About the Coffee
The HEART Blend brings together the unique qualities of two exceptional coffee origins: Ethiopia and Kenya. With tasting notes of fig, grapefruit, and honeydew, this blend creates an exciting and expressive flavor profile that captures the essence of both regions.
The Halo Hartume washing station in Gedeb, Ethiopia, is known for its naturally processed beans, dried on raised beds. This method captures the pure and distinctive flavors that Ethiopia is famous for. Established by the Mijane family, the washing station not only enhances the quality of the coffee but also supports local farmers by improving accessibility and traceability.
On the other hand, the Rioki Estate in Kiambu, Kenya, is celebrated for its rich volcanic soils and high altitudes. The estate’s beans are handpicked and meticulously washed to ensure exceptional cup quality. The processing methods here preserve the intrinsic qualities of the beans, delivering a clean and vibrant flavor profile.
Varietal Spotlight: The SL Varietal
The SL varietals, including SL28 and SL34, hold a significant place in the world of coffee. Developed in Kenya during the 1930s, these varietals were bred for their resistance to disease and high-quality flavor. Their rich heritage and unique characteristics contribute to the exceptional profiles of Kenyan coffees, showcasing lively acidity and complex fruit notes.
While we appreciate the SL varietals' inherent qualities, our primary focus in this blend is on how their flavors complement those of the Ethiopian coffee. The marriage of these two distinct origins results in a cup that is both harmonious and exciting.
The Blend Experience
When our roast team first received the green samples from the Halo Hartume washing station and Rioki Estate, we were excited. Each coffee was incredible in its own right, but we weren't sure how well they would work together. After some testing, we were blown away by the profile we achieved. The Ethiopian coffee, with its natural processing, provided a surprising cleanliness that lent a delightful sweetness to the blend while maintaining a great complexity. In contrast, the Kenyan coffee introduced vibrant grapefruit notes and lively acidity that truly made this blend stand out.
Even after our sample roasting, we had our doubts about whether this coffee would hold up as well as it did. However, the end result proved us wrong, showcasing a beautifully balanced cup.
Final Thoughts
Creating the HEART Blend was not just a project; it was an exciting journey for me. From the start, it felt like a celebration of my passion for coffee. Ethiopian coffees were my first love, opening my eyes to the incredible range of flavors that coffee can offer. They ignited my journey into the world of roasting. Meanwhile, Kenyan coffees have deepened my exploration of these flavors, making the choice to blend these two origins a natural one.
Naming it the HEART Blend felt fitting; it embodies my personal connection to these regions and the experiences that shaped my love for coffee. Developing this blend was both a roasting challenge and a tribute to the flavors that inspire me. I hope that each cup of HEART Blend invites you to join in this celebration, allowing you to discover the remarkable flavors and the excitement that coffee can bring.