In the world of fine spirits, few things hit quite like a good bourbon on a crisp fall evening. Now, imagine that same warmth laced with the rich kick of freshly roasted coffee. That's the story behind Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon's latest creation, Gold Roast Bourbon. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf—it's a nod to old-school American traditions, blending the smooth burn of Tennessee whiskey with the deep, comforting notes of Arabica beans. For guys who appreciate a drink that tells a story, this one draws from the days when bourbon and coffee were everyday anchors, fueling long talks and hard work.
Launched right as the leaves start turning in 2025, Gold Roast Bourbon steps up as a permanent addition to Bib & Tucker's lineup. It's a 6-year-old Tennessee bourbon, clocking in at 92 proof and 46% ABV, with a suggested retail price around 50 bucks. What sets it apart is the finish: whole roasted Arabica coffee beans from Honduras' Agalta region get steeped in using a cold extraction technique. This keeps things balanced, letting the bourbon's natural flavors shine without getting buried under too much coffee punch.
Image credit: Bib & Tucker
The folks at Bib & Tucker didn't rush this. They start with their tried-and-true mash bill of corn, rye, and barley. The spirit goes through the classic Lincoln County Process, filtering over sugar maple charcoal for that extra smoothness Tennessee whiskeys are known for. Then it's aged at least six years in fresh American oak barrels, building up those layers of vanilla and oak. Only in the final stretch do they bring in the coffee—roasted to exact specs and cold-steeped at cask strength. The result? A whiskey that's got the backbone of tradition but a fresh twist for today's tastes.
Alan Kennedy, the master blender behind it all, puts it plain: he wanted to capture that timeless link between bourbon and coffee, staples from the early 1900s when life moved a bit slower. "We aimed for a spirit that holds the richness of a custom coffee roast but doesn't overpower our 6-year bourbon's character," Kennedy explains. "It's all about that smooth, complex finish—refined and true to what we do." He points out how every step was tweaked for harmony, from the charcoal filter to the final blend.
Partnering with Muletown Coffee Roasters made perfect sense. Based in Columbia, Tennessee, Muletown's been roasting since 2013, taking their name from the town's old mule-breeding fame back when it was the go-to spot for sturdy work animals. They're all about small-batch quality, sourcing direct-trade beans and focusing on craft over mass production. For Gold Roast, they created a custom blend of those Honduran Arabica beans, roasted just right to mesh with the bourbon. Kennedy calls them neighbors who share the same values—putting in the work to make something worthwhile.
When you crack open a bottle, the experience starts with the nose: deep hits of fresh-brewed coffee mixed with molasses, a touch of sweet corn, and some spice in the background. On the palate, it's vanilla and young oak up front, easing into milk chocolate smoothness. The finish hangs around medium-long, leaving oak and vanilla with a subtle dark roast coffee edge and a bit of brown spice. The color's a rich, deep amber, like walnut wood or aged sherry—inviting you to pour and savor.
This bourbon fits right into how real whiskey fans like it: neat for the pure taste, over ice to mellow it out, or in cocktails where the spirit leads. Think a twist on an old fashioned, maybe with a dash of bitters to play up the coffee notes. It's built for those moments—kicking back after a long day, sharing stories with buddies, or just enjoying the quiet.
Image credit: Bib & Tucker
But Bib & Tucker isn't stopping at the bottle. They've rolled out a special gift set called the Gold Roast Provisions Parcel, priced at about 85 dollars and available online through ReserveBar. It's timed for Bourbon Heritage Month, National Coffee Day on September 29, and the holiday rush. Inside a branded box, you get the Gold Roast Bourbon, a bag of that same custom Gold Roast Blend Coffee from Muletown—premium Arabica from Honduras—plus leather coasters and high-quality glassware. It's the kind of package that says thought went into it, perfect for gifting to a fellow enthusiast or treating yourself.
Gold Roast slots into Bib & Tucker's core offerings, alongside the Classic Six, their flagship 6-year small batch at 92 proof, and the Double Char, another 6-year at 88 proof. All of them stick to the brand's roots: inspired by America's turn-of-the-century boom, when progress and adventure were in the air, and every bourbon was made small batch. Aged in Tennessee's rolling hills, they skip additives, fake flavors, or colors. While other labels ditch age statements, Bib & Tucker slaps theirs front and center—minimum six years on everything. The Classic Six even scored 93 points from Whisky Advocate, landing in their top 20 back in 2021.
Behind the scenes, Bib & Tucker comes from Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, a company started in 1981 by Bill Deutsch. They built a name marketing top wines from around the world, then expanded into spirits in 2009. Today, their lineup covers whiskies like Redemption and Masterson's Rye, gins like Gray Whale, tequilas like Cantera Negra, and vodkas like Luksusowa. On the wine side, they've got hits from Australia like Yellow Tail, California spots like Josh Cellars, French options like Hob Nob, and more from Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, and Argentina. It's a portfolio geared toward what modern drinkers want—quality with a story.
Muletown, for their part, keeps it local and straightforward. They're committed to their community, roasting beans that create good vibes and honor their town's history. If you're curious, their site has more on how they source and roast.
In the end, Gold Roast Bourbon isn't just a drink—it's a bridge between past rituals and today's pace. For men who've earned their downtime, it's a reminder that some things, like a solid pour and a strong cup, never go out of style. Whether you're stocking the bar for fall gatherings or eyeing that gift set for the holidays, this one's worth the reach. Head to bibandtuckerbourbon.com for the full scoop, or check muletowncoffee.com to dive deeper into the beans. It's launching nationwide this August, ready to redefine your next sip.
