Coffee – Chris M Evans Personal Musings

I seem to drink an inordinate amount of coffee, which I enjoy collecting and sampling from trips around the world (mostly North America and Europe). I try and choose a different blend every few days and usually have around a dozen to choose from, depending on my travels. I thought it would be interesting to keep track of the ones I’ve tried and see how they all compare.

Blue Bottle Coffee

One of San Francisco’s most popular and well known coffee houses. Unfortunately for UK folks, the name conjures up large unpleasant house flys! Thankfully the coffee redeems them.

Bella Donovan – this has a lot of similarities to Three Africas; a creamy taste to the coffee and a similar look when blended. Although pleasant, I think this is not a morning coffee, perhaps more suited to after dinner with a sweet dessert or mints. (link) (Purchased June 2017)
Night Light Decaf – yes this is a decaffeinated blend but it still stands up to scrutiny. In fact this is a great morning coffee. It’s smooth, bright and drinkable. Worth the purchase. (link) (Purchased June 2017)
Three Africas – a blend of two coffees from Ethiopia and one from Uganda (so their website tells me), hence the name. Comes across to me as creamy vanilla tasting, which is nice, but I’m not a massive fan of cream. Will need to try without milk and see the difference. This was acquired with some others during a recent trip to San Francisco; I was up at 7am at the Ferry Building to buy it. (Purchased June 2017)

Bluestone Lane

Flagstaff Blend. I picked up this coffee on a recent trip to New York. This is pretty good; a nice standard blend for any time of the day. Tasting notes say Cocoa Nib, marzipan and molasses (link). (Purchased September 2016)
Flagstaff Drip Blend. Presumably this is meant to be used for cold drip coffee, all the rage in the US at the moment. I haven’t done that but used normally in a coffeemaker (hot water filter machine). The results have been less than optimal and I’m disappointed with this, which is meant to have a toasted almond, vanilla and milk chocolate overtone. I’d agree with the milk chocolate, which is not my favourite idea of coffee taste. Possibly one for other people! Beans are sourced from Brazil and Colombia (Purchased August 2017)

Blue Coffee Box

This is a new vendor for me and a gift for my 54th birthday. One selection per month. I think Blue Box is a generic supplier, providing access to other vendors.

Cocafelol – Coffee from Honduras. This is described as butterscotch, lemon and nutty. (Beans, June 2020)
Kahawa – Kenyan, described as redcurrants, grapes and berry. (beans, July 2020)

Butterworth & Son

We purchased this while on a short break on Aldeburgh. The company are based in Bury St Edmunds.

Colombia Aztec Gold – Described as a rich chocolate and dark berry flavour. Certainly rich tasting and one to locate again. Purchased November 2021 (Beans).
Guatemala Tikal Gold – milk chocolate, creamy and raspberry, apparently! This tastes to me slightly earthy with good depth. Purchased December 2021 (Beans).
Kenya – a blended coffee from multiple providers. Nice and smooth. Easy drinking for any time of day. Purchased January 2022 (Beans)
Peru Red Caturra – This coffee was OK, but had too much of a creamy nature for me. The tasting notes describe it having Chocolate, brown sugar and vanilla. Perhaps it’s the vanilla angle that I’m struggling with! Purchased January 2022 (Beans)

Chromatic Coffee Co

Gamut Espresso. This is a blend introduced to me by Sean Derrington (link). It’s a rather delicious blend from Chromatic that claims tastes of chocolate and creamy butterscotch. I always struggle to visualise some of the definitions, however this is great coffee and well liked in the Silicon Valley offices of Exablox (purchased February 2016)

Costco

Kirkland Colombian Supremo. Another of Costco’s own brand coffees (link), which is actually quite good. This offering is classed as a medium blend, although does have a deep, almost burnt roast to it. This is one I’d recommend as a good backup coffee, although it wouldn’t appear in the top 10. (Purchased November 2017).
Kirkland Guatemalan. This is Costco’s own brand and comes, unsurprisingly in large bags. The roast level is medium to dark and the coffee for me is just a little to heavy on the roasting side. I’d also describe the blend as a little rough, with not a lot of subtlety. Unlikely I will be buying again. (Purchased December 2016)
Kirkland Tanzania. Not a bad choice, this one. A Costco own brand that’s medium roasted, but tastes stronger than that. Good robust roast and definitely recommended. (Purchased April 2022).

Cuvee Coffee

This coffee was a gift from the AR team at Pure Storage and received at Pure Accelerate 2019.

Balanced and Classic. Not bad, pretty good as a general coffee and certainly drinkable. (link Acquired September 2019, beans)

Dark Woods Coffee

I discovered Dark Woods Coffee from the Liberty purchase in August. As a result, I thought it would be interesting to try these coffees directly.

Barrel Aged. This is a strange and intriguing coffee. The taste comes through as if liqueur has been already added prior to drinking. Imagine coffee with Bailey’s as a single drink. This makes it great for an evening or after dinner – not so good first thing in the morning. Perfect for dinner parties though. (Purchased December 2018, beans)
Deer Hill. I was quite surprised to realise we hadn’t had Deer Hill before now. There is a slight nutty tang to this coffee, described as being notes of hazelnuts and chocolate. Those themes are definitely there, which makes this a coffee for a treat or at the end of the meal at a dinner party. (Purchased July 2022, beans)
Driftwood. Caramel, almond, stone fruit (whatever that is). This Colombian blend is delicious and drinkable any time of day. We’ve not tried this before, but we will be trying it again! (Purchased July 2022, beans)
Columbia El Jordan. I have to admit to trying this and not really paying attention to the taste. Will need to re-order so I can add a rating/opinion! (Update 2021 – Have since reordered and enjoyed this robust flavoured coffee) (Purchased December 2018, beans)
Good Morning Sunshine. French toast on a summer morning – allegedly. Actually this is a nice refreshing blend for the morning and easily drinkable. Enjoyable and worth re-ordering. (link, Purchased August 2018, beans)
Lamplight Decaf. As decaffeinated coffees go, this was pretty good. I always find that removing the caffeine can create a bitter taste. Not with this coffee. Would have it again for the caffeine sensitive. (link) (Purchased December 2018, beans)
Under Milk Wood. This is an espresso blend and aimed at complementing coffee with milk, which it undoubtedly does. The result is a caramel taste, which is smooth and enjoyable at any time. This could become a new favourite and will definitely get ordered again. (link Purchased August 2018, beans)
Snow Stone. This coffee was on limited edition and only available in 150g bags. It’s strong, with flavours of oak and bourbon. Great, but in small quantities! (Purchased December 2020, beans)
Panama La Huella. This is a single origin produced using the red honey process, with flavours of toffee and red fruits and with a syrupy body. I can attest to the syrupy flavour, however, I’m not sure (yet) whether this justifies the extra expense (only sold in 250g bags). (Purchased February 2021, beans).
Mikava, Marsella (Colombia). I was hoping this coffee would have depth and complexity, however I found it somewhat overly woody, with tobacco/molasses overtones. I think perhaps it requires less coffee per litre of water when preparing. (Purchased July 2021, beans)

Dunkin’ Donuts

Who would have thought a doughnut shop could sell good coffee? People claim Dunkin’ coffee is good, but is it?

Original Blend – surprisingly good! This is a nice tasty blend that has real depth and is well roasted, but not too much. I’ll be buying this again as a staple in the cupboard.

Equal Exchange

Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Classed as floral and citrusy, this is a nice regular coffee. The Yirgacheffe beans are supposed to be quite classy. In my experience they’re OK, but I’ve had better. (link). (Purchased April 2018)

Farrer’s

Farrer’s claims to the oldest coffee roasting company in the UK. They are based in Kendal in the Lake District in the UK.

No. 1 Blend. This appears to be a house standard blend, which claims to be nutty and full-bodied. With a strength of only 1 of 3, this coffee still packs a punch and definitely has plenty of strong oaky and nutty flavourings. (Purchased April 2021, ground).
Kenya Peaberry. Fairly bland and OK 2/3 strength coffee, described as plum and grapes. Probably an accurate measure of the end of branch pea berries. Good regular coffee. (Purchased January 2022, beans)
India Monsoon Malabar. Nice blend, smooth and easy, a coffee for any time. Slightly creamy with milk. Rated as a 2/3 strength and described as a soft, clean flavour. (Purchased December 2021, beans)

Fonte

El Salvador La Providencia. This was another purchase (link) in Seattle, from Fonté on 1st Avenue in Seattle. This particular blend has a rich deep but at the same time refreshing taste. I really like the Fonte blends and wish I’d bought a few more. Perhaps I can justify another trip to Seattle! (Purchased June 2016)

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum’s is well known as a groceries emporium, with a wide range of products that include tea, coffee and preserves like jam and honey.

Akbar Blend – Sadly, Fortnum doesn’t have an online list describing their coffees, with literally no detail on the packaging other than name. However, I did take a picture of the in-shop guide, which tells me this is a blend from Central and South America and Kenya. It’s a really pleasant smooth blend, with good depth. (Purchased August 2018, beans)

FIKA

This is a new company I found while in New York in August 2017. It’s more of a pastry and chocolate company than coffee specialist, however now has branches all around Manhattan. I think we visited the original shop, which is a hybrid of Swedish and NYC culture.

Brew – this is described as Fika’s signature brew – simple name I guess. However that’s no reflection on the quality of the coffee. This is a blend that is smooth and hugely drinkable, like a good chocolate. It’s 100% Arabica variety, grown in Quetzaltenango in Guatemala (link) (Purchased August 2017)
Supremo – described as a single-origin (100% Arabica) blend made with Colombian Supremo beans from the Huila region. Tasting notes claim caramel and sweet apple, which is definitely there. I’d buy FIKA again – next time in NYC. (link) (Purchased July 2017)

Gregorys Coffee

Gregorys is based in New York City.

Gregs House. I picked up this coffee on a trip to NYC (Manhattan specifically). It’s a general blend, with nothing specifically punchy about it. A good regular brew that talks about milk chocolate and roasted peanut. I agree there’s a peanut hint there but I wouldn’t say it comes out that strongly. Here’s a link (purchased September 2016)
La Huella. Nearly 12 months later and I’m back in NYC again. With a Greg’s around the corner I took the opportunity to find something different. This is a coffee from Nicaragua, described as having a tangerine-like sweetness with plum and hazelnut overtones. For me this was great as a light refreshing coffee that I will miss. We drank it far too quickly. Well worth it. (link) (Purchased August 2017)
San Carlos. This was purchased in Manhattan with the coffee sourced from Guatemala. It’s a nice blend, probably a regular coffee drinking choice rather than for a special occasion. I liked it as a regular brew. It doesn’t look like Gregorys keep their blends very long. Here’s a blog post (link) discussing the blend. (Purchased September 2016)
Kayon Mountain. Another NYC purchase. This again, is creamy and almond-like, as a light blend. Beans are from the Guji region of Ethiopia and are described has having lemon, jasmine and raspberry tones. I sometimes wonder about that – are the descriptions as made up as those of wine? (link) (Purchased July 2017)

The Grumpy Mule

The Grumpy Mule is based in the UK (Holmfirth).

Dark Peak Coffee – I picked this one up at Costco and it’s not bad, as well as being reasonably priced (around half the cost online). It is strong and bold without been overpowering. Definitely flavours of muscovado sugar and hazelnuts. I suspect it has a lot of caffeine! (Purchased July 2023, beans)

Harrods

Harrods is the iconic department store based in Knightsbridge, London. The food halls at Harrods are legendary. Including their coffee and tea section!

Knightsbridge Roast 8. Very dark, almost earthy coffee flavour, described as nutty, caramel and chocolate. This is great, a bit like a dark chocolate bar without the overt coffee flavour. A blend with coffee from Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia and Costa Rica. (Purchased November 2021, ground).
Columbian San Agustin. I enjoyed this coffee. Despite a 3/5 and medium strength rating it does have depth and quality to it. This is a single origin bean, described as light and buttery with lemon and nectarine. Worth purchasing again. (Purchased February 2018, beans)
Kenyan Blue Mountain. This is a delicious smooth blend, as you’d imagine for a coffee with Blue Mountain in the name. This has been an enjoyable coffee for any time of the day, with a feeling of luxury (which isn’t surprising at £45/kg). Unfortunately not all the Harrods coffees are available online, but this one is sold in packs (link). (Purchased March 2017)
Knightsbridge Roast. This one is nice and definitely has the dark roast depth that is promised. The blend is Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia and Costa Rica. Described as nutty, caramel and chocolate. I’ll be making a 2nd purchase! (Purchased February 2018, beans)
Signature Blend. I wasn’t as impressed with this one compared to other coffee, either from Harrods or elsewhere. It’s very light and lacking in depth for my personal tastes. With coffee like this, I find myself using more of it to get the same flavour I like. At £30/kg, I don’t see it as great value for money. (Purchased March 2017)
Old Brown Java. This as great light and flavour-some coffee that’s drinkable at any time. I really enjoyed this one and it didn’t take long to plough through this within a week! Mid-priced to some of the other Harrods offerings and great value. (Purchased April 2017)
Javan Ijen. I was expecting so much more from this coffee. Rated as a 4/5, it is a dark roast of Arabica Typica beans. Although there was an initial deep taste, the flavour dies quickly and has no lingering value. Shame. (Purchased February 2018, beans)

House of Coffee

This is a small shop and distribution company located near me in Leighton Buzzard – although I did get the coffee delivered!

Kenya Peaberry – I enjoyed this blend, which claims to be fruity and rich. I found it certainly rich, with that slight edge of olive roughness. I’d order again, although I did accidentally order grounds rather than beans – watch out for that on the website as it’s the default (link) (Purchased January 2019)
Columbia Excelso – Hmm, so far this seems somewhat bland with not a lot of taste. I’m not picking out any depth of flavours at all. Disappointing, although I have more so it could be an issue with coffee quantities. (link) (Purchased January 2019).
Honduras – Not bad, although the website gives this more of a rating than I would. I’ve pretty much got to the point of thinking this is a more generic blend, not a lot standing out. Maybe I need more to impress me these days (link) (Purchased January 2019).

Jeremiah’s Pick

We picked up a couple of local coffee bean packs on a recent trip to Calistoga (website).

Kona Blend – This is a light roast, described as subtle and smooth with the taste of nuts and caramel. I really liked this one, good smooth coffee for anytime. Well worth a re-purchase. (Purchased April 2022, Beans)
Fogbuster – whew this is a deep and dark roast, with heavy flavours of fruits and tobacco. I’d recommend this coffee for mornings or as a rich after dinner drink. (Purchased April 2022, Beans).

Kauai Coffee

Peaberry. This is an “estate reserve” coffee from the Kauai Estate in Hawaii. The coffee is fantastic, smooth and drinkable for any time of the day. The conditions for growing coffee in Hawaii are clearly excellent! This was a gift, however I need to arrange a trip to Hawaii with an extra suitcase! (link) (Purchased October 2016)

Kicking Horse Coffee

I picked up some Three Sisters when on holiday in Canada. This is a nice medium smooth blend, good as a midday or evening drink. The blend is fairtrade and we were able to find it easily in the supermarket. (link) (Purchased August 2016)
Hoodoo Jo is another blend from Kicking Horse during our Canada holiday. This isn’t bad at all and has become a morning brew, even though it’s pretty dark and heavy. This was another supermarket purchase. (link) (Purchased August 2016)

Liberty

Who would have thought that Liberty of London would sell coffee? But they do! There’s a small food court in the London shop near Carnaby Street that sells amongst other things, coffee and tea.

Crow Tree Blend – Claiming to have the taste of dark chocolate, I have no idea of the origin of the name of this blend, however the beans come from Dark Woods Coffee in Yorkshire. This blend is lovely and rich, definitely on the decadent side, rather than as an early morning breakfast drink! However, well worth it. (link) (Purchased August 2018, grounds)

L’Or

Classique – classed as intensity 7, I wasn’t impressed by this. Too much of a rough edge to the taste for what it promises. Called “balanced and refined”, I didn’t get that at all. Won’t buy again. (Purchased December 2017, grounds)
Intense – descriptions are short and sweet on this one – intensity 8 and “rich & lively”. Actually this isn’t a bad coffee. It certainly is rich, but with no specific tastes or identifiable notes. However, I would probably buy again as a stock coffee. (Purchased December 2017, grounds)

Marks & Spencer

New York Half Caf – Too much caffeine is never a good thing, so finding a halfway solution sounds appealling. This coffee from UK food retailer M&S is an acceptable early morning solution, but lacks some real depth in terms of flavour. As a medium roast (3 on a scale of 1-5), I was hoping for better. Probably not going to be a repeat purchase. (Purchased August 2016)
Kenyan Ground Coffee – Another offering from M&S, this 100% Arabica blend disappoints somewhat. It is graded 3 (on a scale of 1-5) and doesn’t really pack a punch at all. What’s interesting is that this is the same bean used in the Half Caf, which probably explains why neither really has a decent appeal. (Purchased July 2016)
Peruvian Ground Coffee – This one wasn’t too bad, although it almost got to being too rich/deep for me (reminded me a little of Costco’s own brand). Definitely has the chocolate note as described on the label; not sure I prefer that though unless I’m in the right mood. (Purchased June 2017)

Moonroast Coffee

This is a new company for me, based on a recommendation. I’ve picked up a few selections to see what the range is like. It seems though that the coffee changes regularly as at least two of the initial purchases are not available any longer.

Brazil Fazenda Rodomunhdo – This was a great medium blend, with more strength than others in the family. Described as being spiced with dark chocolate, I’d agree this is more indulgent and great for dinner parties. (link) (Purchased November 2018, beans)
Candover Blend – not a single origin, however a great coffee aside from that. Couldn’t pick specific flavours out; perhaps a degree of olive roughness in the background. (Purchased December 2018, beans)
Colombia La Joyeria – As with so many of the Moonroast coffees, this is difficult to distinguish from the others I’ve tried. I’m struggling to pick out the flavours – perhaps they are too subtle for me. (Purchased December 2018, beans)
Costa Rica, Los Robles – hmm, again I find this another similar coffee to all the others I’ve tried from Moonroast. How can that be, with theoretically so many different sources? Definite olive roughness for me on this one. (Purchased December 2018, beans)
Ethiopia Gidey – classed as a medium roast, this claims hints of tea, lemon and peach. I agree with the peach angle, if not a little bit olive tasting towards the end. Both this and the Red Bourbon needed more beans to achieve a similar strength compared to other coffees, perhaps though just personal taste. (link) (Purchased November 2018, beans)
Festive Blend – A nice one for the Christmas period, which has a generally dark roast flavour as a medium roast. Our 1kg purchase just made it into the new year! (Purchased December 2019, beans)
Guatemala El Rincon – Round and creamy apparently, however the last few Moonroast roasts have all tasted a bit similar to me – in this I get the olives and the acidity as the main trait. Nice general coffee (Purchased December 2018, beans)
Guatemala Women of Huehue – nice strong roast, with slightly rougher tones – not unpleasant, but almost woody flavours. (Purchased July 2020, beans).
Honduras Edy Mauricio Deras – this was a medium roast but had rather bold flavours, more associated with bourbon or burnt cocoa. Enjoyable, but we decided to mix it with more traditional blends to create a hybrid. (Purchased December 2020, beans).
Rwanda Red Bourbon – This is a medium roast, which is smooth and very drinkable. There’s perhaps a little vanilla note in here too. Since ordering, this is no longer available in the online shop, which is a shame since the brew is a good one. (Purchased November 2018, beans)
Sumara Bener Meriah – quite a bold strong flavour, described as plum & sweet tobacco. This is definite accurate; good for an after dinner drink or those who like their coffee strong and in your face. (Purchased July 2020, beans)
Sumatra Jagong Village – This is another medium roast, which claims dark chocolate and a smooth finish. I think this darker taste is definitely there, a general good quality coffee to drink at any time. (Purchased November 2018, beans)
Vista Hermosa (Peru) – Flavours of cranberry, redcurrant and milk chocolate. We’ve enjoyed this one as a strong flavourful roast. Definite tastes of the redcurrant and deep oak/bourbon flavours. (Purchased July 2020, Beans)

Newground

We found this coffee in Stow-on-the-Wold in a little coffee shop, which is where we got the Mug Shot. Not bad!

Mug Shot – pretty good, nice balance and worth another try. (Purchased May 2021, Beans)

Peet’s Coffee

Peet’s is a stalwart of Silicon Valley and everywhere you from Mountain View to San Jose. The original Peet’s is as old as me!

Big Bang* – claims to be a “vibrant blast of tropical fruit in a smooth, medium style” and I’d agree with that. This is an every day medium roast that’s definitely on my list going forward. Very drinkable at any time. This is a blend rather than single origin (link) (Purchased June 2017 & May 2019)
Giant’s Clubhouse Blend – presumably named after the San Francisco Giants, this is a good dark roast coffee, which I’ve not been able to find on the website so is perhaps a limited edition. If you can find it (this was from the Ferry Building) then this is worth it as a good dark and smooth drink. One for late afternoon or after meals! (Purchased June 2017)
Major Dickason’s Blend – I’ve had both the caffeinated and decaf versions of this blend and it is great, probably my most favourite. As it turns out, the decaf version is a top seller. This is a real deep blend, with lots of taste. Major Dickason was apparently a regular customer, enough to get onto the menu! (link) (Purchased July 2017)

The Roastery

This is a UK mail order company that I’ve recently tried out. So far the results seem good. Each week I get a new single origin pack of whole beans to try. I’m sure at some stage we’re going to hit repetition though – repeated items with *

Brazil, Fazenda Camocim* – OK, this isn’t too bad, although doesn’t have a lot of depth. The tasting notes say dark chocolate, cherry and hazelnut, which is probably fair. Worth having again. (link) (Purchased February 2018, beans)
Colombia, Cenoic Pico de Aguila* – this is a great coffee, very smooth and drinkable. Tasting notes say blackcurrant and citrus, but the citrus/sweet notes aren’t too strong, A keeper. (link) (Purchased February 2018, beans)
Colombia, Suarez – I am struggling to think what this coffee offers over any of the others I’ve received from The Roastery. I think perhaps I need a rethink the next time around. (link) (Purchased October 2018, beans)
Colombia, Tolima – Melon, apple and chocolate notes, apparently. This is certainly tasty and I can pick up some of the apple citrus notes. Would buy again. (Purchased April 2019, beans)
Costa Rica, Hermosa – Orange, honey and sweet, so say the tasting notes of this blend. Actually, I like the sweet notes and the citrus isn’t overdone. Very enjoyable. (Purchased January 2019)
El Salvador, Finca San Ernesto* – This is light and easy to drink. Tasting notes say caramel, honeysuckle and redcurrant. I get the redcurrant, the slight sweet and sharpness, but not overdone. Perhaps it’s the lighter roast that does it. (link) (Purchased January 2018, beans)
Ethiopia, Yirgacheffe Shalaitu* – Not sure about this one. There’s a hay-like taste and edge to this variety (yirgacheffe), which is probably the citrus flavour described by other sites. I’m not sure I’d want this again, definitely an acquired taste (link) (Purchased February 2018, beans)
Guatemala, Antigua Pastoral – this is described as spices and vanilla, although I felt it had a more grassy taste to it. Pleasant enough (Purchased March 2019, beans)
Honduras (Mezcla de Mujeres) – I liked this; slightly olivey, not too heavy and really pleasant if you get the proportions right. Would definitely order again (Purchased February 2019, beans)
Mexico, Siltepec El Jaguar* – this is a nice, smooth blend. There are no specific bold flavours or obvious tastes, but the blend has a generally appealing quality. Worth reordering (link) (Purchased February 2018, beans)
Nicaragua, Jinotega* – this was enjoyable – slightly creamy (described as almond, cacao and blackberry, which explains the creaminess) – Worth having again (Purchased March 2019)
Peru, Finca El Palmo* – this is another great single origin, with a relatively light roast. Apparently I should be picking up apple, chocolate and vanilla, however I’d say vanilla is probably the only strong flavour that shows through. (link) (Purchased January 2018, beans)
Papua New Guinea, Elimbari* – nice and smooth, described as a single origin with vanilla, cherry and jasmine. The coffee beans have a smell sharpness but the coffee has none of this. There’s a definite sweetness that suggests the cherry flavour. A definite repurchase (link) (Purchased January 2018, beans)
Papua New Guinea, Enorga A – described as nutty, chocolate, citrus and mango, this is is a nice single origin and definitely has the citrus/acid flavour to it, although it could err on the side of bitter. However, taste is everything, so I’m sure this will suit lots of people. I’d buy again (link). (Purchased September 2018, beans)
Rwanda, Kinini Kabuye – I’m getting the feeling these blends are starting to blend into one. They’re all good and enjoyable, but finding a differentiator is proving hard. (Purchased June 2019, beans)
Tanzania, Mbeya PB* – didn’t mind this one, good taste, although there’s an edge of the flavour you get from olives, the rough edge, that perhaps I don’t like. Peach, floral, chocolate, I don’t think I got that. Interesting that second time around, this coffee tasted much better. Maybe because it’s a mix of smallholdings, the second roast has a better blend. No surprise I guess that this could happen. (Purchased August 2018, beans)

Sainsbury’s

Colombian Fairtrade – for a generic coffee, this is actually pretty decent. The flavours are deep and rich, even for a rating of 3 on the scale with no clear upper mark. I’d buy and have as another richer everyday blend. (Purchased March 2018)
Guatemalan Espresso – this is from Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference range of Fairtrade coffee beans and is rated 4 on their own scale. It’s OK and a good blend for every day. However I can’t say I could pick out any specific flavours or tastes. One for the cupboard on any occasion. (Purchased January 2018, beans)
Tanzanian Fairtrade Sundried Peaberry – I’d recommend this coffee. It’s a stalwart for any day, with a medium roast (3 on the Sainsbury’s scale) and good all-round flavour. (Purchased January 2018, beans)

Seattle Coffee Works

Molly’s Blend, from Seattle Coffee Works. I picked this up when in Seattle for DockerCon in June 2016. The shop was small, but full of people. This is a great blend and what I’d describe as really drinkable; you can do 3/4 cups without even noticing it. Here’s a link to the company website if you want to order some! (Purchased June 2016)
Costa Rica Las Lajas Black Honey from Seattle Coffee Works. Another blend picked up while at DockerCon. This was a richer blend, really full bodied. Perhaps not a breakfast starter, but a great brew none the less! Seattle don’t currently seem to list this coffee on their website, however Fortnum & Mason in the UK appear to. (Purchased June 2016)
Kenya Kangocho AA from Seattle Coffee Works. Yet another selection picked up in Seattle. This is a really nice fresh clean brew, which the tasting notes claim offers tastes of key lime, kiwi and blackcurrant, although I don’t think I get all of that. Nice refreshing blend to start the morning off. Link here to the site. (Purchased June 2016)

Starbucks

Decaf Sumatra from Starbucks. This is quite a strong deep blend, but is an alternative decaffeinated for those sensitive to caffeine. It’s perhaps also a little bitter and not necessarily an early morning blend, but good for a late evening. This blend isn’t available as decaf in the UK; I picked this up during one of my US trips (link). (Purchased June 2016)
Espresso Roast. Not bad a blend although this has been lying around for a while and may not be the freshest. It’s strong (as you would expect) and a good mid-morning blend. Not sure I’d choose it again though. (Purchased January 2016)
Ethiopia Mocca Java. This is another deep strong and rich blend from Starbucks. I like this one as a mid-day coffee and I’m sure it would work well with a nice big piece of chocolate cake! It looks like from this link, this blend was only limited and isn’t available now. (Purchased June 2016)
Kati Kati Blend. I’ve struggled to find Starbucks coffee that I like, however this is a good one. It’s smooth, easy to drink and certainly not bitter like a lot of Starbucks blend. This is apparently seasonal and a summertime drink. Presumably this is the end of this distribution. 100% Arabica beans. (link) (Purchased 2017, whole beans).
Organic Yukon Blend. This is a medium roast coffee, 100% Arabica. I like this one as a strong blend, probably not as a morning offering! Described as well rounded, this is good for after dinner meals (link). (Purchased June 2016)
Peru – this is 100% Arabica and both rich in flavour with a nice freshness too. The packet describes the blend as “herbal and soft spice”, which I’m not getting! However a great blend and more suited for that lazy Sunday morning brunch. Love the parrot picture on the packaging! Available in the UK (link) (Purchased June 2016).
Willow Blend. Described by Starbucks as crisp and citrus, this is certainly a light and fruity blend. It perhaps also tastes a little bitter, but that’s perhaps personal opinion. Not bad as an early morning drink or one for later in the day. 100% Arabica beans. Doesn’t appear to be available in the UK; acquired by me in the US (link) (Purchased June 2016)

Square Mile Coffee Roasters

A new vendor for 2022, through a Hitchin coffee shop.

The Filter Blend. Described as orange, caramel and almond, this coffee was a little disappointing with not much depth. Probably not one to buy again. (Purchased February 2022, Beans).
San Jose. Described as peach, creamy and lychee. However, this like the other in this family was a bit disappointing. (Purchased February 2022, Beans).

Taylors of Harrogate

Taylors is based in Harrogate in the UK. Ground blends are widely available in shops and supermarkets.

After Dark. A “deep and seductive” blend, classed as a 5 out of 7. There’s no doubt this is a well-roasted blend with smoky overtones and a flavour of cocoa. This less aggressive than some blends and is drinkable at most times, if you like a strong coffee! Pure 100% Arabica coffee (link) (Purchased October 2017, grounds)
Cacao Superior Columbia. I like this coffee. It comes up a little light, so needs a little more for the same amount of water. However the taste is smooth and easily drinkable. Tasting notes claim chocolate caramels, which is probably fair. (Purchased September 2017, beans)
Christmas Blend. Pretty average attempt at producing something different for Christmas. This tastes simply like an existing blend put into a different packet. Won’t waste my money again! (Purchased December 2017, grounds)
Hot Java Lava. This blend is rated as a 6 (out of?) and described as rich rugged and robust. And so it is. There’s an almost malty chocolaty taste, with a real full-bodied taste. Good for those recovery mornings and lazy Sundays. (link) (Purchased January 2017)
High Voltage. A score of 7 on the strength scale for this pre-ground coffee from Taylors. Described as their strongest ever with lots of caffeine, I’d say it’s good, but not that good. Not as strong as the company claims, but good strong blend none the less. (link) (Purchased July 2017)
Lazy Sunday. A level 3 scored roast, this is classed as gentle and easy-going. It’s not bad, but then again nothing special. It would be the kind of coffee to have in for “emergencies” or perhaps for people who wouldn’t appreciate good quality! (Purchased August 2018, grounds)
Praline Especial Brazil. Now this one I like. The taste is of smooth praline (as the name suggests) without an overbearing chocolate taste. There are overtones of caramel and toffee, but not in anyway excessive. It’s what I expect in a coffee, drinkable at any time of day. Single origin coffee from Brazil. (link) (Purchased October 2017, beans)
Rare Blossom Ethiopia. Apparently this coffee is a “riot” of honeysuckle, mango, blossom, whisky and spice. I’d certainly agree with the whisky/spice analysis, but it’s not to my taste. I can’t quite get past the feeling that I’ve added sour milk to the coffee, which isn’t a great taste. Made from 100% Arabica beans. (Purchased September 2017, grounds)

Tesco

It seems a little odd to be buying coffee from Tesco, but these selections are from their “finest*” range, so hopefully a bit better quality.

Guatelamalan – rated as level 4 (medium/strong) and a tasting of “spicy and fruity”. This is certainly very drinkable but does have that slightly smokier and stronger taste. I’ve been drinking this daily, but it’s probably a coffee for after a rich dinner! Of course a very reasonable price compared to some purchases here. (link) (Purchased April 2017)
Sumatra Mandheling – this is a number 5 (strong) and so it is. You can definitely use this sparingly! Tasting notes describe it as rich and intense which is certainly true. This is another of those late afternoon or after dinner blends. (Purchased April 2017)

The Natural Coffee Company

Organic Fairtrade Decaffeinated. Swiss water process produced, this is a good backup morning coffee. It’s nothing special but reasonable value from Costco. The originator appears to be Smiths Coffee, based in Hemel Hempstead (link). Purchased August 2016.

Union Hand-Roasted Coffee

This is a new vendor for 2021, and the first new supplier for a while due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Gajah Mountain*. A dark roast with grapefruit, chocolate truffle and molasses flavourings. Agreed, the truffle notes come through. This is another great coffee and worth reordering. Purchased February 2021 (Beans).
Genesis. Flavours of nectarine, pear and honey, good roast. (Purchased August 2021, beans).
Liberacion. Medium roast, with flavours of red grape, dark chocolate and custard cream. Really? Custard cream. I didn’t get that one. It’s an OK coffee, however difficult to distinguish the difference between the Union blends. Purchased March 2024 (Beans).
Maraba. Medium roast, with tastes of citrus, redcurrant and toffee (their description not mine). This is a pretty accurate definition of what is a nice coffee – definitely caramel or toffee overtones in this. Purchased February 2021 (Beans).
Verde Alto. A light roast from Costa Rica. Interesting how the lighter roasts end up being used more! Nice coffee if you like the lighter side. Purchased August (Beans).
Timana. A Columbian blend with echoes of plum, orange blossom and maple syrup. There’s definitely a sugar/caramel flavour to this coffee, with even a slight olive edge. Purchased September 2023 (beans).

Verve

Buena Vista. I picked this up in a small coffee shop in Los Altos, one of those postcard-style towns in California that looks straight out of Murder She Wrote. Having brewed this both light and strong, I can’t quite get the intensity right. Too light tastes of nothing; to heavy and there’s a bitter taste to contend with. Still on the fence with this one. (link). Purchased as beans, April 2018.

Waitrose

Waitrose Colombian Ground Coffee. Not bad, pretty generic. Doesn’t stand out in any particular way. A cupboard staple perhaps. Purchased as grounds, January 2019.
Waitrose 1 Monsooned Malabar AA. I haven’t tried any Waitrose coffees before, so this is a good step into trying a few out. I’m not sure what “Waitrose 1” means, however this is a good 100% Arabica ground coffee. Stregnth is quoted as 4, but out of what, I don’t know. The taste is smoky, dark, somewhat tobacco-like. Good if you like really deep, well-roasted, almost burned flavours. (link). Purchased as ground, November 2017.

Wooden Hill Coffee Company

Wooden Hill is a local company, only a few miles from me. I’ve had this coffee a few times, but not written about it yet. I found out about the shop via another local business that served the coffee in their cafe.

Honduras. Described as chocolate caramel and coffee. This blend is pleasant and has a depth of flavour that works well when brewed strongly. Not a standout coffee but good enough for daily drinking. Purchased as ground, September 2021.

Yahava KoffeeWorks

I found Yahava when we were on holiday in Australia. The company is located just outside Perth in the Swan Valley. The shop is small, but the staff are really friendly and willing to help! Good coffee too.

BlackGold. Also described as a bold roast, this was a great coffee. It’s a shame I don’t have any more. Really liked the robust flavours, good start to the morning! Purchased as beans, April 2019.
Kahava. A bold roast and great flavour. This is the best of the Yahava coffees tasted so far. Shame I didn’t bring more back. Enjoyable. Purchased as beans, April 2019.
Romeo No.5. This is a medium roast and a really pleasant blend. As I brew coffee thse days, I’m finding medium roasts need more coffee per cup. That’s fine though! I’d buy this again. (link). Purchased as beans, April 2019.
Pacifica – I was hoping this would be better but I was disappointed. There was little depth here, and really a bland flavour. It’s a shame because the other Yahava blends have been great. Purchased as beans, April 2019.

York Emporium

A new vendor I found online in October 2021.

Brazil, Santo Antonio Chocolate. Apparently chocolate, hazelnut and caramel, definitely a deeper roast and flavour. (Purchased October 2021, beans).
El Salvador – Black Honey. This is described as having tastes of dates, red berry and caramel. On first tasting, I struggled to find anything, but second time around, there’s a definite taste of dates, like sticky toffee pudding. It could be the preparation or quantity that was at fault first time. (Purchased July 2023, beans)
Kenya Kemangau. A speciality coffee with notes of hazelnut and red grapes. Pretty good, consistent nice tasting coffee. (Purchased July 2023, beans)