Nocturne Noir’s Jason Ong on Disrupting the Coffee Liquor Scene

Coffee and alcohol have long been familiar companions, found side by side in everything from the classic espresso martini to after-dinner liqueurs that warm the palate. Nocturne Noir takes this relationship to a new level, distilling the essence of each with remarkable craft. Nocturne Noir is not your average coffee liqueur. This refined coffee spirit is made without sugar, additives or shortcuts — just pure Eau de Vie aged with single-origin Colombian Arabica beans. The Eau de Vie is composed of barley, wheat and rye, which have been distilled five times in a copper still and triple filtered with basalt lava rocks and quartz sand to remove any impurities. In this exclusive interview, LUXUO speaks to Jason Ong about redefining what a coffee spirit can be, building a refined ritual around flavour and where he hopes to take this award-winning label next.

Tell us about the origins of Nocturne Noir.

Nocturne Noir was born from the founders’ love of both coffee and whisky, with the first formulation dating back to 2012. Most coffee-based alcohols on the market are liqueurs — typically sweetened and filled with colourings, flavourings, and additives. While some are enjoyable, few are crafted to be savoured neat as a primary drink for the evening. Nocturne Noir was created to change that — a pure, refined coffee spirit with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. After six years of development and refinement, it launched in 2019 and has since gone on to win multiple international awards.

What is the Eau de Vie composed of and what are its dominant tasting notes?

Our Eau de Vie is distilled five times and triple-filtered, made from a blend of barley, wheat and rye. This process gives it exceptional smoothness and a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. On the palate, you’ll find notes of toffee, amaretto, hazelnut and almond, with a subtle creaminess — even though it is entirely pure and dairy-free.

Why the emphasis on using only Colombian coffee beans?

We use only the finest Arabica coffee beans from Colombia because its ideal climate and geography produce some of the world’s best coffee. Arabica beans offer a more delicate and complex flavour profile, lower caffeine content and a natural harmony with our Eau de Vie — making it the perfect match for Nocturne Noir.

How do you recommend people enjoy Nocturne Noir?

We suggest serving Nocturne Noir chilled neat at around 5°C or over ice. It is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with cuisines such as Japanese, Italian, French and Cantonese.

Coffee spirits are relatively new in Southeast Asia. Are Singaporeans open to trying new cocktails?

Absolutely. Cocktail culture is gaining strong momentum in Southeast Asia, especially in Singapore. To showcase Nocturne Noir’s versatility, renowned mixologist Din Hassan created five signature cocktails — all of which are easy to replicate at home. The recipes are available on our website.

Can you name some cocktail bars in Singapore that serve Nocturne Noir?

Yes, several esteemed venues in Singapore offer Nocturne Noir, including Capasso, Ole Bar, Smoke & Mirrors, LVLR Rooftop Bar, The Hidden Story and Hermitage.

How do you ensure consistent quality at Nocturne Noir?

Quality is non-negotiable. Every ingredient is carefully selected and must meet our exacting standards before it is approved. The production process is tightly controlled, and we conduct rigorous taste tests on every batch to ensure it meets our flavour profile before bottling. This commitment to quality is reflected in our consistent success at international spirits competitions.

Tell us about your sustainability efforts.

Sustainability is important to us. All of our packaging is recyclable. Our uniquely designed bottles are often repurposed by customers as décor items or flower vases, helping to reduce waste and extend their use.

Where do you see Nocturne Noir in five years? What are the key milestones ahead?

In five years, I envision Nocturne Noir available on every continent — becoming the go-to name when people think of coffee spirits. We’re working toward expanding distribution globally while maintaining the quality and ethos of our brand.

If there’s one ultimate thing you’d like people to know about Nocturne Noir, what would it be?

Nocturne Noir is a coffee spirit unlike any other — pure, elegant and free from added sugar, colouring, or flavourings. It’s made to be appreciated in its natural form.

Can you share your favourite variety of coffee?

My all-time favourite is Esmeralda Geisha for its vibrant and complex flavour profile, though it’s not commonly found in Singapore. San Alberto from Colombia is my usual go-to and more widely available.

If you could name a mentor or source of inspiration in your career, who would it be?

While I’ve never had a personal mentor, I’ve found great inspiration in the work and philosophy of two individuals: Napoleon Hill and Li Ka-shing. Their insights on mindset, strategy, and resilience have deeply influenced my approach to both life and business.

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