March 2012 Tasting Box

Redlands, California

Wouldn’t it be nice if your daily cup supported a good cause? Take the Sacof Cooperative in Rwanda, which not only provides a much needed market for its network of small farmers, it also gives them the tools to help their farms thrive. With gifts of livestock and organic fertilizer, farmers are able to grow better coffee, ultimately bringing you a better cup. The increased income then affords the families funds for schooling and other necessities. Augie’s Coffee Roasters favors the country’s western Kivu region for varieties like this gentle and fruity brew: A delicate strawberry sweetness and buttery mouthfeel complement clean flavors of black tea and honey.

Craft Coffee subscriptions are the best way to drink better coffee for less money. With prices as low as $7.99 per 12oz bag, Craft Coffee's subscriptions are the best coffee deal anywhere -- online or offline.

• Producer

  Sacof Cooperative

• Origin

  Kivu Area, Rutsiro District, Rwanda

• Varieties

  Bourbon

• Elevation

  1,800 to 2,000 meters above sea level

• Process

  Washed

• Our Notes

  A delicate strawberry sweetness and buttery mouthfeel complement clean flavors of black tea and honey.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Not only does great coffee improve your morning, it can improve the lives of producers. That’s certainly the case in Burundi, a small African country south of Rwanda where coffee is the main export. Over the past five years, the growing premium coffee market has revitalized the region, particularly in Kayanza, where the Gacokwe Cooperative works with more than 1,700 small producers. Our first-ever featured Burundian brew is expertly roasted by MadCap Coffee Company to bring out its bold flavors: striking lime and stone fruit acidity introduces distinct flavors of blackcurrant, a syrupy body, and a lime zest finish.

Craft Coffee subscriptions are the best way to drink better coffee for less money. With prices as low as $7.99 per 12oz bag, Craft Coffee's subscriptions are the best coffee deal anywhere -- online or offline.

• Producer

  Gacokwe Washing Station/Cooperative

• Origin

  Kayanza, Burundi

• Varieties

  Bourbon, Jackson, Mibirzi

• Elevation

  1,650 meters above sea level

• Process

  Fully washed and dried on raised beds

• Our Notes

  Striking lime and stone fruit acidity introduces distinct flavors of blackcurrant, a syrupy body, and a lime zest finish.

Topeka, Kansas

More than a century ago, the owner of Finca Villa Loyola, in the Andean Mountains of Colombia, donated this farm to his church. Today it’s a model coffee farm, with a model product that won the 2008 Cup of Excellence, coffee’s most prized recognition. Local resident and church member, Mauricio Rosero sees to it that the farm continually improves its treatment of workers and its relationship with the surrounding community. Meanwhile, PT’s Coffee Roasting Co. ensures that this complex, sun-dried Caturra coffee treats your tastebuds well: cherry sweetness and lime acidity lead into a malty center and a lingering finish of honeydew melon and brown sugar.

Craft Coffee subscriptions are the best way to drink better coffee for less money. With prices as low as $7.99 per 12oz bag, Craft Coffee's subscriptions are the best coffee deal anywhere -- online or offline.

• Producer

  Finca Villa Loyola

• Origin

  Chachagui, Nariño, Colombia

• Varieties

  Caturra

• Elevation

  1,900 meters above sea level

• Process

  Washed, Sun Dried

• Our Notes

  Cherry sweetness and lime acidity lead into a malty center and a lingering finish of honeydew melon and brown sugar.