffee liqueur, utilising the distillery’s signature, premium organic Polish vodka, replace the beloved tequila option? Keep scrolling for a full taste test.
Available in 70cl bottles and 5cl miniatures, Belvedere Dirty Brew can be found at Selfridges’ Foodhall now.
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Belvedere Dirty Brew
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An ultra-dry liqueur for true coffee lovers, Belvedere Dirty Brew is the new, ultra-refined way to sip something straight-up.
Unlike its fellow caffeinated counterparts, the premium vodka-based option hits the palate with a bang, sans sweetened aftertaste. It delivers a hearty kick thanks to the bold taste of roasted organic robusta beans, which blends perfectly with the brand’s iconic organic Polish rye vodka.
While tasting notes include decadent toffee, the overwhelming flavours are those of vodka and coffee, pure and simple. Just as it should be. When first nosed, the 30 per cent ABV beverage consequently almost has a whisky-like scent, which soon dissipates into swirling aromas of coffee, rye and russet.
Adding it to an espresso martini would be doing it a disservice. Enjoy it neat in a chilled shot glass.
Buy now £41.99, Selfridges
