March 15, 2024
March 14, 2024
Natural processing, a technique cherished by the coffee world, unveils the hidden flavors within coffee beans. This method allows coffee cherries to dry intact, intensifying the fruit-forward notes characteristic of this approach.
Ripe cherries are carefully selected and laid out to dry, gradually transforming into delicate, dried husks over several weeks. During this time, the beans absorb the essence of the fruit, resulting in a coffee with vibrant flavor profiles. Once fully dried, the cherries are expertly milled to reveal the precious coffee beans within.
Natural processing has become particularly common in regions without easy access to water or where water scarcity poses challenges to traditional coffee processing methods. This necessity has led to innovation, with coffee producers worldwide embracing natural processing for its quality and flavor-enhancing benefits.
While customers are familiar with Venuste and the esteemed Tumba Washing Station, this crop of Tumba Rulindo Natural brings a new coffee to our lineup, showcasing a rich flavor profile. It boasts bright, fruit-forward notes with hints of summer cherry and black tea. This sensory experience is a testament to the meticulous process and dedication of Venuste and the producers of the Rulindo District in Rwanda.
Despite its humble origins, natural processing has become synonymous with quality and innovation. We invite you to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the unique characteristics that natural processing imparts to each cup with this new offering from Tumba.
Discover Tumba Rulindo Natural HERE
February 16, 2024
November 22, 2023
Maragesha is a cross of the Gesha and Maragogype varieties, discovered as a natural mutation among trees on the plantation, this extraordinary variety was carefully cultivated to establish a distinct presence. The coffee undergoes a fermentation process, beginning with a six-day anaerobic fermentation followed by floating and hand-sorting the coffee meticulously. The use of a grainpro bag during fermentation allows for the rise of CO2 levels, thus ensuring temperature stability. Whether in its natural or stored form, this remarkable coffee delights with its unparalleled sensory experience, unfailingly maintaining its exceptional quality throughout transport. The names, Oma, Narsha, and Surma refer to different lots on the property where these coffees are grown. These three coffees use different processes of the same variety. Natural process includes drying the coffee cherries fully intact. Honey process removes the skin of the cherry and leaves the mucilage to dry.
Luis Anibal Calderon, has made it his life's passion to cultivate unique varieties of coffee. Luis comes from a line of coffee farmers, having started his venture on his father's farm at the age of 9. His thirst for unique coffee varieties has made him known for his obsession with the limits of the plant. He views his collection as an arboretum of sorts, always striving to find new cultivars and has become famous for his success in growing new and interesting coffee; our partnership with him can lead us to a new world of unique coffees.
A land of repute, Villa Betulia began producing coffee in 2012 with 5,000 Gesha trees. The farm has since been populated every year with new and unique varieties, establishing its prominence among the more forward-thinking plantations in Colombia. Villa Betulia's coffee is unparalleled; a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation.
Socials: Follow him on Instagram at @villabetuluacoffee
November 16, 2023
As a company, we take great pride in our relationship-coffee model, sourcing directly from farmers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability. This pride extends to the like-minded companies featured in our shops. One such partner is Hugo Tea, which shares our dedication to direct sourcing and ethical practices.
It brings us immense joy to showcase Hugo Tea at our cafes, where their mission and vision seamlessly align with ours. For those seeking an exceptional tea experience, we extend an invitation to explore the diverse range of seasonal loose-leaf teas available in our shops.
"The cafe is recognized for its collaboration with Hugo Tea importers, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. This approach is consistent with how Corvus sources its coffee, emphasizing direct relationships with producers globally." - Joshua Perry, Chinese Tea 101
October 31, 2023
Gesha Village is a celebrated producer of some of the finest Gesha coffees the world has to offer.
Returning Gesha to the land of its origin showcases the way this coveted profile originally presented.
We see this high scoring cup as a testament to the new high end of coffee.
Gesha coffees have been seen as one of the best coffee varieties since its cultivation in 1931. Originally discovered in the Gori Gesha Forest in Bench Maji, Ethiopia, this incredible variety was shipped to Latin America where it was lost. Fast-forward a few decades to the mid-1990s, gesha trees were found in Panama, where its reputation for wild and intense floral and sweetness truly spread across the coffee world. This coffee is the return to its origin. The names, Oma, Narsha, and Surma refer to different lots on the property where these coffees are grown. These three coffees use different processes of the same variety. Natural process includes drying the coffee cherries fully intact. Honey process removes the skin of the cherry and leaves the mucilage to dry.
Rachel Samuel, originally from Ethiopia, returned with her husband to produce a coffee documentary. While exploring Ethiopia, they were captivated by its offerings and decided to establish a farm. They chose a location close to where the Gesha plant was first discovered and aimed to reintroduce it to Ethiopia.
The farm's primary goal revolves around restoring the Gesha plant to its rightful terroir, where the ideal combination of soil, climate, and elevation harmonize to enhance the coffee's inherent qualities. Through this purposeful endeavor, the farm thrives, yielding an exceptional coffee that reaches new heights of flavor and distinction. Guided by a spirit of exploration and reverence, Gesha Village stands as a testament to the boundless potential of aligning human effort with the natural wonders of the land.
Socials: Follow them on Instagram at @geshavillage
Oma Natural: A decadent & exotic cup with notes of red grape, honeydew, and tangerine.
Narsha Natural: A complex and colorful cup with notes of honeysuckle, apricot, and bergamot.
Surma Honey: A luscious cup with sweet citrus, raspberry, and honeysuckle notes.
October 20, 2023
A stunning example of the potential of gesha coffees
FST has greater notoriety globally, with only a few US-based roasters carrying them.
Bordering a national park, FST acts as a buffer between protected nature and the rest of Panama.
Gesha coffees have been seen as one of the best coffee varieties since its cultivation in 1931. Originally discovered in the Gori Gesha Forest in Bench Maji, Ethiopia, this incredible variety was shipped to Latin America where it was lost. Fast-forward a few decades to the mid-1990s, gesha trees were found in Panama, where its reputation for wild and intense floral and sweetness truly spread across the coffee world. Finca Santa Teresa was the second farm in the world to carry the rediscovered Gesha trees, some of which still live on the farm to this day. The names of these coffees such as Estribi or Manzana directly refer to the lots on this farm where they are grown. Estribi is available in both washed and natural, while Manzana is only natural.
Nicola and Grant Fleming, the visionary founders of Finca Santa Teresa, have cultivated a truly extraordinary coffee farm in the heart of Panama. Established in 1997, their commitment to excellence extends far beyond producing exceptional coffee beans. At Finca Santa Teresa, they champion the preservation of the lush natural vegetation that graces their nearly 100-hectare estate.
The core of Finca Santa Teresa's uniqueness lies not just in the superior quality of their coffee but also in their unwavering dedication to biodiversity and sustainability. Of the expansive 100 hectares, only 70 are dedicated to coffee cultivation, demonstrating their steadfast commitment to maintaining a delicate equilibrium between pristine natural forest and productive farmland. This dedication to preserving the environment resonates through their lush landscape, adorned with meandering streams and a rich tapestry of diverse flora.
Socials: Follow them on Instagram at @fincasantateresa
Estribi Natural: Exuberant and Spirited cup with Grape Punch, Blue Raspberry Strawberry, and Rose.
Manzana Natural: Captivating and Adventurous cup Green Apple, Lilac, Rose, and Mango
Estribi Washed: Graceful and Ethereal cup with notes of White Tea, Jasmine, Lilac, and Sweet Citrus.
November 26, 2021
Elkin Guzman is a Vanguard farmer who has elevated himself to the level of a master vintner in coffee. He meticulously watches over exotic varieties as they come to life through refined processes that create the boldest flavors in coffee. His farm, “El Mirador” means “the Lookout,” and Elkin truly embodies this name. He has become THE lookout- the bell weather for what’s coming in coffee - as he perfectly combines the above ground portion of the map - terroir, flora, agronomy- and the underground portion of the map - culture, alchemy, and buried history - together.
This set includes two natural (fruity) coffees that are very interesting varieties - striped bourbon and Catiope - with unique dried fruit and spiced undertones.
Natural Acetic: Punchy marachino cherry and cinnamon candy with cacao nib sweetness.
Natural: Unconventional complexity with dried apricot, black cherry, and black currant.
November 04, 2021
When looking for coffees to include in our “Exotic” line up, the two things we evaluate are quality (scoring 88 points or higher) and uniqueness (rare varieties, interesting processes, distinctive flavors, or producers who are pushing boundaries.) La Bandida and Betulia have met these standards with flying colors, one because of the interesting processing used and the other because of its unique variety.
La Bandida • Colombia
Andres Guacas has applied wine science to La Bandida through the use of a yeast inoculated anaerobic fermentation. This is a Pink Bourbon variety whose name translates to “Bandit” and is one of the coffees this family has begun to produce with the mindset that commodity can be combated with quality. We are excited to see how they continue to expand aggressively in their production of exotic varieties.
Betulia • Colombia
Villa Betulia is a farm that has been built up by Luis Anibal Caldera slowly and consistently over many years. This particular coffee from him is an extremely rare, spontaneous cross between two exotic varieties; Maragogype & Geisha. Maragogype is known for its exceptionally large size, and Gesha is often considered to be the queen variety due to its unique flavor profile. Luis has used more than just a unique variety with this coffee – he has grown the only Maragogype-Gesha hybrid I've ever come across. This is a really high scoring cup, with super unique flavor profile due to a variety so unique that "unique" is wildly understated.
October 18, 2021
Geisha has secured its place as the legendary variety that ignited a fire within specialty coffee. It was the first rallying point for those who believe you can never “arrive” at excellence in coffee - the variety that changed our paradigm around what currently defines high end and opened our thinking to imagine what it would continue to become.
Geisha had a long and storied journey before being re-discovered in Panama at the turn of the century. In the mid 1900’s it was taken from the forests of Western Ethiopia near Sudan, the homeland of coffee, distributed as a test variety to farmers in Costa Rica, then slowly made its way to Panama. It slipped into quiet obscurity until it was re-discovered by a dairy farmer in Panama, carefully cultivated, and entered into the 2004 Taste of Panama Competition. It won by a landslide and has received world fame since. This variety has evolved to retain some of the most prized characteristics of the mother tree while also developing new attributes and flavors.
The Gesha Village project, run by Rachel Samuel and her husband Adam Overton, has brought this varietal back to the Bench Maji region of Ethiopia to bring us an insanely sweet and juicy cup. We taste lots of floral notes like Jasmine and Rose as well as distinctive tropical fruit like açaí berry and pomegranate.
The prodigal variety, changed by its travels, has come back to its native soil.
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