When it comes to coffee liqueur, few bottles can claim the prestige of State Line Distillery’s Coffee Liqueur in Madison, Wisconsin. Voted “Best in the World” three years in a row in blind taste tests, this spirit has earned its reputation as a standout in the category, beating out bigger, global names with a mix of authenticity, balance, and irresistible flavor.
Even NFL legend Drew Brees has taken notice, recently becoming an owner of State Line Distillery. In his words:
“I am incredibly excited to be an owner of State Line Distillery. Winning Double Gold medals three years in a row at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition speaks volumes about the quality and craftsmanship that goes into this product and about State Line as a whole. This coffee liqueur is truly exceptional, and I look forward to sharing this remarkable spirit with both my fans and coffee lovers everywhere.”
Less sugar and a lower price than Kahlúa are part of the appeal, but the real difference is in the ingredients. State Line distills its liqueur with real, locally roasted Kin-Kin Coffee, cold brewed to capture bold aroma and depth, then blended with a clean neutral grain spirit and cane sugar. That craftsmanship has earned the distillery Double Gold medals three years running at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a rare achievement that underscores just how remarkable this bottle is.
The flavor lands somewhere between indulgent and restrained. It’s velvety smooth with rich notes of coffee and chocolate, finishing like a square of dark chocolate: not too sweet, not too bitter. The balance makes it versatile enough to pour over ice as an after-dinner sip, or to shake into an Espresso Martini that instantly tastes elevated.
With National Coffee Day on September 29, the timing couldn’t be better. For coffee lovers who live for their morning ritual and cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate balance in a glass, this is a spirit that bridges both worlds.
For those who like to experiment, State Line shares a range of ideas for mixing and sipping their liqueur, from spiked cold brews to creative riffs on dessert cocktails. You can find them at their cocktail recipe lounge.
In a category often dominated by sugary, one-note brands, State Line Distillery has managed to create something that’s decadent yet sophisticated. It’s not just one of the best coffee liqueurs in America, it’s been judged, time and again, the best in the world.
