Drink of the Week: Water Avenue Coffee Barrel-Aged El Salvador El Manzano

Our November/December holiday issue is making its way to mailboxes and stores across the country, and one story that’s already generating buzz is Kate Simon’s piece on barrel-conditioned coffees. Today’s Drink of the Week—the Barrel-Aged El Salvador El Manzano from Water Avenue Coffee in Portland, Oregon—is a great example of the emerging trend of conditioning unroasted coffee in barrels that have previously held wine or spirits. The El Manzano rests in an oak barrel that once held Pinot Noir (from Portland’s neighboring Willamette Valley wine region). But the wood adds more than just a subtle winey nuance to the brewed coffee. Expect rich flavors ranging from apple to grapes to vanilla wood spice. And check out the Nov/Dec issue for recs for additional barrel-conditioned coffees 
$18, wateravenuecoffee.com