Drinklings Coffee House — Restaurant in Wilmore

I'm not sure why Google showed two listings for this place, but I think my other review should have been here. I just copied this from my other review. Sorry for the duplication:

I'm relatively new to the South Lexington area and am searching out all the coffee places. I consider myself a true seasoned coffee aficionado, having lived in Seattle [the birthplace of modern coffee in the US], participating as an SCAA cupping judge and even importing specialty coffee from all over the world for my own pleasure. Yes, I'm an unapologetic coffee nerd, which unfortunately makes me hard to please sometimes.

I'd heard there were a couple of coffee shops in Wilmore just a few miles away, so I had to GPS it just to see what a teeny town coffee shop could serve up. Aha! It's a college town, so my chances have improved. I was going to try one other place, but drove by this Drinklings place and it smelled amazing. THEY WERE ROASTING - in Wilmore? Who knew? Seriously, I almost cried with happiness. Unfortunately, this is the middle of COVID-19 season, so I've only been able to order drinks and leave. But I've sampled a few now and this is what I've found.

Coffee: An excellent roast! 5-stars all the way. Fresh stuff right out of their own roaster, and they keep it fresh in the pot. I will have this any time of day or night with no apologies. The roastmaster here knows how to roast his beans. Smooth, perfect acidity, and a flavor that matches the aroma. No burn or off taste, and a quality bean to start with. I took a couple of bags home and was very pleased.

Tea: Some very nice varieties. I normally don't drink a lot of tea, but I've got a couple favorites here already, one of which is a white coconut. To die for, even the smell. I also got a very nice English Breakfast, all very nicely packaged so it will keep.

Chai: I could use a couple of !! marks here to describe it and it would say it all. The chai is outstanding, and a wonderful blend that you'd find in India. Many places use a sweet chai flavor or extract, but this is the real chai. WOW!

Service: Very good, nice people, and they enjoy what they do. They were handling all the COVID stuff so well and taking all the precautions I would expect.

I'll keep coming back, and even out of my way for this place. I still haven't asked what a Drinkling is yet, though it's...

Drinkling’s Coffeehouse is, without any exaggeration, one of my favorite places of all time. I’ve spent countless hours here over the last 5 years. Many books poured over, many pastoral meetings, many tender moments shared with loved ones here.

Drinkling’s is set apart from the rest because everyone from the newest barista, to the owners themselves, strive to serve this community and everyone who walks in through their doors with hospitality and excellency. It feels familiar and WARM to walk inside. Part of that is because Drinkling’s is literally in an old house but it’s mainly because of the staff and memories made here.

Drinkling’s also sources and roasts their own coffee beans! If you’re a purist who enjoys a good drip, untouched by anything else, this is your place. From dark and rich to roasts that are bright and acidic, you can’t go wrong here. They also sell their empty coffee bags from those they source from. I’ve got one hanging in my office and it’s so cool.

If you enjoy something sweet or creative, you’re also in luck! Drinkling’s doesn’t cut corners with their syrups, they make their own from scratch! Some of my favorites have been their Lumberjack (maple-bourbon), Bananas Foster, or the Viking. They’re constantly cooking up something new so make sure to try the barista special of the week!

I love the atmosphere they’ve curated, it’s very Oxford driven (as in the Oxford inklings). There is also a fair amount of humor and lightheartedness around here (that might be an understatement).

I could go on and on, but I think I’m going to just post this and go there myself....

Drinklings has been a local favorite of mine in Wilmore since I moved to the area in 2020, but it has really hit its stride in its new location. I also have really been enjoying the addition of the outdoor seating area in these last days of summer!

The coffee is excellent - especially the seasonal/barista specials and the espresso and tonic drink, the atmosphere inside is cozy and consistent, and the baristas know me and my regular drink order by name. Very grateful for their willingness to try new and creative combinations in...