October 2013 Tasting Box

Lee, Massachusetts

Barrington Coffee Roasting Company has been around for nearly twenty years, but their mission has remained the same since day one. While the coffee world has changed immensely during that time, Barrington has remained the stalwart standard – everyone else just finally caught up. They were certified organic in the early ‘80s—way before most people knew what that even meant, and have practiced direct-trade long enough that by now, most of their farmers are more like family. This Yigracheffe is popping with vibrant bergamot flavors and a sparkling acidity all laced-together with a delicate, clean finish. Old hats know that when a truly great coffee comes along, it may be a one-time event. Ethiopia's coffee trade is tightly regulated, and its unknown whether Barrington will be able to get their hands on this exact coffee again. So enjoy it while it lasts, because once it's gone…

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

  ALEMU Washing Station

• Origin

  Kochere, Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia

• Varieties

  Heirloom

• Elevation

  1,800-2,000 meters above sea level

• Process

  Washed, sun-dried

• Our Notes

  This delightfully clean and playful coffee combines sparkling green grape and lime acidity with a deep lingering sweetness reminiscent of raspberry jam and butterscotch candy.

Seattle, Washington

This is our third time featuring Kuma Coffee and big developments are transpiring for this small roaster. As you sip this, Kuma is moving into a new roasting facility, complete with a new state of the art Loring roaster. Many would take this occasion to expand their business by opening a cafe, but that's just not Kuma's style. Instead, they've decided to remain focused on the powerful relationships they've built with their customers and producers. It's that focus that prompted Kuma to partner with Mugaga Farmers Cooperative in Kenya. The coop is directed by Peter Macharia, comprised of five-member factories and is known for its high-quality coffees. This particular Kenyan presents warm, comforting aromas of vanilla and caramel with complex blackcurrant and spice flavors, the perfect fall brew.

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

  Mugaga Farmers Cooperative

• Origin

  Nyeri, Central Highlands, Kenya

• Varieties

  SL-28

• Elevation

  1,600-1,700 meters above sea level

• Process

  Washed

• Our Notes

  A classic Kenyan coffee, intense and profound. Aromas of brown sugar and vanilla introduce a cup with piquant grapefruit acidity supported by a caramelized nectarine sweetness and a heavy, juicy mouthfeel. A classic Kenyan coffee, intense and profound. Aromas of brown sugar and vanilla introduce a cup with piquant grapefruit acidity supported by a caramelized nectarine sweetness and a heavy, juicy mouthfeel.

Brooklyn, New York

We could not be more excited about this coffee! We evaluated eleven Costa Rican coffees this month and this one was our favorite. And, this is the first Costa Rican we have featured since 2011! No surprise its from Craft Coffee veterans, Toby’s Estate in Brooklyn, New York. This coffee is courtesy of Maria Elena Castro and her son Luis Salazar. Located in the Palmira de Zacero micro-region in Costa Rica’s Central Valley their farm, Finca Salaca, is blessed with optimal climatic conditions for producing excellent coffees; rich volcanic soils and ideal altitude. The coffees are processed nearby at the family owned micro-mill, Las Brisas, making sure quality control is transparent from start to finish. We love this brew with its tangerine aromas, mild body and fuji-apple, honeyed flavors.

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

  Luis Salazar and Maria Elena Castro

• Origin

  Palmira de Zarcero, Central Valley, Costa Rica

• Varieties

  Typica

• Elevation

  1,800 meters above sea level

• Process

  Pulped-Natural

• Our Notes

  Aromas of toffee and malt lead into a cup with a yellow apple acidity, layered with flavors of apricots, almonds and maple. It finishes clean with notes of oak and honey.