GRAIN & GLORY

Brent, founder of Riverbend Malt House, was swinging by RAD Brewing with some malt when he crossed paths with Noah, head roaster at Coffee Library.

Brent brought up an old industry tradition: the Salted Nut Roll hidden inside malt pallets, a sweet thank-you that sparked joy (and sometimes a brawl) among brewers across the country. But Brent had a different idea—what if, instead of a candy bar, Riverbend started sending out something even more flavorful, something brewed?

A coffee blend. A custom creation inspired by the deep, toasty notes of his favorite malts.

With the idea brewing, the next step was to craft a coffee that spoke the same language as malt. Brent and Noah sat down with a spread of Riverbend’s signature malt samples and a lineup of Coffee Library roasts. Together, they explored the parallels—notes of toasted nuts, caramelized sugars, dark fruit, and chocolate all rooted in the alchemy of heat and time.

GRAIN & GLORY: A cup of coffee with the soul of a malt.

It opens with creamy cocoa and brown sugar—smooth, familiar, and comforting. Then comes the unexpected: a burst of stone fruit, velvety and lush, layered with toasted depth and a wisp of smoke. Like a brûléed compote, it’s sweet with an edge.

The finish lingers. Dark chocolate settles in while a faint cherry smoke drifts through the silence. It doesn’t just end—it leaves an impression.