Coffee Origins

WHERE DO OUR COFFEES ORIGINATE?

The flavor and aroma of coffee can be classified by its geographic origin. Coffee beans are very similar to wine grapes in that their flavor arises from the region and climate in which they are grown, as well as the processing methods used in preparing them. With a little practice, you will begin to notice that coffees within a specific growing region develop very unique and similar characteristics.

THE AMERICAS

Central America is a lush coffee-producing region yielding some of the world's finest Arabica coffees.  The coffees grown in this area are very clean-flavored with lively acidity, medium to high body, and good complexity.  They are very delicate coffees, with subtle flavors ranging from spicy to chocolate undertones, complemented by a dry white wine aftertaste.  The most notable coffees from this region are Costa Rican Tarrazu, Guatemala Antigua and Mexico, the best of which are grown at high altitudes and make very dense, versatile roasters.

The coffees of South America are well balanced, with low to medium body and outstanding aromatic qualities.  This is the largest coffee-producing region in the world, home to coffees like Colombian Supremo, Brazil and Venezuela.   These coffees are classified as "soft" coffees due to their low to medium levels of acidity.  They are unsurpassed in sweetness with a balanced, well-rounded flavor.  Overall, the coffees of the Americas are wonderful as straight as well as versatile, flavorful blenders.

Part of the success we achieved with our espresso program can be attributed to the quality of the coffees used in each blend. Before we began experimenting, blending and balancing each espresso blend, we started with the finest varietal coffees we could find. These coffees are everything that our philosophy outlines: consistent, rare, unique and above all, exemplary. We hope you can appreciate each of these fine coffees for their own very considerable merits. Here’s our lineup:

CENTRAL AMERICA

  • Costa Rica:  DOTA Tarrazu, El Conquistador (dark chocolate! An extremely rare coffee to find in the U.S.) Santa Elena Estate, Tarrazu, Taparto "Patio-dried" (sweet and aromatic)
  • Guatemala:  Antigua, SHB EP, Hacienda Carmona (El Pulcal, Bella Carmona, the best!) Antigua, SHB EP, Finca Australia (sweet vanilla and spice)
  • Mexico:  Oaxaca, SHG, Fino Rojas (very nutty)
  • Nicaragua:  SHG estate, Matagalpa (excellent aroma, a great dark roaster)
  • Panama:  SHB, Boquette Extra-Prime (sweet, sweet, sweet!) 

INDONESIA

  • Celebes (Sulawesi):  Kalossi Toraja (spicy and earthy, but sweet and smooth)
  • Java:  Diponegoro, Government Estates (round and buttery with a bit of spice)
  • Sumatra:  Mandheling, Grade 1 (earthy and refined to a vanilla sweetness)  Mandheling, Grade 1, "Super" (liquoring and full of caramel, we found the best in the world)
  • Papua New Guinea:  A, Madan Plantation (creamy and smooth with a delicate sweetness)  AA, Sigri Estate (the finest anywhere, always with a hint of chocolate) 

SOUTH AMERICA

  • Colombia:  Supremo, Huila (well balanced, a hind of walnut!)  Supremo, Narino Reserva Del Patron (the best Colombian in the world, with a hint of chocolate!)
  • Venezuela:  Arriving Jan/Feb 1999 (sweet and unique, a rare treat from South America)
  • Brazil:  17/18 screen, Blended 3 Regions, Pedra Azul (dynamic!)  17/18 screen, Cerrado, Fazenda Jardim (crisp and light)  19 screen, Cerrado, San Lorenzo (nothing sweeter!) 

VARIOUS

  • India:  AA, Monsoon Malabar

AFRICA & ARABIA

  • Yemen:  Mocha, Mattari (berry, chocolate, all the fixins!)
  • Ethiopia:  Harra, Horse Special (truly the best of the Harrars) Yirgacheffe, Washed (great aroma with a hint of lemon-the best of Ethiopia)
  • Kenya:  AA, Euro-Prep (Kenyans are our favorite-tons of blackberry and black currant)
  • Tanzania:  Peaberry, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Extra Prime (the most amazing quality you will find) AA, Adela (Kenya's cousin, a superb roaster)
  • Zambia:  AA, Ngoli Estate (a Kenya without the crisp, sharp impact of body and acidity)
  • Zimbabwe:  AA, Pinnacle Estates (fruit and citrus laden, an exceptional coffee!)