FAQ

WHAT DOES ALGEBRA TASTE LIKE?

Algebra combines espresso-like intensity with subtle rum notes rounded off with a touch of cane sugar.

Nose: intense, initially dry on freshly poured espresso. Light vanilla notes and a hint of treacle.

Body: surprisingly light for a liqueur, with low viscosity.

Palate: clean and lively attack with gentle coffee acidity. Bolder on the palate, with a precise and mouth-filling roasted coffee note.

Finish: long and warming, on bitter dark chocolate. 


HOW LONG CAN I KEEP ALGEBRA?

Algebra does not need to be refrigerated. Just store away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

We recommend consuming Algebra within 6 months of opening the bottle, as oxidation may dull its more delicate aromas.


HOW IS ALGEBRA MADE?

Algebra is made only from coffee, rum and cane sugar.

Algebra does not contain any added flavour, colour or artificial sweetener.

Algebra does not contain or use any animal product in its processing.

Algebra is:

• Gluten free
• Allergen free
• Vegan

Algebra contains caffeine and 19% alcohol by volume.

WHAT TYPE OF COFFEE DO YOU USE?

We only use specialty grade arabica coffee.

Our sourcing follows the harvest and processing season in the countries of origin, so our recipe evolves throughout the year to include the freshest available coffee.

We primarily use coffees from Africa, Central and South America.

Our coffee is sourced and roasted by Has Bean in the UK.


WHERE IS ALGEBRA MADE?

Algebra is made in London.

This is where we process our coffee into an intense extract, blend it with rum and cane sugar, then filter and bottle our liqueur.


WHAT DOES "EXTRA DRY" MEAN?

“Extra Dry” means that Algebra contains less sugar than any other coffee liqueur.

Algebra is “Extra Dry” because it contains only 100 g of sugar per L, the minimum sugar content for a liqueur, as defined in European law. As an exception to the rule, only traditional cherry and gentian liqueurs have a lower minimum legal sugar content in the E.U., at 70 g/L and 80 g/L respectively.

The mentions “Dry” and “Extra Dry” have different meanings depending on the product category they qualify:

For liqueurs, the words “Dry” and “Extra Dry” are rarely used, and there is no legal quantification of sugar content for these mentions. Since 100 g/L is the minimum liqueur sugar content, and that this level of sweetness is extremely rare among brands, we believe that it is fair to describe Algebra as extraordinarily dry indeed.

For vermouths, “Dry” and “Extra Dry” imply a sugar content of less than 50 g/L and 30 g/L, respectively.

For Champagne, “Dry” and “Extra Dry” imply a sugar content between 17 and 32 g/L and between 12 and 17 g/L, respectively. Rather confusingly, these dosage levels correspond to the sweeter end of the Champagne spectrum. The driest Champagnes are “Brut”, “Extra Brut” and “Brut Nature, Ultra Brut or Zéro Dosage”.

For gin, “Dry” means a sugar content not exceeding 0.1 g/L.


WHY SUCH A LOW SUGAR CONTENT?

Sugar is an essential ingredient in liqueurs, providing texture and flavour stability.

The problem with sugar in spirits lies with how it is used. Too much is often added, and too little information given to consumers.

Sugar can enhance flavour, lend body and mask flaws in spirits. It is inexpensive. So it is tempting (and legal) for producers to add sugar to their spirits without declaring it on their label*, and to be heavy-handed in liqueur formulations.

Designing a liqueur recipe with very little sugar is a challenge. It leaves no room for error. Flavour extraction and base spirit must be of the highest quality. Ingredient and manufacturing costs are significantly higher. But we believe that it makes for a more beautiful product which is well worth the extra cost and effort.

This is why we produce Algebra with the lowest possible sugar level and disclose our sugar content on our label (100 g/L).

* in Europe, sugar may be added to gin (except London or other dry gins), vodka (except un-flavoured PGI Polish Vodka), rum, Tequila (except blanco Tequila), Cognac and Armagnac. Whisky is a notable exception.
 

CAN I ENJOY ALGEBRA NEAT?

Of course: Algebra tastes delicious on its own. Its low sugar content and light body make it a great sipping liqueur.

We recommend serving Algebra in a small nosing glass, like a dessert wine; or over ice with a fresh orange twist.
 

WHAT IS THE SIMPLEST DRINK TO MAKE WITH ALGEBRA?

Algebra mixes well with tonic or ginger ale.

• add 30 ml Algebra to an ice-filled glass
• top with 100 ml mixer
• garnish with an orange slice or twist

Find more inspiration on how to mix great drinks with Algebra here.

HOW CAN I START SELLING ALGEBRA?

Please send us an email at sales@algebradrinks.com and we’ll put you in touch with a distributor or see how we could work together.