The Prime Barrel x CoffeeBar Ethiopian Barrel Aged Whole Bean Coffee

Barrel-aged Ethiopian beans, crafted for rye lovers.

This Prime Barrel x CoffeeBar collaboration marries the bright, complex character of Ethiopian heirloom coffee with the subtle spice of rye barrels—specifically, the barrel that held our Frey Ranch "Jingle All The Frey" Cask Strength Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (Pick #146). It's patient work. Rye's gentler aromatic profile took longer to infuse than bourbon, allowing the green beans to absorb delicate notes of pepper, caraway, and oak without overpowering Ethiopia's inherent vibrancy. The result? A cup where raspberry clarity meets butterscotch warmth, held together by a shortbread softness that lingers.

Origin details that matter in the cup.

Sourced from Ethiopia at 1,800 meters above sea level, these mixed heirloom varietals bring the genetic diversity that makes Ethiopian coffee unmistakable. High altitude slows cherry maturation, concentrating sugars and acidity into fruit-forward beans that taste clean, expressive, and layered. The terroir delivers natural berry notes before any barrel ever touches the coffee. The Frey Ranch rye cask simply frames what's already there.

Roast profile built for brightness and body.

Light-medium roast preserves Ethiopia's signature fruit clarity while providing enough structure to showcase the rye-barrel influence. Too light and you'd miss the butterscotch depth from the oak. Too dark, and those delicate raspberry notes disappear. This roast level hits the balance—berry brightness upfront, shortbread sweetness in the middle, rye spice threading through the finish.

Process you can taste in every sip.

Rye barrel aging happens before roasting, with green beans resting inside the Frey Ranch "Jingle All The Frey" barrel for extended periods until the subtle oak and grain aromatics infuse evenly. This wasn't just any rye barrel—it held cask strength single barrel rye that left behind concentrated spice and oak character. Rye doesn't announce itself the way bourbon does. It whispers instead of shouts. That patience creates complexity without overwhelming Ethiopia's natural profile. Small batches only. Roasting at CoffeeBar keeps freshness locked in and lot integrity consistent across every bag.

Brew notes for peak expression.

Start at a 1:16 ratio for pour-over, with a medium-fine grind and 200°F water to let the fruit notes shine while the butterscotch and shortbread build underneath. Adjust coarser if brightness dominates, finer if you want more body. This coffee also excels as espresso—aim for a slightly longer shot (25-30 seconds) to spotlight the raspberry-butterscotch interplay with rye's peppery finish.

Specs

• Origin: Ethiopia
• Varietals: Mixed Heirloom
• Altitude: 1,800 MASL
• Roast Level: Light Medium
• Process: Aged in Frey Ranch "Jingle All The Frey" Cask Strength Rye barrel (Prime Barrel Pick #146), roasted at CoffeeBar
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, shortbread, butterscotch
• Format: Whole bean, small batch