Criteria Coffee

The story of triumph over adversity rings true, when you learn the mill’s name Rusekabuye translates to ‘man who hits stone with head and breaks it into one thousand pieces’. Hilare, one of the owners of Rusekabuy was lobbied by producers in the region to build the station after he faced resistance by the only mill owner in the town not to proceed. As the newest mill of 13 established by the Akawa Project, Rusekabuye helps producers escape the cycle of poverty in a sustainable and equitable way, creating fairer remunerations and better living conditions. They do this by helping the producers follow UTZ certification standards, focusing on good agricultural practices, environmental responsibility and social equity. The results of this important work shows in the quality of the coffee harvested that has exceeded our expectations. This coffee has a super-sweet fruit juice quality and smooth creamy mouthfeel.

Tastes of raisins, stone fruits and butterscotch.

Criteria Coffee’s newest coffee from the JFBG comes from father and son Tarkegn Gutu and Gutu Birre, from the Gedeo zone. This natural process Kurume is an exceptional expression of an Ethiopian coffee with bold tropical fruit notes and rich texture. A standout as both filter and espresso.

Tastes of tropical fruits, pineapple and honeysuckle.

This special micro lot celebrates the achievements of a dedicated small group of female farmers from the Kigarama Village, who saw an opportunity to move away from the traditional co-op model of homogenised coffee sale by creating their own association ‘Rwamweru’ within the Koakaka co-operative. Traditionally, sales would be shared amongst members, but the Rwamweru producers decided to separate their product, selling it directly to achieve the best price for their families. Farmed in the hillsides surrounding the Karambi washing station, located in the Kigoma Sector of Huye District, the ripest cherries are carefully picked and collected for sale. At the washing station the best cherries are processed, going through a 12-14 hour fermentation post pulping, then floated to sort and soaked for a further 14 hours. The beans are then wet sorted and dried on African beds for 14 days.

The careful handling by both the station workers and farming producers creates a bean that is extremely high in quality and rich in flavour, such as this Red Bourbon. A comforting coffee that celebrates sweet, stewed fruit characteristics balanced with smooth milk chocolate.

Tastes of nectarine, honeydew and milk chocolate.

When we think about Mexican coffee, we traditionally don’t imagine vibrant, fruity coffees that have a sweet chocolate finish – that is until now! The Santuario Project has once again impressed us with an interesting and challenging range of special release coffees that could be some of the best coffees we have tasted this year.

The F1 varietal, grown in the Ixhuatlán region has been meticulously picked, with 72 hour anaerobic fermentation of the cherry. The result is a level of fermentation that is dialled up to amplify the boozy stone fruit characteristics supported by a tangy citrus and chocolatey finish that lingers on the palate. This complex coffee offers tasting notes of lychee, bergamot, dark chocolate and peach schnapps. If you’re a fan of fermented brews, this one is for you.

Introducing Genji Challa, varietals 75227 and Merdacheriko. Farmed in the high growth area of Gera country and processed at the Telia coffee washing station, this is another sensational single-origin coffee with bright tropical flavours of pineapple, blood orange and apricot, producing a vibrant espresso and a smooth filter brew.

Grown amongst the high-altitude and lush landscape of the Ethiopian highlands, this washed single-origin blend encompasses all things we know, love and expect from an Ethiopian coffee – delicate florals, zesty acidity and a clean lingering finish. Roasted for espresso or filter preparations, you will find flavours of mandarin, honeysuckle and white nectarine.

With over two decades of coffee farming to their credit, Finca Santuario was established by Camilo Merizalde who began with a clear vision of producing quality coffee that pushes the boundaries of flavour and consistency. The Typica varietal with its washed processing presents a clean and delicate cup that lingers with flavours of mango, tea rose and honeydew. Perfect for a smooth filter brew and even more expressive as a single-origin espresso. When paired with milk, this coffee retains its complexity allowing for a balanced cup.