Wacaco - BLOG

Roast Review: Wavelength Coffee Roasters

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 04:22:10 +0800

Roast review by: Sheila Murray

Wavelength Coffee Roasters is a small-batch roaster based in Shirley, Massachusetts. Wavelength is focused on innovation and sustainability to meet the changing climate of coffee. I was drawn in by their intentional approach to sourcing beans, supporting farmers, and investing in communities. I invite you to read more about their perspective and process on their “Our Approach” page. This roaster seemed ideal to pair with Wacaco because of shared interests around innovation, experimentation, and creating connections over a cup of high quality coffee.

Read on to see our experiences testing four outstanding Wavelength roasts with Wacaco products!

El Salvador-Carlos Pola

First impressions

It was clear from the start that Wavelength is not a roaster trying to simply blend in - We loved the coffee tins that the coffee arrived in and appreciated the intentionality behind the packaging.

James smelled the beans first and commented that he sensed cacao nibs, blueberries, and an overall sweetness. He handed the coffee beans over to me for my thoughts.

I shook the beans around in the tin and wafted the aroma toward my nose. I was pleasantly surprised by the honey-like sweetness I sensed. It was reminiscent of maple sugar candy! I also caught notes of red fruit and perhaps a hint of lemon or melon.

We decided to use the Pipamoka for this roast. James heated the water and I ground the beans and prepared the vacuum brew.

Tasting notes

“Hmm,” mused James, “for me this is quite bright and fruity and I’m really enjoying the notes of chocolate and toasted nuts too.”

I took a sip of my own coffee and noticed that it was quite light on the tongue, with complementary notes of chocolate and fruit. Overall it was extremely pleasant and perfect for the chilly day we were having.

The reveal

This coffee is complex, sweet, and wine-like, with notes of mandarin. I highly recommend reading through each of the descriptions for the coffees. Wavelength shares the story of the Pola family here and their innovative solutions to keep producing incredible coffee.

Costa Rica - La Minita Estate

First impressions

We knew that this coffee was one of Wavelength’s top sellers, so we were curious to experience why!

I opened the tin of coffee and shook the beans around to release some of the aroma into our kitchen. Instantly, I could sense ripe lemon but also a certain caramel, sweet, and grounding notes.

James said that he got more of a chocolate and toasted nut profile. He contemplated which spices might be present and if the final brew would lean more grounding or bright.

This coffee is quite versatile as an espresso and a coffee, and we opted for espresso this time, using the Picopresso.

Tasting notes

James lifted the cup to his lips and took a sip of the golden-toned espresso. He said that he sensed more lemon than he expected but the espresso also had a round mouthfeel and was well-balanced. A perfect bouquet of flavors!

I sipped my espresso and enjoyed the syrupy mouthfeel, which was reminiscent of honey or molasses. Straight away I knew it was one of the best coffees I’d had in a while. It was so satisfying and balanced and had a nice nuttiness to it as well!

The reveal

Best said by Wavelength: “This is a standout example of coffees from the Tarrazu region of Costa Rica, with slight spice on the nose and notes of cocoa and toasted nuts with balanced sweetness and lemony acidity.” In the days that followed, we tried this coffee with the Pipamoka and Cuppamoka and we can agree that it is quite versatile and delicious!

Colombia - Transformation Blend

First impressions

“Oh I can’t wait to try this coffee,” said James the moment after he smelled the freshly roasted beans. James is a big fan of Colombian coffee and he said that this one smelled especially delicious. Specifically, he sensed notes of cherry, cinnamon, and caramel.

I was taken aback as well by how intoxicating the smell was. It was quite different from the last two coffees but it was hard to put a finger on exactly what was distinct. I did sense a more floral, airy profile all around.

James prepared the Cuppamoka and I ground the beans and heated the water. We made two pour over coffees and clinked our mugs together before taking a sip.

Tasting notes

First I paused to admire the color of this brew, which was light colored, akin to maple syrup. The coffee had an extremely light mouthfeel, floral notes, and perhaps some citrus or pear.

James wondered aloud if there were notes of jasmine tea and commented on how he was sensing more with every sip. He also tasted milk chocolate and a lovely sweetness.

The reveal

This coffee is complex and sweet with notes of florals and caramel. The blend is composed of beans from mostly female coffee producers!

Burundi

First impressions

I opened the canister of the final coffee and smelled the freshly roasted beans. I was taken aback by how nutty and dark this one was in comparison to the previous coffees. It seemed bold, chocolatey, and nutty, with some hints of red fruit too.

James said that this one seemed a bit smokey to him, with notes of pine nut or walnut. He loved that this one really stood out with its bold impression.

We agreed that, though presenting dark and rich, this one definitely was multi-layered, complex, and piqued our curiosity! We decided to use our Minipresso GR2 to prepare two espressos. I love this product because it’s so small and packable but somehow still prepares an exceptional espresso.

Tasting notes

“Oh, this is delicious,” I said as I took the first sips of espresso. I loved how grounding and rich the flavor was and it was the perfect elixir for the snowstorm we were experiencing. We live on the East Coast and this winter has been especially filled with snow storms… coffee helps!

James said that he was impressed with the perfect balance of the bold chocolate notes alongside the citrus and bright ones. He commented on the overall round mouthfeel and said that this one could be a real crowd pleaser and delicious in a latte too. Cortados are one of my favorite drinks, so I decided I would try this espresso with my next cortado!

The reveal

This coffee is crisp and full-bodied, with notes of chocolate and toffee. I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about the coffee and region. Have you ever noticed that the country of Burundi is the shape of a heart? Learn more here!

Roast Review: Stray Cat Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:13:05 +0800

Roast Review by: Sheila Murray, Photos by: Linked Ring

Stray Cat Coffee is a small-batch roaster with a big heart and an important mission. Rooted in the Pacific Northwest, they craft thoughtfully sourced, carefully developed coffees. From vibrant single origins to smooth, cozy blends, every roast feels intentional and adventure-ready, especially when paired with our Wacaco gear.

What sets Stray Cat Coffee apart for me is their dedication to helping real stray cats. A portion of their efforts supports feline rescue and care, turning every bag of coffee into something meaningful. Therefore, brewing a cup of Stray Cat Coffee isn’t just about enjoying excellent coffee, it’s also about being part of a mission that gives back, one pour at a time!

Let’s dive into our experience trying three Stray Cat roasts.

Classic espresso blend

First impressions

I don’t typically pay much attention to the packaging that the coffee beans come in, but I loved that these bags were reminiscent of loose-leaf tea packaging—clean, simple, and elegant.

When I opened the bag, I paused to take in the aroma of the freshly roasted coffee. It was wonderfully potent, with notes of dark chocolate and lemon peel, balanced by a sweet, lively acidity.

My friend Elaina smelled the beans next and immediately commented on how rich the aroma was. She loved that it carried a noticeable sweetness as well before passing the bag to James.

“I’m getting cinnamon, cloves, and dark chocolate,” James said thoughtfully. “And orange peel!” he added.

Tasting notes

“It’s so strong and delicious,” said James. “I’m getting notes of toasted almonds. It’s very nutty and smooth with a little hint of acidity at the end”

Elaina took a sip of her espresso next and said it was, “tight on the tongue but also quite smooth and round.” She was surprised how palatable it was as she typically doesn’t like espresso on its own.

Personally, this blend surprised me with how smooth it was, as I had expected something a bit more intense. Instead, I was delighted by a well-balanced melody of flavor and notes of chocolate and lemon peel. I could also sense the almond notes James commented on.

The reveal

Stray Cat does a beautiful job sharing the story behind each coffee as well as the cupping notes. This espresso has “balanced bittersweet notes, thick and opaque body, almond and chocolate roast flavors, hints of peach tea, spice, jasmine,” they say.

We’ve had some cold weather lately and this coffee was the perfect salve for chilly chilly weather.

Rwandan coffee

First impressions

When I opened this bag, the first thing we noticed was how much sweeter it smelled.

“This one is sweeter,” Elaina said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing what it tastes like!”

“Oh yeah wow,” James said. “I’m getting notes of honey, vanilla, caramel.”

Elaina nodded. “I can really smell the caramel. This one is less intense, very pleasant, and not overwhelming.”

“I’m just overwhelmed by how good it smells,” I said with a laugh. “I’d like to smell this coffee every morning!”

We all agreed it would probably make a really good chocolate-covered coffee bean. Yum!

Since we already had everything out for making espresso with the Picopresso, we decided to do the same process. The result was three gorgeous, crema-topped espressos.

Tasting notes

Elaina was the first to comment on this coffee, sharing her experience of lemon cream and an overall mellow delicious taste.

James sensed notes of sugar, lemon, and cream as well. He said he could almost sense a tea-like body and flavor too.

I agreed with the overall mellow notes and tea-like experience. There was a lovely bouquet of flavors and some sort of spice I couldn’t quite place.

This is certainly a fun one to drink amongst friends on any occasion.

The reveal

In Stray Cat’s words, “Syrupy sweet at range of roasts, brightly accented top notes, mouth-pleasing texture, and spiced finish. Caramel, semi-sweet chocolate, tea, dried lemon, coriander, cinnamon bark.”

By the time we finished off these two delicious espressos, we were caffeinated enough! So James and I tried the final coffee the next day.

Yemen Sharqui Haraz

First impressions

James was the first to smell the beans and share his initial impression.

“I’m getting fruit, spices, stone fruit, cinnamon, and brown sugar,” he said.

“Wow,” I remarked, “that was such a quick and specific list!”

I took a little more time to smell the beans and gather my thoughts. For me the coffee was quite vibrant, juicy, sugary, and intense. I was curious if it would end up leaning more toward earthy chocolate, optimistic fruit, or a mix.

We decided to try this roast using our Minipresso GR2. We prepared two crema-topped espressos and took a sip to reveal the tasting notes.

Tasting notes

I loved how sweet my first taste of the espresso was. I could certainly sense the intensity of the espresso and notes of dark chocolate, but it was also quite fruity. I enjoyed the syrupy mouthfeel and molasses undertones.

James agreed that there were notes of dark chocolate and perhaps something like cherry. He said this one was one of his favorites as of late and would be a real crowd pleaser.

The reveal

This Yemeni coffee is a limited roast from Stray Cat. It has aromatic notes that go from “earth-toned to delicately spiced, rustic-tinged sweetness, thick body, mild acidity. Deeply bittersweet dark roasts, with traces of fruit and tobacco.” We recommend trying it while you can!

Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Types of People The Pixapresso Is the Perfect Gift For

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:36:10 +0800

If you're searching for a gift that blends innovation, convenience, and exceptional coffee quality, the Pixapresso delivers all of that in one compact package. As our first electric portable espresso maker, it lets coffee lovers heat and brew in just 180 seconds—anytime, anywhere. Its sleek, intuitive display makes it easy to dial in temperature, pre-infusion, and other brewing preferences, giving users true barista-level control whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go. Compatible with both ground coffee and capsules, the Pixapresso brings café-quality espresso to any setting with almost no effort.

The Coffee Aficionado Who Travels
- Someone who takes weekend getaways, camps, or lives a van life. Pixapresso’s compact size and battery make it perfect for brewing espresso anywhere. It will even fit in your carry-on!
- Commuters who want a café-quality espresso in their office, but don’t have space for or want a tabletop machine.
The Work-from-Home Barista
- For the friend or family member who treats their home office like a personal café — they’ll love being able to tweak pre-infusion or temperature for different beans.
- Great for people who switch between using pods and ground coffee; Pixapresso’s dual compatibility is a huge plus.
The Minimalist / Small-Space Dweller
- A college student in a dorm, or someone living in a studio apartment: there’s not much room, but their espresso game doesn’t have to suffer!
- For those who hate clutter but love quality — this saves counter space yet delivers.
The Gadget Lover / Tech Enthusiast
- Someone who loves “smart gear”: the touchscreen interface and real-time feedback make it feel modern and cool.
- Techies who appreciate batteries and precision — you can really control temperature, brew volume, and style.
Adventurers and Outdoor Lover
- Hikers, campers, or van-lifers will love being able to brew espresso out in nature without needing a bulky machine or a power source.
- For the person who wants luxury in the wild — think “mountain morning espresso.”
  
  Complete the Setup With Thoughtful Add-Ons
  
  To make this gift even more special, consider adding a few accessories that elevate the entire Pixapresso experience:
  
  • Pixapresso Case
  
  A custom-fit protective case that keeps the Pixapresso safe during travel and daily use. It’s perfect for anyone who plans to take their espresso maker on the go.
  
  • Exagrind Grinder
  
  For those who prefer brewing with fresh grounds, the Exagrind produces a consistent, precise grind that brings even more flavor and aroma to every shot.
  
  • Exagram Pro
  
  Ideal for the detail-oriented coffee lover, the Exagram Pro scale helps them measure and refine every espresso pull with accuracy and ease.
  
  • Stella Glass Cups
  
  Beautiful, double-walled glass cups that elevate the drinking experience. They not only look stunning but also keep espresso hotter for longer.
  
  Together, these add-ons help create a complete, dialed-in espresso setup—making your gift feel even more thoughtful, practical, and premium.

Roast Review: Vinculo

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:59:40 +0800

Roast Review by: Sheila Murray

Photos by: Linked Ring

I’m thrilled to share our experience with Vinculo Coffee Roasters and our trusty Wacaco gear. The word “Vínculo” in Spanish and Portuguese means “to connect” or “to link”—and that’s exactly what this roaster does. They bring coffee drinkers closer to the farmers who grow the beans, creating relationships that benefit everyone involved. What impressed me most is their commitment to giving back: a portion of every sale goes directly to community leaders in the coffee-producing regions. To try Vinculo, you can find their coffee in a number of locations in Tennessee or buy directly from them online!

Mexican Coffee

First impressions

I had the honor of opening up the first bag of Vinculo Coffee. I took a moment to inhale the aroma of the freshly roasted beans and passed the bag to James before revealing my experience. We always do these Roast Reviews as a “blind” taste test, which makes it fun!

James wafted the smell of the beans and took a moment to consider.

“Hmm,” he said, “ I’m definitely sensing chocolate and perhaps some spices. It seems a bit sweet but also quite grounding.

I agreed with that interpretation and added that, for me, the aroma was robust with notes of dark chocolate, marshmallow, and candied nuts. I didn’t note any citrus or acid and felt that the smell leaned more towards maple syrup and red punchy fruit. I was so curious to see how the taste would compare!

It seemed like a perfect roast to pair with the Piccopresso.

We used the Exagrind to grind the beans and the Picopresso to brew. We prepared two crema-topped espressos and each took a sip.

Tasting notes

“Mmm,” I commented, “this is so delicious. It’s much lighter and smoother than I expected. I’m getting notes of milk chocolate and nuts, as well as an overall round mouthfeel.

“I’m getting some hazelnut, chocolate, nutmeg, and fruit,” said James. He said it was one of the best espressos he’d had in a while—balanced, approachable, and likely to please a wide range of palates.

The reveal

Vinculo says this coffee has notes of: guava, cashew butter, apple jelly, and dark fudge. We say that it’s delicious and a staple for your next adventure.

If you decide to make this roast (or any) using your own Picopresso, there is a helpful video here for first-timers.

Ethiopian Coffee

Coffee tasting with others is so fun. If you haven’t tried it at all – or just not in a while – I highly recommend you give it a go. Trying the Ethiopian Coffee with James was especially delightful because we both had such different first impressions. It’s funny how your different senses can tell different stories! Here’s our experience:

First impressions

James smelled the coffee first and guessed that it had a certain nuttiness like pecan or walnuts. He then passed the bag to me.

“Oh wow, for me it’s very bright,” I said, taken aback. “There’s something very juicy and fruity. It’s like pink lemonade!”

“Pink lemonade?” James asked, equally surprised.

“Yes, I’m getting lemonade and maybe some grapefruit. But it’s subtle, so I think we’ll need to just make it and see what happens.” With that, I started to heat the water and prepare the Cuppamoka.

The ritual of making coffee with the Cuppamoka is one of my favorites. There is something special about watching hot water bloom into freshly ground beans that allows for a certain, calming mindfulness.

I split the coffee between the Cuppamoka and the Octaroma and we each took a sip.

Tasting notes

James lightly blew on his coffee, took a sip, and paused to consider, while I eagerly took a few sips of my own coffee.

“I’m still getting nuts,” James shared, “as well as some blueberry and light fruit.”

I really tasted blueberries—unlike any coffee I’d ever tried before. The blueberry notes were so distinct it actually made me laugh! Beyond that, the cup revealed a few other notes of fruit while maintaining an extremely light body that danced on the front of the tongue.

James added that this coffee was perfect for late summer. It was light, fruity, and dynamic. There was a hint of lemon within the body that only benefitted the overall experience.

The reveal

Vinculo tastes: blueberry jam, cedar, lemon peel, and cinnamon. We imagine this is a wonderful addition to a camping trip or a long weekend getaway.

Parainema - Nicaraguan

First impressions

We were so buzzy after the first two coffees that we had to try the final one - a Nicaraguan light/medium roast - on the following day.

James opened the bag, shook the beans around, and inhaled the aroma. He said that he sensed hints of lemon, chocolate, cherry, and honey.

“It’s quite sweet,” I said, as I tried to pinpoint exactly what was coming through. “I’m also noticing some lemon or citrus and perhaps red berries.”

I imagine that this coffee would be delicious as both a coffee and an espresso but we opted for coffee this time. We ground the beans and vacuum pressure-brewed the coffee using the Pipamoka.

Tasting notes

We took turns taking sips and sharing what we were experiencing. Overall we were impressed with how smooth and light the coffee was compared to what we thought. Both of us had expected something that was more dark and round in profile but it was actually quite floral.

“I’m almost getting a light tea taste,” I shared with James.

“It’s very light on the tongue but I’m sensing honey or grape,” he responded.

We agreed that it was a unique coffee that offered a melody of flavor – every sip gave us more to guess about!

The reveal

The reveal was so interesting – we were aligned in some aspects and other aspects surprised us! This coffee is known to be unique and savory and others do also note its floral mouthfeel. Some find it herbal and others find it bright and balanced. Overall, Vinculo says this coffee has notes of milk chocolate, caramel crema, pear, exotic fruit. This is such a fun coffee that we highly recommend to kickstart your day.

Roast Review: Bean Boy Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Fri, 3 Oct 2025 01:39:04 +0800

Bean Boy Coffee isn’t your typical roaster—they make that clear from the moment you land on their site. In their own words: “This ain’t your mama’s burnt‑bean ash.” They roast and sell specialty-grade coffee, but in my eyes what sets them apart is how much personality they bring to the process.

Their whole vibe is playful and unexpected. The email signup says “Email Signup. LOL.” They offer “certified pre-owned mugs” that feel like a clever inside joke that I instantly want to be part of. And instead of a standard FAQ, they have an “IAQs” section—Infrequently Asked Questions. Everything about them signals that they care deeply about quality, but they don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s coffee—with a side of fun.

We had a terrific experience tasting Bean Boy Coffee and I’m excited to tell you all about it. Grab a cup of the coffee you’re currently digging and let’s dive in!

Cyiya Murundo

First impressions

I opened up the coffee bag and inhaled the aroma. I paused, considered for a moment, and then inhaled the aroma again, trying to discern what I was sensing.

“Wow it smells so bright and a bit fruity,” I said “I’m guessing notes of sugar, strawberry, and chocolate.”

Finally I handed the bag over to James, who was eager to experience this new coffee too.

After smelling the freshly roasted beans he shared that he sensed orange peel, strawberry, and perhaps a hint of something darker and more grounding.

“I wonder if it’s caramel or brown sugar,” I mused. James agreed.

We started to prepare the Cuppamoka and boil the water but we paused after grinding the beans. With the newly ground beans there was a more potent smell of citrus in the air, like a lemon or grapefruit. We took note of this and carried on brewing.

Tasting notes

We each picked up a mug of freshly Cuppamoka- brewed coffee and took a sip.

I looked at James, who was sipping and looking off into the distance as if looking for the exact right tasting notes.

“Well?” I said impatiently, not yet ready to make my own guess.

“It’s really smooth,” said James. “I enjoy how light it is and it’s got a bit of a honey flavor too. It drinks a bit like a tea.”

I agreed and added that this was definitely a coffee that would please any and every palette. It was light and subtle without being boring. There was a slight touch of citrus at the end of the sip, but not enough for it to overpower the experience.

The reveal

Bean Boy says that this Rwandan coffee has notes of crème brûlée, oolong tea, and mandarin, James and I say that it’s a real crowd pleaser!

Werka Nensebo

First impressions

“It smells like chocolate and marshmallows,” James said almost instantly when he smelled the beans of the next coffee. He added that there may also be notes of vanilla and a red fruit like cherry.

For me, it was really fruity. It reminded me of a coffee I had a while back that was described as tasting like “Fruity Pebbles.” But there was also something deeper—maybe chocolate or tiramisu—that balanced it out. Every time I smelled the freshly roasted beans, I picked up on something new.

We had to press pause on our guesses and give the coffee a try, as we were so eager to see what it would taste like.

We took out our Picopresso, Exagrind, Exagram, and Gauge for this one. I weighed and ground the beans and James was in charge of brewing. In the end, we had two Werka Nensebo espressos that had a beautiful, light consistency throughout. We could see and admire this thanks to our Stellar cups.

Tasting notes

“Woah it has such a great kick,” I said after taking my first sip.

James remarked on the delicious fruity nature, hint of chocolate, and bright citrus.

We agreed that it was perfect for a hot summer day, like the one we were experiencing, and that it had a lovely balance of acidity and sweetness. There was no question this would be our go-to pick-me-up for the heat wave week we were in for.

The reveal

Bean Boy says that this special Ethiopian coffee has notes of strawberry, chocolate, and mandarin.

Antigua Juaja

First impressions

I took out the last coffee, which was a washed coffee from Guatemala, and unsealed the bag. I smelled a melody of flavors including blackberry, fig, and honey.

“Smells similar to the other ones in terms of brightness and fruit but I’m sensing more lemon with this one!” James noted.

Antigua Juaja is versatile and can be enjoyed as an espresso or coffee. We opted for an espresso this time and decided we would try it as a coffee the following day.

James took out our Minipresso GR2 and heated the water while I ground the beans using the Exagrind.

Tasting notes

James was the first to share his experience - noting the super bright lemony explosion of flavor as well as the full bodied and syrupy mouthfeel.

I was immediately impressed by the experience of this coffee. I could sense lemon, chocolate, and perhaps another dark fruit. James guessed the other fruit notes could be blackberry or blueberry.

The reveal

According to Bean Boy, this coffee has notes of lemon, plum, and milk chocolate. We tried it the next day as a coffee and it was just as amazing!

Roast Review: Sisters Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:59:42 +0800

Review by: Sheila Murray Photos by: Linked Ring

Earlier this spring my husband, James, and I went on a climbing trip with friends in the high desert of California. Luckily for us, a couple showed up with a stash of their favorite coffee to share with the whole crew (always the hero move, let’s be honest). Out of everything they brought, the one they were most excited about was from Sisters Coffee—a roaster based in Sisters, Oregon, the place they call home. That kind of personal recommendation always sticks with me, and I was excited to reach out to Sisters Coffee as soon as I arrived home from the trip.

Now, I get to keep spreading the love for Sisters Coffee by sharing with you our experience pairing Sisters Coffee and Wacaco! Enjoy!

Colombia Aponte Honey

First impressions

“Ohhh this one seems like it’s going to be sweet and syrupy,” I guessed. We always do our roast reviews “blind,” which makes it more fun and also more tricky because we don’t know what to expect! I thought I might be sensing notes of dark fruit like plum or blackberry while also sensing something a bit light and almost floral.

James took a moment to smell the freshly roasted beans. He guessed that there might be notes of blackberry and honeysuckle and agreed that he could smell something sweet and syrupy might be in the overall body as well.

We decided to try this one as a coffee and to use the Pipamoka. We ground the beans, heated the water, and made two cups of fresh coffee to enjoy.

Tasting notes

James took a sip and said, “I originally was detecting a darker fruit like blackberry but now I’m actually picking up on something lighter. It still holds the sweet and syrupy mouthfeel that I had expected. It’s really good!”

I shared that on one hand I was getting the taste of something subtle like dried fruit (maybe figs?) but at times it seemed more like a full-bodied sweetness, as well as something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

James noted that there was a certain butteryness to the overall flavor profile and that felt exactly right. It was akin to toffee or caramel!

The reveal

Sisters gives this coffee the following description:

Flavor Notes: Apricot, Caramel, Peach
Body: Syrupy

Acidity: Bright

I highly recommend reading more about this coffee and the Inga community of Aponte, and then getting some coffee for you and a friend to enjoy together!

We had so much fun sipping the Colombian coffee from Sisters that we decided to save the espresso blend for the next day.

Espresso blend

First impressions

James opened up the espresso blend and quite literally stuck his nose into the top of the bag to smell the beans. After a moment or two he concluded that the beans smelled, “really good,” which had me laughing. He also shared that he could detect notes of cherry and chocolate.

Personally, the first impression was one that was bright and uplifting. I wondered aloud if there might be tasting notes of a more unusual fruit, like mango or tangerine, and also could notice something a bit nutty and grounding.

We opted to try this espresso using our Picopresso. James measured beans using our Exagram and ground them using the Exagrind, while I heated the water. We took turns making our espressos using the Picopresso, since it’s always a delight to use!

Tasting notes

The smell of the freshly brewed coffee was already quite striking, making us stop and remark on it before we even had a sip

“It’s full-bodied, earthy, electric, unique, and exciting,” I declared once I did take a sip of espresso.

“I’m getting nuts, like almond, lemon zest, and something a bit sugary,” said James.

It was hard not to drink it all in 30 seconds flat because of how delicious it was. I really wanted to pause and savor the harmony of tasting notes. I loved the balance of acidity and sweetness as well as the nice nutty quality.

The reveal

Sisters Coffee say that this espresso blend has notes of pear, cantalope, maple syrup, caramel, and praline. Best said by them – “With a caramel base and chocolatey notes, these three coffees combine for a delicious espresso base perfect for adding steamed milk.” Next time I’m going to try it with cold oat foam!

Roast Review: William & Sons Coffee Co.

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Fri, 23 May 2025 03:15:41 +0800

I’ll never forget my first William & Sons coffee. I was in between errands and stopped by the shop, which I had learned recently opened. I ordered a filtered Nicaraguan coffee (they usually have at least two filtered options) and was on my way. After my first few sips I confirmed it was one of the best coffees I had tried in a while. Was it also that the sun was shining, I was on my way to meet a good friend, and I was having an already great day? Possibly. But this is what I love about coffee - what we experience is so much more than what’s in the cup. It’s the experience with the brand, the places we drink it (and with Wacaco products, you can drink good coffee anywhere), and really being present while sipping rather than downing it as fast as you can.

While the coffee shop I stopped at was a new location, William & Sons Coffee Co. has been serving up delicious coffee for over 10 years now. Jonathan, the owner, started the company in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2014 and named it after his father, William. In 2021 Jonathan started operations in New Hampshire. There are now two locations in New Hampshire, with a third coming soon!

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try a few roasts from William & Sons alongside the Wacaco products and share my experience with you. You can see and order all the coffees I discuss right here, as well as many more!

Fruta de las Garzas

First impressions

I opened the bag of coffee and was delighted by the bright aroma. I sensed notes of fresh tropical fruit, which was a pleasant surprise on a rather gloomy morning.

“Mm,” James considered as he smelled the beans, “This is so unique! I’m sensing rose petals, honey, and milk chocolate.”

We decided to brew Fruta de las Garzas with our Cuppamoka. I set it up and took out the filters while James boiled the water and ground the beans. We brewed two cups of coffee, clinked our cups, and each took a sip.

Tasting notes

James said that the coffee was punchy, fruity, and very different from anything we’d tried recently.

Personally, I was awed by how the coffee was so light in color but packed a punch with flavor. It was absolutely delicious and bright. I was getting notes of green mango, pineapple, and perhaps watermelon.

James remarked that it had a smooth mouthfeel and a touch of acid that really tied it all together. He also added he could still sense some notes of rose and honey mixed in.

Ronal Monenegro Gesha

First impressions

“Oh, this one is so different from the last,” I said to James as I smelled the beans of the Ronal Monenegro Gesha. It was earthy but floral, a lovely balance! I wondered if I was noting hints of apricot or white peach.

On the other hand, James had a bit of a different experience. After shaking around the beans and taking a few moments to consider, James said he was getting hints of toasted nuts and cherry.

We were so curious what would happen when we tasted this roast as an espresso, so we took out our trusty Nanopresso and made us each our own espresso.

Tasting notes

I took a sip and really enjoyed the smooth mouthfeel with a nice bite of acid. I guessed that there were notes of grapefruit and brown sugar. I was noticing something new with each sip and it was hard to not drink it all too quickly.

James reported that he was still sensing cherry, enjoyed the hint of acid and citrus, and that the overall fruity flavor was consistent throughout each sip. He said this was a coffee that he could imagine enjoying on any day of the week and that it really hit the spot!

The reveal

This coffee has notes of dried apricots, clementine, and agave! It gets its name from Ronal Carranza Montenegro, who is a Peruvian coffee producer.

Las Flores Andre Fernandez

We had thoroughly enjoyed our experiences with the first two coffees from William & Sons, so we were curious and eager about trying this final one. We invited our friend, Kristina, to come do this roast review with us.

“What do you think?” I asked Kristina, as she inhaled the aroma of the freshly roasted beans.

“Hmm,” she considered, “I’m sensing there might be notes of a yellow fruit. I am also getting some floral notes.”

James smelled the beans next and guessed that there might be notes of citrus and stone fruit. I agreed with him and could imagine something a bit bold like a juicy peach. Overall the smell was rich, sweet, and intriguing.

We measured beans using our Exagram and ground them using the Exagrind, then we used the Picopresso to make three crema-topped espressos.

Tasting notes

“This is one of the best espressos I’ve tried,” remarked Kristina. She also shared that she doesn’t typically go for drinking espresso on its own but this was surprisingly palatable and enjoyable.

I said I was getting notes of lemon and perhaps some pineapple too. It was overall a sweet burst of flavor with low acidity. It seemed like a good contender to use in a cortado, my drink of choice when it comes to pairing with milks.

James agreed on the notes of lemon and said he also could sense tart fruit and florals. He commented on the silky and creamy mouthfeel that made the espresso quite satisfying.

The reveal

This coffee has notes of banana cream, lemonade, and key lime pie. We chatted about how this coffee makes us think of spring and new beginnings. I hope to enjoy it while walking the dog as well as paddleboarding this summer.

Roast Review: La Mulita

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Wed, 21 May 2025 04:30:59 +0800

Roast Review by: Sheila Murray Photos by: Linked Ring

“It’s always so fun to test coffee from people we know,” said my husband, James. I couldn’t agree more! James and I moved to the New Hampshire seacoast area about a year ago and one of our first action items was checking out the local coffee shops.

When we happened across La Mulita in Rye, NH we were blown away. Max, the owner, was standing behind the counter and he introduced himself and told us what makes La Mulita so special – 100% specialty Colombian coffee is sourced from diverse regions in Colombia and roasted right on-site.

After our first cup, we knew that this would be the perfect pairing with Wacaco products. Read on to hear what happened when we tried two La Mulita roasts in tandem with the Minipresso and the Pipamoka.

Exotic Mule

First of all, let me tell you that I was already overjoyed when I opened the shipping box of coffee, because the coffee bags were neatly placed on tissue paper that had little mules all over it. It’s these little things that make a coffee roastery even more unique and memorable! If you are ever able to visit La Mulita, you’ll see there are mules everywhere and it will be hard not to go home without a t-shirt or mug that has the mule on it. Okay, on to the first impression…

First impressions

“Wow! I’m sensing notes of lime, cream, and overall brightness ,” said James, after opening the bag and smelling the freshly roasted beans.

I smelled bright red fruit (perhaps raspberry) as well as sweet honey or toasted nuts. It had such a unique and captivating aroma, which made us eager to taste it.

I took out our small but mighty Minipresso GR2 while James ground the beans using our Exagrind. We’ve been loving using the Wacaco Stellar glasses, as it always makes the resulting espresso look even more delightful. James and I discussed that the Minipresso GR2 & Stellar glasses would be the perfect gear to bring for a beach picnic.

Tasting notes

I had expected that the espresso may be a bit citrusy and acidic but was pleasantly surprised by its round mouthfeel and super smooth taste. I was getting notes of strawberry and milk chocolate.

“I’m getting a bright fruit accompanied by cream and sugar,” said James between sips. He added that there might be notes of stone fruit or blackberry.

The reveal

La Mulita says it best – “A smooth, creamy body with vibrant notes of red fruit, silky milk chocolate, and a delicate touch of sweet hazelnut. It’s the perfect brew for anyone seeking something extraordinary.”

We agreed this espresso could be enjoyed anywhere and everywhere and was bringing brightness to the rainy spring day outside.

San Vicente

First impressions

I opened the bag of coffee and shook the beans to release the aroma into the air. It filled our kitchen with comforting rich chocolate and sweet syrup, like honey.

James took the bag next and made his guesses.

“This one smells a bit darker than the last, is rich and chocolatey, and I’m getting notes of fruit too,” shared James.

After our positive experience with Exotic Mule, we were looking forward to a full cup of San Vicente, which was notably different but carried the same high quality impression. We decided to brew this one with the Pipamoka. The Pipamoka only requires ground coffee and hot water (no filters needed for this one!) but its simplicity doesn’t sacrifice the quality of flavor. We ground the beans, heated the water, and made two cups of fresh coffee.

Tastings note

I was so surprised after my first sip. The overall taste was the classic chocolatey flavor you might expect in a coffee but the body was smooth like a green tea.

James agreed that the coffee was extremely smooth and light. He tasted a balance of milk chocolate as well as either jasmine tea or subtle citrus.

It was the kind of coffee I could imagine sipping with a friend and having long conversations.

The reveal

This coffee has notes of dark chocolate, maple sugar, brown sugar, and subtle citrus undertones. Delicious!

You can learn more about La Mulita Coffee and their subscription options by visiting their website.

Roast Review: Narroway Homestead

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 01:56:54 +0800

Make yourself your favorite espresso and sit back to enjoy this fun roast review with NarroWay Homestead!

Nate Petroski is an off-grid homesteader in West Virginia who established NarroWay Homestead in 2020. Nate has grown his business and brand in creative ways and now offers a beard care line, offers educational videos on homesteading, and roasts his own coffee (this is where we come in!). We were lucky enough to try three NarroWay Homestead coffees in tandem with our trusty Wacaco products.

First up, Mad Scientist!

Mad Scientist

First impressions

“That is bold!” I exclaimed after smelling the freshly roasted beans. “I’m getting notes of bitter chocolate, buttered toast, and maybe something sweet,” I added.

I handed the bag over to James, who took a moment to enjoy the design of the bag (you really have to see the Mad Scientist for yourself!). We could just from the smell and the design of the mad scientist that it was going to be a unique and potent coffee.

James said the coffee smelled “deeply rich” and sensed notes of butterscotch and caramel. I agreed with him and also could sense some fruit-forward undertones.

We decided to brew the Mad Scientist with our Minipresso GR2. I used the Exagrind to prepare the beans and, with the help of the small and mighty Minipresso, we prepared two crema-topped espressos and each took a sip.

Tasting notes

“Hmmm,” considered James, “it is very sweet and has a citrus kick, like lemon or lime.” He commented on the rich finish and round mouthfeel that, alongside the bright flavors, created a unique and pleasant sipping experience.

I was surprised how sweet and citrusy the taste was, even as it packed a punch. I agree that overall there was a nice, round mouthfeel to complement the bouquet of sweet tasting notes. I sensed caramel, maple syrup, and citrus fruit.

Minions Sweet Blend

Minions Sweet Blend features Nate's famous pug Mix Minion, we were excited to try this one as we've been enjoying following Minion's adventures on his tiktok page!

First impression

I opened the bag of beans and shook it around to release the aroma. After smelling the beans and considering, I guessed that this blend may have notes of honey and perhaps red fruit. I also wondered aloud if it would have a syrupy mouthfeel.

James smelled the freshly roasted beans next. He said that he sensed notes of milk chocolate, ripe cherry, and toasted almond.

“Delicious!” he concluded.

Guessing that the coffee would be rather smooth and sweet, we decided to try it as a pourover and took out our Cuppamoka! We are always impressed with how quick and seamless it is to set up the Cuppamoka and we had two cups of coffee in no time.

Tasting notes

“Wow,” I said, “it’s sweet and light but also a bit buttery in a wonderfully satisfying way.”

“Yes, it’s rich and buttery” replied James, “ and I’m also getting butterscotch and a toasted nut like almond.”

We agreed there were also notes of ripe fruit and that overall the brew had a lovely, smooth mouthfeel. A real crowd pleaser! This is an ideal coffee to take on an adventure with friends or gift a relative for their everyday coffee.

NarroWay Blend

I always look forward to trying the signature blend of any coffee roaster, as it can tell us a lot about the overall personality of the company in just a few sips!

First impression

James smelled the freshly roasted coffee beans, shook the bag around, then smelled the beans again. Finally he reported that he was sensing notes of honey, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.

When I smelled the beans, I caught notes of black cherry, milk chocolate, and maple candy. Overall I sensed a fruity and round impression that was quite delightful.

It seemed like this signature blend could work well with any of the Wacaco products but we were craving espresso! We pulled out the Nanopresso and barista kit, ground the beans, and heated water. We always enjoy the ritual of making espresso when we actually take time to slow down and enjoy the process together. I highly recommend gathering with some loved ones to make coffee or espresso together like this, and the Wacaco products make it even more interesting and fun!

Tasting notes

“That’s delicious!” I said to James after my first sip. I enjoyed how light the coffee was while packing in flavor.

James commented on how it was a satisfyingly thick and syrupy blend. He was sensing sweet and sugary notes as well as a hint of smokiness that really completed the whole experience.

We were both amazed how much flavor this coffee had while sustaining a cohesiveness.

The reveal

NarroWay says this coffee has notes of chocolate and brown sugar.

Side by Side Comparison of the Cuppamoka and Pipamoka

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Tue, 1 Apr 2025 05:12:12 +0800

The portable pour over Cuppamoka and the twistable vacuum pressure brewer Pipamoka are both innovative coffee makers, but they offer distinct brewing experiences. Join Brodie as he breaks down the differences of brewing coffee with each. Let us know in the comments which is your favorite!

Roast Review: JBC Coffee Roasters

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 04:08:27 +0800

Blog by: Sheila Murray Photos by: Linked Ring

I’m delighted to tell you about my experience with JBC Coffee Roasters, a company with a philosophy of "unparalleled quality, a human story, and sustainability.” That philosophy drew me to this coffee roaster and the coffee tasting blew me away. I don’t want to give away too much - make a cup of coffee and settle in to learn just how well JBC and Wacaco paired together!

La Piragua Pink Bourbon

First impressions

Before even noticing the aroma, we studied the intricate details of the coffee bag. I loved how each of the coffees we received had their own distinct and thoughtfully designed bag.

Finally we opened the bag of beans, which released a strong and delicious aroma into the kitchen. We agreed that there was a lovely smell of chocolate or syrupy candy. James said there were hints of caramel and I noticed undertones of something bright and fruity like raspberry.

We decided to brew this one as an espresso. We used the Exagrind to grind the beans and the Picopresso to brew. We prepared two crema-topped espressos and each took a sip.

James commented on how it always pulls a reliable shot and how tamping it down correctly really makes a big difference. There is a helpful video here if you are using your Picopresso for the first time!

Tasting notes

“Wow” I said after my first sip, in surprise. “It’s so bright and light and it does in fact have that syrupy mouthfeel I thought I could sense through the smell.” I also noticed notes of grapefruit or something citrusy.

James thought the espresso tasted like lemon, grapefruit, and tart cherry. He also commented on the lovely creamy mouthfeel that rounded out each sip.

We agreed that the more we drank the espresso the more we noticed about it and the more we enjoyed it!

The reveal

This roast has notes of valencia orange, jammy pink and red fruits, and meyer lemon. Kickstart a sunny morning with this roast and you’ll basically guarantee a joyous day and productive day!

Las Margaritas Sudan Rume

First impressions

One thing to note about this coffee is that it is a limited edition! It may not even be available by the time this review is published but it gives us a clear idea of the exceptional quality we can expect from any JBC limited edition coffee!

“Hmm,” I said as I considered. I had opened the small bag of coffee and was taking my time smelling the freshly roasted beans. “This is floral, bright, and quite welcoming.”

James said that he sensed toasted nuts, cinnamon, vanilla, and floral notes.

As we were getting quite different experiences upon smelling, we were so curious to see what it would taste like!

Our contact at JBC recommended trying this one as a filtered coffee but said it also makes a fantastic espresso - you can’t go wrong! We opted to use the Cuppamoka to brew two cups of Las Margaritas Sudan Rume.

Tasting notes

I was blown away by the bouquet of tasting notes that were complementing each other so well. I noticed dark chocolate, citrus, vanilla, and maybe something herby and grounding. It was hard to pinpoint the exact tasting notes but it was so delicious, I could have drank it all day.

“I’m getting some citrus, vanilla, and lemon,” said James.

This coffee was unlike anything I had ever tasted before and it was mesmerizing! We definitely took our time drinking this one and I look forward to trying it as an espresso as well!

The reveal

Said best by JBC: “It is stunning and unique with tasting notes of tropical fruit, rosemary, blood orange, sweet basil, hibiscus, and mint. An exceptional and wildly unique coffee experience.”

Yabitu Koba Ethiopia

First impressions

After taking a moment to appreciate the creative coffee bag, I opened it up and shook it to release the smell.

James commented on how the aroma was akin to honey and sweet fruit. I noted that the smell was very strong, bright, and I would even say “cheerful.” There were hints of nutmeg, punchy fruit, flowers, and citrus.

We thought this one would pair well with the Cuppamoka or Pipamoka, and we used the Pipamoka this time around.I was looking forward to experiencing how the vacuum extraction method would bring out the floral and citrus notes we were already sensing.

Tasting notes

James said he was pleasantly surprised to taste a floral jasmine tea. He commented on the bright but overall subtle nature of this coffee, which made for an introspective sipping experience in the best way.

“It’s so light and smooth,” I said, “I am getting those tea notes as well as fruit and honey. This is one I’d love to share with friends, as it’s another fun one!”

The reveal

This coffee has notes of lemon lime soda, white florals, kiwi, honey. Another unique and delicious roast! We recommend enjoying this on a climbing, skiing, or biking adventure with friends.

Roast Review: Coffee Bros Roastery

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Wed, 5 Feb 2025 06:12:12 +0800

Roast review by: Sheila Murray Photos by: Linked Ring

You’re going to love this next coffee roaster - Coffee Bros Roastery - not only because they have delicious and quality coffee, but also because their website is absolutely packed with helpful information to make your best cup of coffee ever. I’m not kidding – I loved their coffee to water ratio calculator and my husband and I lost track of time looking at all the coffee equipment. They even have a blog featuring the Nanopresso! This collaboration was absolutely meant to be and I’m thrilled to share our experience trying Coffee Bros.

Read on to learn about four of the excellent roasts we tried.

Ethiopia | Daye Bensa

First impressions

I opened the bag of beans and inhaled the aroma.

“Woah!” I exclaimed, “It’s so potent and clearly freshly roasted. I’m getting a nice hit of a punchy fruit.

James smelled the beans next and guessed that there were notes of strawberry compote and sugar. I added that there may be some lemon meringue and a touch of brown sugar.

It was safe to say that the first impression of smelling the coffee piqued our interest. We decided to brew this coffee with our Cuppamoka. James pulled out our trusty Examgram Pro and switched the setting to “P” for pour over mode, while I set up the Cuppamoka filter and ground up the beans. In the end we had two gorgeous cups of coffee to taste.

Tasting notes

We both took a few sips and quietly considered.

I noticed a pleasant, smooth mouthfeel and more subtle flavors than I expected. For me it seemed like the coffee held notes of white peach, cacao, and some apple. With every sip the melody of tasting notes continued to transform and blend perfectly.

“I really like this one,” proclaimed James. “It is so smooth and balanced. I am getting notes of pear and green tea.”

The reveal

We finally looked at the box to reveal the tasting notes. This coffee has notes of caramel, fresh apple, and peach!

Colombia | Fruit Loops

First impressions

We both enjoyed the Ethiopian roast so much that we wanted to try another roast straight away. This time, the coffee from Huila, Colombia! Coffee Bros does an exceptional job highlighting the details of each coffee, including information about the regions and people that are involved. I enjoyed reading about how Coffee Bros discovered this coffee at an event in Chicago.

James opened the coffee bag and shook the beans around to release the aroma. He guessed that there may be notes of cherry, meyer lemon, blueberry, and blackberry.

I found it to be equally as bright and fruity. I was sensing notes of punchy red and blue fruit and perhaps even something tropical like mango.

As we already had the Cuppamoka out, we decided to try this as a pourover but we promised ourselves we would try it another day as an espresso. Once again, the Cuppamoka helped us brew two beautiful cups of fresh coffee.

Tasting notes

“Oh yeah!” exclaimed James. “I’m getting an explosion of red fruit, strawberry, and blueberry.” After a few more sips he added the brew was tart but sweet, acidic but not overly so.

I found this coffee to be unbelievably satisfying and full bodied. It held a nice, round mouthfeel with a bright hit of fruit at the end. I agreed with James that there were notes of red and blue fruit and it was overall very awakening.

The reveal

As revealed in the name, drinking this coffee is like indulging in a bowl of fruit loops cereal. It’s fun and bright and an amazing way to kickstart the day. I tried the roast a few days later in a homemade cortado with the help of the Picopresso and -wow- I would also recommend that!

Honduras | Katia Duke

First impressions

We opened the bag of beans and passed it back and forth, taking guesses at the notes we were sensing.

James said he was smelling chocolate but that it was equally matched by notes of fruit. He guessed it may be a stone fruit or a hint of citrus.

Personally, I was taken aback by how bold and bright the coffee was - it smelled delicious! I guessed there may be notes of dark chocolate, cherry, and orange.

We thought this one could be good as both an espresso and a coffee, and we opted for the Pipamoka pressure brewing method this time around. As always, it was simple enough to make the coffee with our Pipamoka and we were ready to sip it in no time!

Tasting notes

My first impression of the taste was the balance of the deep, flavorful notes with the smooth, light mouthfeel. It was sensing chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and perhaps a touch of fruit.

James agreed that this coffee tasted like caramel and chocolate. He also added that there were notes of plum at the end.

We could easily see ourselves enjoying this roast any day of the week and sharing it with friends.

The reveal

This coffee has notes of chocolate, toffee, orange and red current. Delicious!

Espresso Roast

First impressions

This coffee was strong with its first impression. I was mesmerized by the sweet notes of sugar and berry. It was much lighter than I might have expected for an espresso roast and, as a fan of lighter roasts, this was a delight.

“I’m almost getting some lime,” mused James, while he smelled the beans. He also thought there may be some red fruit and perhaps honey.

We took out our Picopresso, Exagrind, Exagram, and Gauge for this one. James ground the beans using the Exagrind while I heated the water. We brewed an espresso each into our Wacaco Stellar coffee cups, which I had been eager to use.

Tasting notes

Notes of citrus and fruit hit early on in the first sip. It was sweet and sugary with notes of berry and perhaps vanilla that was rounding it out.

James guessed that there might be notes of toasted almond, blueberry, and honey.

“It’s bold, refined, and flavorful,” he said between sips.

There were a few other tasting notes that we were noticing but couldn’t quite name. What we were sure of was that the espresso was delicious and that the Stellar cups actually made a difference with the clarity of flavor.

The reveal

This roast has notes of strawberry, sugar cane, and vanilla. Another excellent coffee I’ll have to try in a cortado sometime (my current favorite drink of choice)!

Roast Review: Café Grumpy

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 08:16:16 +0800

Roast Review by: Sheila Murray Photos by: Linked Ring

I’m delighted to tell you about my experience drinking two coffees from Café Grumpy, a roaster out of New York City. Café Grumpy got its start in 2005 and has proudly served its own house-roasted coffee since 2009. Although I haven’t been to one of their (many!) locations yet, I can feel the big heart and soul of this business from miles away. I especially like the following line from their about page:

“Whether you drink iced coffee in the winter, prefer your cappuccinos with oat milk or just like a cup of tea, we believe that diversity enriches life.”

Read on for the roast review of the Heartbreaker Espresso and Malacara Orange, El Salvador

Heartbreaker espresso

First Impressions

Heartbreaker is Café Grumpy’s signature house espresso blend, so I was eager to find out what sipping it would inform me about Café Grumpy as a whole. Personally, I love trying out a new coffee shop by testing their house filtered coffee or house espresso. It reflects the personality and quality of the roaster and tells me what customers like to drink too!

First Impressions

“I’m sensing fruit straight away,” said James after smelling the freshly roasted beans.

The smell of the coffee was intoxicating and I had so many guesses for the flavor profile! I noticed rose, strawberry, berry, brown sugar, and caramel.

James added that there may be a bit of citrus as well as chocolate and suggested we use the Minipresso Minipresso GR2 for this roast.

I used the Exagrind to grind the beans, which released even more of the delicious aroma. We prepared two crema-topped espressos and each took a sip.

Tasting notes

“Wow, it’s such an easy sipper!” I noted. “It’s light and balanced with lovely hints of chocolate, pomegranate and nuts.”

James said he enjoyed the light acidity, caramel, cacao, and round mouthfeel.

“That’s good!” He concluded.

The reveal

Heartbreaker has tasting notes of blackberry, amaretto, dark chocolate. We recommend drinking it by the ocean on a windy day or first thing in the morning before a big adventure.

Malacara Orange, El Salvador

First Impressions

James opened the bag of beans and I could smell it from a little ways across the room, thanks to how freshly roasted it was! I could immediately tell it was going to be a good one.

I shook the beans around in the bag and released its sweet aroma.

“Oh!” I exclaimed, “It’s even brighter than the last one!” The smell was so sweet and delicious and I noted hints of raisin, chocolate, marshmallow, and citrus.

James guessed at a certain richness, chocolate, and hazelnut. He said that there was something sweet and alluring about this coffee, while also having a bit of acid to balance it all out.

Tasting notes

“It’s so cozy and inviting,” said James. He noted sweet butterscotch, hints of caramelized butter, a smooth mouthfeel and a touch of orange.

I agreed that this coffee had a pleasant, smooth mouthfeel that made you want to sip it all day. I also noted brown sugar or maple candy and a refreshing hit of citrus fruit. The melody of flavors came together beautifully and left us energized and happy.

The reveal

This coffee has notes of orange, vanilla, and maple sugar. Make sure to read the history behind this coffee and learn about Malacara! We recommend sharing this one with friends and taking it with you on a roadtrip.

Roast Review: Maverick Coffee Co.

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 05:35:54 +0800

Roast review by: Sheila Murray

Adventure has always been a big value of mine. Whether it’s exploring local spots or packing up for a longer road trip, there is something so refreshing about knowing I’m about to experience something brand new. Enjoying coffee is one of my favorite parts of any day and I’m always seeking high-quality coffee that will complement my Wacaco products and make my adventure days even more memorable. I’m delighted when I come across a coffee roaster who aligns with this value and “gets it” when it comes to not sacrificing good coffee just because you’re on the go! Maverick Coffee Co. is one of these coffee companies!

As stated best on Maverick's "About" page: "Maverick Coffee isn’t just a brew; it’s an invitation to connect with fellow adventurers who appreciate living life on their own terms." Maverick’s founders Kaylin and Alex walk the talk, too! When we were emailing about this collaboration, they were packing for a backpacking/van trip. They brought a Nanopresso with them and shared snapshots from their trip on their Instagram. It was obvious that this was an ideal connection of values, and all that was left to do was try their coffee. Read on to hear our experience!

Valley

First impression

James and I are dog parents, so we immediately fell in love with the branding because there is a dog printed on the front of each coffee bag! Once we were done admiring the dog, I opened the bag and shook the beans around.

“Hmm,” I said, considering, “It smells rich and sweet. I’m getting coffee, syrup, and potentially citrus.” I handed the bag to James, who inhaled the aroma and made his own guesses.

“I agree there is a certain richness to the smell and I also note earthiness, chocolate, and lime.”

We decided to try this roast using our Minipresso GR2, which I’ve been loving lately. I used the Exagrind to grind the beans, and James heated the water. We prepared two crema-topped espressos and took a sip to reveal the tasting notes.

Tasting notes

I was immediately struck by the round and creamy mouthfeel of the Valley espresso. It was full bodied, smooth, and had the lightest touch of sweetness and acidity.

James noted spiced nuts, syrupy and rich toffee, and a delicious hit of citrus at the end. He commented how intense and flavorful the brew was. It really packed a punch!

The reveal

We learned that this espresso is a dark roast with a signature dense intensity and notes of spice and caramel. There’s no doubt that this is a perfect roast to take on your next backpacking trip!

Union

First impression

I started off by shaking around the beans to release some of the aroma. Without even getting too close, I could sense bold, fruity notes. I guessed that I was smelling orange and raspberry but it was so challenging to tell!

James said that he definitely sensed fruit but guessed that it could be fig, current, brown sugar, and cherry.

We passed the bag of beans back and forth, taking turns smelling the beans and admiring the intoxicating fruity notes. It was clear that this would be a delicious coffee that was on the lighter side, and we opted to use the Cuppamoka for our taste test.

Tasting notes

“Oh!” exclaimed James. “I’m actually getting subtle notes of Jasmine tea! It’s so light, airy, and fruity.”

It was much lighter than I expected too, which allowed me to fully enjoy the melody of tasting notes and savor the sweetness. I tasted lemon and berry and was impressed by the overall light mouthfeel. Union could be an all day sipper because it was so delicious!

The reveal

Union is coffee from Ethiopia with notes of blackberry, lemon, & blueberry. I’ll be taking this one with me on my next sunrise beach walk with my dog!

Roast Review: Proud Mary Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:23:29 +0800

Roast review by: Sheila Murray

There are so many things to like about this next coffee roaster it’s hard to know where to begin. Proud Mary Coffee came to my attention thanks to a friend and they held my attention with their loud branding and exciting mission. Proud Mary is not your run-of-the-mill coffee roaster. They focus on disruption, blowing minds, and providing elegance and excellence. I was impressed to learn about things like their compostable coffee bags and their “Mild to Wild” filtering option to make coffee selection easy. I’m eager to share my experience trying their Ghost Rider and Humbler roasts.

Ghost Rider

James and I decided to start on the “Wild” side of things with the Ghost Rider blend.

First Impressions

I took a moment to admire the bright pink packaging of Ghost Rider but I was careful not to look at the tasting notes, so we could fairly guess. Then, I opened up the bag and smelled the beans.

“It smells so good,” I said. “I’m getting notes of sweet and punchy fruit, honey, and lemon.” Each time I inhaled the aroma, I noticed something new. The smell was rich and light, punchy and decadent. I needed James to help me make sense of all the different notes!

James said he also sensed notes of fruit, as well as vanilla and spice. He agreed that this was a complex and exciting roast and was curious what it would taste like.

We got to work taking out our Picopresso, Exagram, and Exagrind and I heated the water. After making our espressos, we clinked our cups and took a sip.

Tasting notes

“It’s so warm and nutty,” said James. He also commented on its bright and smooth nature.

I agreed that there was a delightful warm and nutty taste, as well as the punchy fruit I had sensed earlier. We guessed that there might be notes of cacao, nutmeg, brown sugar, and raspberry. It had a delightful and satisfying mouthfeel all the way through. The Picopresso was a perfect pairing.

The reveal

Proud Mary describes this coffee as, “big buttery and creamy body, syrupy and thick, jammy, red grape, stewed apricot.” We highly recommend trying out this espresso to kickstart a positive day.

Humbler

We love inviting friends over for coffee (and we’d like to think they love it too!), so we invited our friend, Kristina, for the next tasting. Humbler falls into the “Mild” category.

First impressions

James opened up the bag of beans and shook the bag around to release the aroma. He inhaled the smell, paused, then inhaled again before sharing his first impression.

“Hmm, I’m getting subtle notes of cacao, marshmallow, and something grounding like rosehip,” said James. Then he handed the bag over to Kristina to make her guess.

“This one is sweet, light, and comforting,” said Kristina. She added that she agreed with the guess of cacao but also wondered if it could be more like milk chocolate.

I shook the bag of beans around to release the aroma again and instantly got fruity notes as well as a sweetness and earthiness.

Humbler can be made as an espresso or filter coffee and we opted for the filter this time. I got out our Cuppamoka and began to grind the beans while James heated the water. In the end we had three, gorgeous cups of coffee to enjoy.

Tasting notes

“Wow!” I exclaimed, “This coffee is so smooth.” I adored the round mouthfeel and chocolate flavor.

James said that he could sense chocolate and was impressed by the balance of earthy and rich tasting notes.

Kristina took a few sips and then shared that she loved how smooth it was and she could imagine drinking this any day of the week. She also mused about how good it would taste as the base for a delicious cortado. Next time!

The reveal

Here’s what Proud Mary has to say about this coffee: “The Humbler blend has been designed universally to cut through milk to generate a chocolate fudge latte and a rich, syrupy sweet espresso. The blend is approachable and easy to use, which requires no complicated recipes or methodologies.” Delicious!

Holiday Gift Guide 2024

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:30:16 +0800

The ultimate guide to help you find the best gift for the coffee lover in your life!

Stocking Stuffers

Stellar Glass Cups

Set of 2 glass espresso and latte cups designed to elevate your coffee experience.

Exagram Pro Coffee Weighing Station

Your ticket to coffee perfection whether you're a season barista or coffee enthusiast on the go.

Exagrind

A compact and robust manual grinder that doesn't compromise precision and grind quality.

Personalized Gifts

Custom Engraved Octaroma

The Octaroma is a premium vacuum-isulated mug that keeps your drink hot/cold while preserving all the aromas when you're on the go off on a big adventure. Your prefect to-go mug. Bonus points: this gift is customizable so add an engraved message to give it a personal touch!

Add-Ons and Accessories For Your Favorite Wacaco Brewers

Coffee Drying Mat

Available in 2 sizes, these multipurpose accessories serve as drying mats, tamping mats and preperation mats making them indispensable additions to your coffee set up.

Barista Towels

Designed to keep your equipment and accessories clean and well-maintained, these high quality cloths can be used dry or slightly damp to clean your machine, or as a preparation pad to absorb any coffee or water spillage.

Best Espresso Brewer For Travelers

Minipresso NS2

The newest generation on the Minipresso NS, smaller, lighter and even more portable while still offering amazing espresso quality. The use of Nespresso® capules makes this the perfect espresso machine for travelers. The use of capsules makes it convenient, mess free and makes your espresso machine easier to clean after use. Add-on: we offer a convenient travel carrying case to take your Minipresso on the go!

Best Espresso Machine for Beginners

Nanopresso

The Nanopresso is one of the best and most versatile espresso machines. A truely unique addition to your coffee toolkit! It is delightfully easy to operate and simple to use! We offer the Nanopresso in a variety of different colors and special editions so you are sure to find the perfect match for the espresso lover in your life!

Best Espresso Machine for Experts

Picopresso

The Picopresso is our pro-oriented hand power espresso machine. With the Picopresso there are no short cuts. Each homebrewer must master the art of manual espresso making by dialing in the correct grind, size, tamping, and perfecting pulling technique. Their reward is an authentic cafe-quality espresso that will rival any expensive high-end machine.

Best pour-over

The Cuppamoka

Know someone who loves pour-over? The Cuppamoka is the perfect gift- no bigger than a cup, the compact and lightweight design includes all the necessary accessories to brew fantastic coffee on the go! The built-in coffee dripper, coupled with the cone paper filter ensures that every brew is perfect and clean from grounds, the double-wall stainless steel mug keeps your coffee hot for hours.

Roast Review: Loam Coffee Roasters

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 06:17:40 +0800

Roast Review by: Sheila Murray Photos by: Linked Ring

Some things just make sense together – peanut butter and jelly, sun and sand, books and cozy blankets, and (my favorite) coffee and the outdoors. That’s why I love that Wacaco has products to enjoy high quality espresso and coffee, no matter where you go. We’re always searching for coffee roasting companies to pair with our coffee makers, and it’s always a pleasure to find ones that align with our love for the outdoors. Loam Coffee Roasters is one of those companies!

“Coffee was meant to be enjoyed outside,” is printed across their homepage, which was my first impression of Loam Coffee Roasters. Upon further inspection across their website, I was wowed by their complete transparency, impressed by their ambassador program, and absolutely loved learning about their rentable coffee van. And these are just a few of the highlights - visit the website for yourself to learn more!

Now it’s time to get to the experience of actually tasting Loam’s coffee. We tried two roasts by Loam, one from Costa Rica and another from Guatemala. Read on to hear how it went!

Costa Rica Santa Cruz

First impression

I took a moment to appreciate the bag of coffee beans. I liked the minimalist design and handwritten coffee origin and roasting date. Printed on each bag is the following:

“Throughout the year, we source a variety of single-origin coffees from around the world. We constantly rotate through new crops to bring you the best cup of coffee.”

I could already tell that this company had a knack for personal touches and was the real-deal when it came to quality sourcing and variety, and I became ever-more curious how it would taste!

I opened the bag of beans and inhaled the aroma. It smelled so delicious, fresh, and bright. I wondered if there might be notes of apple, peach, or lemon. As well, there was a certain hint of chocolate that I guessed we may experience upon the taste test.

“I sense butter, blueberries, and cherry!” pronounced James once he took his turn smelling the beans.

When I took the bag back, I could strongly sense the smell of blueberries, as James had shared. It’s so funny how the mind works.

I was eager to try this single origin as an espresso, and we opted to use the Minipresso GR2. James boiled the water and I used the Exagrind to grind the beans. We prepared two, beautiful crema-topped espressos and took them outside to our porch to enjoy.

Tasting notes

“This is so tasty,” said James. “It’s sweet and syrupy immediately and the satisfying crema runs all the way through.” He added that there was a melody of fruity flavors balanced with rounding notes of chocolate and earthiness.

I noticed bright notes of punchy fruit and honey, and enjoyed the light mouthfeel that was balanced by cacao.

We settled on guessing that this coffee had notes of brown sugar, blueberry, cacao, and perhaps grapefruit. The last one was my guess, James wasn’t totally sold on it.

The reveal

Loam says that this coffee has flavor notes of blueberry and red raspberry, along with some rustic bittersweet cocoa. We highly recommend sipping this on your porch or enjoying it after a trail run.

Guatemala FTO Dry Process Chuacús

First impression

We were blown away by the first taste from Loam and we were excited to dive right into the next roast. James opened the coffee bag, shook it around, and smelled the beans.

“Mmmm,” said James as he considered, “I smell fruit like cherry!”

“I definitely can sense a red punchy fruit,” I said. “There’s something that seems sweet and syrupy about it too.”

“Yea! Maybe caramel or milk chocolate,” responded James

We decided to pair Guatemala Chuacús using our Cuppamoka. This time, I also pulled out our new Examgram Pro, which I had been keen to experience. Since it was my first time using it, I watched this video that walked me through the process step-by-step. It was incredibly helpful!I switched the setting to “P” for pour over mode, set up the Cuppamoka, poured in the grounds, and followed the instructions to brew a perfect cup.

Tasting notes

I was immediately taken by how smooth and satisfying my initial impression of the coffee was. It was less fruity than I had anticipated, and had a round mouthfeel. With each sip, I noticed more notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and a hint of a darker berry as well.

James agreed on the delightful smooth impression and notes of chocolate. He added that he was still getting cherry and something else he couldn’t quite name.

The reveal

In Loam’s words: “Thick cocoa-toned mouthfeel with the bittersweetness of fresh-roasted cocoa nibs is the standout feature, with accents of ripe dark fruits. Chocolate sauce, mango, blackberry wine.” Delicious! It was already an amazing coffee and I imagined how amazing it would taste as an espresso as well. Next time!

Check out Loam Coffee's founder and brand manager, Sean Benesh's, review of the Picopresso ESPRESSO ON THE GO: HOW THE WACACO PICOPRESSO REDEFINES ESPRESSO IN THE WILD

Roast Review: Rare Breed

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 01:59:31 +0800

Review by: Sheila Murray, Photos by: Linked Ring

I’m delighted to tell you about my experience trying coffee roasted in my home state of New Hampshire. Rare Breed Coffee, formally known as A&E Coffee, is a unique and inspired coffee roasting company that is anything but average. I was immediately drawn in by their bold branding, excellent communication, and impressive selection. Brewing the absolute best cup of coffee can be confusing but Rare Breed makes it easy with this Brew Guide and swap in your favorite Wacaco products.

I invited coffee enthusiast James to join me for this tasting. Read below as I share my experience sipping two of Rare Breed’s roasts.

Son of a Beach

First Impressions

Before even smelling the aroma of the beans, I took a moment to admire the vessel that the coffee arrived in. This seasonal roast was giving happy summer vibes right off the bat. We couldn’t wait to see what the drinking experience would be like.

“This is so bright, fruity, and juicy,” I said to James.

I shook the beans around and considered other possible notes. For me, it seemed like less of a citrus fruit and more punchy and sweet.

James guessed it could have notes of blueberry, grape, or pomegranate. He sensed that Son of a Beach would be a light roast and also be full bodied. As usual, we averted our eyes from reading the tasting notes on the can, so we could keep up the guessing game.

Son of a Beach makes for a great cold brew, espresso, and pour over but we went the espresso route on that particular day. James heated the water and ground the beans using our Exagrind, while I took out the Picopresso, and Gauge.

We made two, gorgeous espressos and each took a sip.

Tasting notes

James commented on the sweet and syrupy mouthfeel and also remarked on the nice acidity that hit at the back of his tongue. He said it had a lingering flavor of berries.

“I love it all!” He concluded.

I was equally impressed by the pleasant acidity and mouthfeel. It was invigorating and also full bodied and I enjoyed the light lemon mixed with sweet sugary fruit.

The reveal

Rare breed says it best: “Son of a Beach coffee will keep up with you (and keep you up). Jam to your favorite tunes while pounding this coffee. With summer flavor notes of herby lemon verbena, sugar cone and raspberry ice, it’s a punchy coffee that can take whatever you throw at it.”

It’s safe to say that we’ll be drinking this all summer long.

Colombia Terra 2X Fermentation

First impressions

Just from the name of the coffee, I was on the edge of my seat to try this unique roast.

I tore off the top of the can and inhaled the aroma of the freshly roasted coffee. I guessed that this coffee had hints of raspberry, peach, and lemon zest but it was hard to say. There was such a lovely medley of notes!

James guessed that there was a punchy red fruit, brown sugar, sweet lemon, and perhaps something floral. He also commented on the lovely color of the coffee beans.

We decided to try this roast using our Cuppamoka and make a cup for each of us to enjoy while sitting outside in our backyard.

Tasting notes

I took a small sip of the coffee and was immediately in awe of the maple syrupy mouthfeel, notes of pineapple, and floraly air. How all of these things could exist at once was impressive and made me keep sipping as I considered.

James agreed on the syrupy mouthfeel and was still getting the punchy fruit too. He wondered aloud if the coffee had notes of jasmine or something tea-like.

The reveal

Here’s how Rare Breed describes this coffee: “tropical fruit, coconut, pink lemonade, crème brulee, floral note in the finish, juicy body with crisp, malic acidity”

I highly recommend you read the description page here to learn more about the brilliant process behind this coffee!

Roast Review: Be Bright

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 05:21:39 +0800

Blog by: Shelia Murray

I first heard about Be Bright Coffee after the US Coffee Championships and I fell in love with their cheerful branding and unique mission to connect coffee drinkers to their perfect match. To make things easy for consumers, Be Bright offers the opportunity to choose between four taste categories – Dark & Bold, Rich & Smooth, Bright & Lively, and Unique & Surprising. They make it simple for customers like us to find a coffee we enjoy without sacrificing quality or versatility.

We tried two of Be Bright’s roasts at home on the East Coast but if you happen to live near or pass through Los Angeles, pop by their cafe! Below I’ll share my experience with El Diviso Pink Bourbon and Vivid Espresso. We enlisted the help of friends (it didn’t take too much convincing!) for this taste testing experience. Enjoy reading along!

El Diviso Pink Bourbon

First impressions

Being careful to keep the front of the bag and tasting notes pointed away from me, I opened the bag and shook it around to release the aroma. I noticed that it was surprisingly bright with notes of tangerine or lemon.

“Oh!” exclaimed Tessa. “For me it’s nutty and sweet with brown sugar, but also floral and tangerine.”

James said he noted cherry as well as something bright and fruity. We laughed about all of our guesses because it seemed like every time we smelled the beans we noticed something new!

We decided to use our Pipamoka for this one, as we wanted to see how the flavor profile would pair with the vacuum brew method. We prepared three coffees and offered Tessa one in the octaroma, as she had never seen it before.

We clinked our mugs together and took a sip of the freshly brewed coffee.

Tasting notes

I was immediately taken with how bold the taste was, in the best way. The tangerine I had sensed before was more of a punchy fruit. Still, there was something light and citrusy too! It was dynamic and delicious.

“I’m getting sugar, honey, and a red fruit,” said James thoughtfully. He commented on the light mouthfeel and satisfying sweetness.

“The sugar and honey is really coming through for me too. It’s so drinkable and delicious and it feels very summery,” said Tessa.

The reveal

This coffee has notes of strawberry candy, passion fruit, pink cotton candy, and honey. Check out this page to learn more about the story and the producer, Nestor Lasso.

Vivid Espresso

First Impressions

Our friend, Kristina, joined us to taste the Vivid Espresso from Be Bright. Our experience was so good with the El Diviso Pink Bourbon from Colombia that our expectations were quite high!

Kristina opened the coffee bag and inhaled the aroma of the beans. She looked up at us like she was about to say something, then smelled the beans again before speaking.

“I think I'm getting notes of chocolate. It’s very rich and bold and I absolutely love the smell overall!” she said.

James and I took turns smelling the roast next, and we agreed that there was a certain chocolate richness as well as sweet, earthy undertones.

We were eager to taste the Vivid espresso and got right to work pulling out our Picopresso, Exagrind, Exagram, and Gauge. Kristina took point on boiling the water while I started to grind the beans. A few rounds of espresso-making later, and we had ourselves three crema-topped espressos that were absolutely mouthwatering.

Tasting notes

I was taken by how dynamic this blend was. I was sensing berry, chocolate, and richness, but also lightness. It was hard to put my finger on exactly what I was tasting because the notes blended so harmoniously.

“I’m sensing more fruit than I would have expected, as well as an acid that brightens up the whole profile,” remarked James.

“Yes!” Kristina concurred, “It’s actually quite different than I would have expected from just the smell. It’s rich but light, complex and satisfying. It defies my expectations.”

The reveal

Be Bright says that Vivid espresso has notes of chocolate, burnt sugar, and warm fruitiness. Though the Vivid espresso blend changes seasonally, we can expect that it will always maintain its balance and versatility.

Roast Review: Counter Culture Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:20:40 +0800

Blog by: Sheila Murray

I have always heard good things about Counter Culture Coffee and when I took the time to actually learn more about the company and its ethos… I was even more impressed!

Counter Culture not only provides high-quality, delicious coffee, they are also committed to creating a positive impact each step of the way. They don’t just say this, they also back it up by sharing transparency reports about the coffee they’re buying, offering accessible and educational coffee content, and providing specific information about their sustainability commitments.

I would say there is definitely no “bad” way to try Counter Culture Coffee for yourself, but one of the “best” ways is through their single origin subscription. Imagine getting two bags of freshly roasted coffee delivered to your door, with the selection rotating every two weeks, so you always get to try something new and special.

For this Roast Review, we tried four different roasts, which gave us a well-rounded experience of what they’re all about. Read on to learn how the roasts paired with our Wacaco products.

Perennial

Perennial is a limited-release, seasonal blend that is also certified organic. As if that wasn’t special enough, Counter Culture also sets aside $1 per pound of all sales for the Bloom fund, which is a grant program specifically for sustainability projects identified by wholesale partners around the country. Though it may no longer be available at the time that you are reading this Roast Review, you can get on their email list to learn when it comes back!

First impression

The coffee bag itself was beautiful and colorful and set the tone for this special blend. James inhaled the aroma and said that he smelled blueberry and chocolate.

The coffee was so fresh that I could smell it from a distance! I got a little closure and noticed notes of sweetness and florals. There was also something that rounded it out and was more robust too. Maybe chocolate?

We settled on guessing Perennial could have notes of honey, red raspberry, and chocolate. We thought it would be nice to brew this blend with the pour over method, so we got to work heating the water, grinding the beans, and preparing our Cuppamoka. Perennial bloomed beautifully and the resulting coffee smelled absolutely delicious.

Tasting notes

I took a sip of coffee first and was hit with a melody of flavors. I noticed sweet chocolate, dried fruit, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. I wondered if there might still be something a bit floral too, like rose.

“I’m having a hard time deciphering the individual tasting notes,” said James. “It’s all so smooth and blends together so well!” He guessed that there may be notes of chocolate, butterscotch, and a “hit of fruit” at the end.

We marveled at how well balanced it was and agreed that this was an extremely satisfying coffee and the perfect way to start the day.

The reveal

Counter Culture describes this coffee as full-bodied with notes of cacao nibs and fig. We imagine that this coffee pairs perfectly with a bike ride around town or a brunch with friends.

Big trouble

First impressions

“Wow, that is intoxicating!” I said after smelling the freshly-roasted Big Trouble coffee beans. I noticed a powerful aroma that teased at notes of dark chocolate, honey, and fruit.

James agreed with my guesses and added that he noticed a sweet acid, a “pleasant zing,” and that it was balanced by toasted nuts.

With all the various notes we were experiencing, we were on the edge of our seats for what the coffee would actually taste like! We knew that Big Trouble was one of the most popular coffees and we were excited to see how it would pair with one of our Wacaco espresso products.

We decided to try Big Trouble with our Minipresso GR2. James used the Exagrind to grind the beans, releasing even more of the mouthwatering smell into the air, while I heated the water. We prepared two crema-topped espressos, clinked our cups together, and took a sip.

Tasting notes

“Hmmm,” I said as I considered, “I’m sensing a round mouthfeel, creamy chocolate, and something sweet like honey or molasses.” It was packed with flavor yet easy to sip.

“I am definitely getting the round mouthfeel and chocolate,” responded James. “There’s also something nutty and perhaps some citrus, though I’m not quite sure!”

This espresso did not last long! It was so smooth, satisfying, and undoubtedly delicious.

The reveal

Big Trouble’s tasting notes are caramel, nutty, and round.

“When do you think is the best time or adventure to enjoy Big Trouble?” I asked James.

Without hesitation, he responded, “All the time every day.”

There you have it!

Idido

First impressions

The first things that caught my attention were the really small, beautiful beans. They had a lovely color and were bursting with a pleasant, sweet aroma. I would also describe the aroma as bright, reminiscent of a type of juicy fruit.

James wondered aloud if there could be notes of watermelon, cherry, and something floral. He agreed that the overall aroma was bright and sweet. We became curious how the scents would translate to the taste test.

We took out our trusty Picopresso, Exagram, and Exagrind, and we made one espresso each.

Tasting notes

I admired my beautiful, crema-topped espresso and took a sip.

“Wow! It’s more sweet and syrupy than I imagined, in a really good way,” I said. “It’s well balanced, easy to drink, and I want to savor every sip.”

I noticed tasting notes of raspberry, chocolate, caramel, honey, and perhaps grapefruit. This is why I love a high-quality single origin – there can be such a melody of flavor packed in that tells a beautiful story of its home.

James took two sips and considered. Then he shared that the brew was very pleasantly acidic with an electric taste from start to finish. He guessed that the tasting notes might be lemon and hibiscus.

The reveal

Idido has notes of floral, melon, and citrus. We learned that this is a great example of what can be expected from the single origin subscription box!

Rio de Abejas

First impressions

“Hmm,” said James, considering. He shook the bag of Rio de Abejas beans around and inhaled again. “I’m getting stone fruit like cherry but it’s very subtle and lovely.”

He handed the bag to me and I took my time smelling the freshly roasted beans. I noticed bright, floral notes, as well as a stone fruit like fig.

We guessed that this would be delicious as a coffee, so we took our Pipamoka and vacuum-brewed two cups.

Tasting notes

James said that he was getting fig and brown sugar right off the bat. He added that he sensed another fruit at the back of the sip, which could be grape or strawberry.

I personally thought this coffee had such a light, easy-going mouthfeel. I wondered if I might be sensing dried fig or raisin with a dash or something floral.

No doubt this was a crowd pleaser and a brew we could imagine ourselves sipping all summer long.

The reveal

This coffee has tasting notes of vanilla, raisin, and silky. We recommend taking this one on your next road trip adventure!

Roast Review: Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 03:52:36 +0800

Blog by: Sheila Murray

Buckle up for this next roast review that features a type of coffee that I’ve never had the great privilege of trying before! Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. sources high-quality, single lot coffee from Haraz, Yemen. Though new to me, Yemeni coffee is anything but new. Many historians agree that the Sufi monks of Yemen were the first to enjoy brewed coffee, over 500 years ago! In learning more about Qamaria, I appreciate the mission of this company, which is dedicated to making this uncommon coffee available to more drinkers, while supporting hard working farmers.

I’ll be sharing my experience sipping two of their coffees – Sunrise Socotra and Mount Haraz.

Sunrise Socotra

First Impressions

I was taken aback to see the bright, beautiful beans inside the coffee bag! I could already tell this would be a very special roast as I went to smell the beans and guess what the notes might be.

“I’m sensing warm, bright, honey, and brown sugar,” I said.

I passed the coffee bag to my tasting assistant, James, who shook the bag around to release the fresh aroma. He inhaled the smell and paused to consider.

“Hmm. I’m getting butterscotch, honey, and toasted nuts.”

We decided to use the Cuppamoka for this roast. I boiled the water and set up the Cuppamoka while James ground the beans. In the end we had two, gorgeous cups of coffee to enjoy.

Tasting notes

The brew was sweet with a pleasing floral aftertaste. It was so easy to sip and had a light mouthfeel.

James commented on how unique the taste was and commented on the light, syrupy mouthfeel.

We concluded that we tasted florals, brown sugar, and honey and that this was absolutely a coffee we would be telling our friends about.

The reveal

This is a sun-dried light roast with fresh & floral notes. It’s perfect for a day at the beach or to share at a community gathering.

Mount Haraz

First impressions

We were so impressed with Sunrise Socotra that we dove right into the next roast. I opened the coffee bag and admired the chocolate-brown beans. Upon smelling, I was pleasantly surprised by the punchy red fruit that I sensed alongside more earthy, deep notes.

“Oh interesting,” remarked James, “It’s darker and nuttier than the Socotra and I think I get that hint of the red fruit you smelled too!”

We thought this one would pair well with one of our Wacaco espresso products and opted to use the Minipresso GR2. I used the Exagrind to grind the beans, which released even more of the rich smell into the air. We prepared two crema-topped espressos and each took a sip.

Tasting notes

James took a few sips before sharing what he sensed.

“I’m getting cherry, chocolate, and an overall fruity flavor that runs across my palate,” said James. “There’s just a hint of acidity that holds the whole thing together nicely. It’s a truly phenomenal espresso!”

For me it was tart, bright, sweet, and I agreed that there was a light and lovely acid. It had a well-balanced flavor and round mouthfeel. A homerun for sure!

The reveal

Qamaria says that this roast is balanced and earthy. It was a hit in our house and we can’t wait to take it on our next adventure.

Roast Review: Memli Coffee Lab

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:36:25 +0800

Roast review by: Sheila Murray

When I first visited the website of Memli Coffee Lab, I felt a deep sense of relaxation and curiosity. If you visit, you’ll see why. Memli is a boutique coffee roaster out of San Marcos, California and coffee roaster Mehmet Sogan is the 2024 United States Cup Tasters Champion. Every bit of their branding is elegant and their commitment to curating a sensory journey begins at the first impression.

Each coffee we tasted went through a small batch, boutique roasting process. Even if you don’t see the exact coffee we reviewed when you go to try them for yourself (trust me, you’ll want to!), our sipping experience will give you an impression of the caliber of coffee to expect. I’m delighted to share my experience drinking two of their roasts, with the help of my trusty Wacaco products.

San Lorenzo by Yulissa Chambi Caranavi Bolivia

First impression

The coffee bag was sleek, minimalist, and on brand with the spa-like experience I felt upon my initial homepage visit. I also appreciated the informative cards that accompanied the coffee, so I could continue my education of Memli and their partnerships.

I tore open the bag and shook it around, releasing the aroma into our kitchen.

James brought the bag a bit closer to himself and inhaled the smell of the freshly roasted beans. He said that he sensed rose and honeysuckle notes and complimented the light and sweet aroma overall. He passed the bag over to me.

“Ooh I get the honey too!” I said. There was also something floral and sweet, as well as a fruit I couldn’t quite place. James and I went back and forth on what the fruit could be. Pear? Raspberry? We weren’t sure and we decided to see what the tasting revealed.

I ground the beans while James boiled the water. We decided to use the Pipamoka for this coffee. I was curious to see how the vacuum extraction would complement the notes we were already sensing.

Tasting notes

“Hmm,” considered James, “It’s so smooth but also has a lot of flavor. I’m getting bright fruit, flower essence, and a hint of citrus at the end.”

I agreed that it was incredibly smooth and easy to sip. We usually drink our coffee black anyway, but even a milk and sugar regular would need less with this one because it’s so delicious and light.

Overall the brew was smooth with a light mouthfeel and floral notes. There was also a subtle fruit and perhaps citrus.

The reveal

Memli says that this coffee has notes of blackberry, pomelo and hibiscus.

Once we read the tasting notes, James was astonished how obvious the blackberry notes were as he continued to sip. What a delicious, sweet brew! We agreed it was the perfect coffee to follow up a run by the sea.

Shyira Nyabihu Rwanda

We enjoyed the first Memli coffee so much that we dove right into the next one in the afternoon of the same day.

First impression

I opened the bag and took a few moments to see what I smelled. I instantly sensed that this coffee was a bit more potent than the first one. There was something tangy and citrusy that took me by pleasant surprise. There was also an undertone of dark chocolate.

“It smells like a chocolate orange that I would see around Christmas time as a kid,” I said to James.

James took the bag next and wafted the aroma of the beans. He paused, pensively, then shared that he was getting notes of flower, fruit, and caramel. There was a certain sweetness that was different from the last.

We took out our Picopresso, Exagrind, Exagram, and Gauge for this one. We worked as a team to prepare the water, beans, and Picopresso and, in the end, we had two of the most gorgeous espressos we’d ever made.

Tasting notes

“WOW!” I said, upon first sip,” I don’t think I’ve ever had anything like this. It’s hard to put into words to be honest.”

If I had to give it words, I would say that the espresso had notes of citrus (perhaps orange or lemon), honey without the syrupy mouthfeel, and an overall airy essence.

James said that he was experiencing really intense, bright fruit notes with a little sugar at the end. He commented on a specific sweetness that hit the middle of his tongue, and the light acid that came through at the end.

The Reveal

Memli says that this coffee has notes of tangerine, honey, bergamot, and floral.

Enjoy this one as an afternoon pick-me-up or before an outdoor adventure with friends.

How To Use The New Exagram Pro Scale In Pour-over and Espresso Mode

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:32:13 +0800

The Exagram Pro Scale is here! Smart, precise, and intuitive the Exagram Pro offers multiple modes tailored to various brewing methods, including an exclusive pour-over program and a step by step recipe derived from a world- champion barista.

Watch how to use the scale in Pour-over Mode:

Watch how to use the scale in Espresso Mode:

Roast Review: Dune Coffee Roasters

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:35:37 +0800

I learned about Dune Coffee Roasters from a friend, and I fell in love with the joyful branding and fun drawings on their website. Dune believes that “specialty coffee is for everyone, and should be accessible, approachable, and fun,” and that message ripples out across each consumer touchpoint. Just wait until you see all of their coffee bags.

I’m itching to get over to California to visit the shop in person, as well as the other incredible California-based coffee roasters we’ve featured. For now, I will admire from afar and consume at home. Luckily, the Wacaco products make it easy to enjoy Dune coffee absolutely anywhere.

Ready to hear about our experience trying out Dune Coffee? Read on for the review of two roasts!

Ethiopia Gigesa

I was impressed to learn that about 850 smallholder farmers bring their coffee to Gigesa, which is a washing station located in the Guji Zone of Ethiopia. The coffee is grown in microlots and the fermentation process is aided by the local river. Dune includes this and more on the product page, which I so appreciate. Sipping coffee is so much more than enjoying what you have in your cup, it’s reflecting on and appreciating each part of the experience that had to come before.

First impressions

James opened the bright bag and inhaled the aroma of the beans within.

“I’m getting dark chocolate and citrus notes,” said James.

I took the bag from him and shook the bag around, then smelled the beans.

“I smell a juicy fruit as well as something sugary like honey, syrup, and brown sugar,” I commented.

I also admired the lovely, light color to the beans from the delicate roasting process.

We decided to use the Cuppamoka pour over method for this one.

Tasting notes

“I think you’re right,” said James, “There’s something very sweet and I don’t get chocolate anymore at all.” He added that there were notes of honey and stone fruit, as well as an acidic finish.

For me, the coffee was crisp with a light mouthfeel and notes of honey and pear.

We agreed it was an ideal summer coffee and could imagine sipping it on the porch all season long.

The reveal

Dune says that this coffee has notes of peach, grapefruit, and brown sugar. It’s refreshing and a definite crowd pleaser!

Zip Zinger

Zip Zinger is Dune’s signature blend and it can be enjoyed as coffee or espresso. Since we had tried the Ethiopia Gigesa as a coffee, we opted for espresso. I had been wanting to try out my new Minipresso GR2, so this was the perfect opportunity.

First impressions

I could smell the freshly roasted beans before my nose even got close. The smell was potent and intoxicating, in the best way good coffee can be.

When I really considered what I was smelling, I guessed chocolate, molasses, and a red fruit. There was a lovely blend of depth and brightness.

“What do you think?” I asked James, handing the bag over to him.

He noted chocolate, brown sugar, and guessed that the fruit could be cherry. He commented on the potency and said he was happy that we decided to try this one as an espresso the first go around!

I used the Exagrind to prepare the beans, releasing even more of the lovely smell into the air, and James boiled the water. With the help of the small but incredibly mighty Minipresso GR2, we prepared two perfect espressos and each took a sip.

Tasting notes

“Wow,” I said, “this is very earthy and grounding and sweet. I definitely get chocolate mixed with lighter notes, which creates quite a synergy for this delectable espresso.”

If I had to take a guess at the specific tasting notes, I would say strawberry and dark chocolate. With every sip I was noticing something new!

“Oh, it’s very tasty!” remarked James. “I’m definitely getting hints of cherry and cacao with a certain sweetness.” It’s powerful and easy to sip on at the same time.

The reveal

Dune describes this coffee as: Dark chocolate, stone fruit, rich.

Zip Zinger could easily become a staple in our kitchen with its versatility!

Roast Review: Catfish Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:02:25 +0800

Blog by: Sheila Murray

We have a very special coffee roaster to introduce you to today from Edmonton, Alberta – Catfish Coffee Roasters! Our friend in Alberta recommended this roaster to us and our experience did not disappoint.

Catfish is a family business that specializes in roasting delicious, small batch coffee. They are thoughtful about every single part of the process and make sure to look after each and every person in the coffee chain before the coffee arrives in our cups.

Go make a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy this Roast Review of Catfish Coffee Roasters!

Sunny Side Up

I am always curious to see how companies leverage branding to give you a sense of who they are before you’ve even tried the product. Let me tell you, it’s hard not to smile when you see this bag and its bright yellow color, as well as the moon and trees on the side of each Catfish bag.

This coffee comes from family-owned farms in the Kintamani highlands on the island province of Bali, Indonesia and Antioquia, Colombia and is grown in volcanic soils. How cool is that?

First impressions

First up was guessing coffee tasting notes just based on smell.

“Oh! Yum!” said James. He shook around the open bag of beans and smelled the aroma. He said that there were notes of toasted nuts.

I smelled the beans and was overwhelmed by the smell of fruit. I guessed that the coffee would have notes of blueberries. It was so bright that I wondered if there was some lemon or lime in there too.

“I think there’s some cherry,” said James.

“I was going to say cherry too!” I exclaimed. There was something a bit tart about the aroma. We were curious to find how these smells would translate to the taste test.

We took out our trusty Picopresso, scale, and grinder, and we made one espresso each.

Tasting notes

My espresso was ready first and I couldn’t wait for James before I tried it. I took a sip and considered.

I noted punchy fruit, a nice acid aftertaste, and there was also something sweet and warming. I was drinking it straight and it was so easy to sip without sacrificing flavor.

James doubled down on notes of cherry that he had sensed earlier. He said there was a big fruity punch and sugar and sweet tones.

We agreed that each of the different flavor notes were complementary to each other and that this was a real crowd pleaser!

The reveal

Catfish says that this coffee has notes of: Citrus, Berries, Naturally sweet.

Our contact said that this espresso makes a fantastic flat white or americano. Get yours here and try it for yourself!

Perfecto Domingo

This coffee is a classic medium roast from Antioquia, Colombia. We enlisted the help of my friend, Tessa, for the next coffee tasting. Tessa is partial to coffees that are dark and medium roasts, so we thought Perfecto Domingo would be absolutely perfect.

First impressions

I opened up the coffee bag and shook it around before I passed it to Tessa.

“Hmm,” Tessa considered, “I’m getting something nutty and perhaps some chocolate.”

I agreed on the aroma of nuts and chocolate and added that there was something bright and sugary rounding it out.

James remarked that this coffee’s aroma was wildly different from Sunny Side Up. He guessed that there could be some stone fruit but also agreed about the presence of chocolate and a toasted nut.

We decided to make Perfecto Domingo as a coffee, and reached for our Pipamoka. Tessa had never seen something like the Pipamoka before, so she was enchanted by its vacuum pressure method.

Tasting notes

Once we each had coffee in hand we clinked our mugs together and took a sip.

Tessa said that she sensed notes of cherry and nut. James agreed and guessed that the nut could be hazelnut or almond.

On the other hand, I noted honey, cacao, and blackberry. The body of the coffee was round and satisfying and there was a certain sweetness that hung on all the way through.

The reveal

Catfish says that this coffee has notes of: Caramel, Milk Chocolate, Slight Nut

We think this is an ideal coffee to take on your next big hike or enjoy after a cold ocean swim.

Yirg'Onna Love it

This single origin from Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere had the most clever coffee name I’d ever seen! I already loved it.

First impressions

James opened the bag of beans and inhaled the aroma.

“I’m getting marshmallows, sugar, and honey,” he said. He continued to smell the coffee beans and laughed about how he was getting a new note every time.

I smelled the beans next and immediately wanted to be able to smell these beans every single day. I noted peaches and something airy and floral. The smell was enchanting.

Our final guess was notes of dates, rose, lemon zest and jasmin.

We took out our Nanopresso and made two, crema-topped espressos. The Nanopresso never ceases to amaze in its ability to deliver a high-quality brew.

Tasting notes

We each sipped on our espressos and took a moment to consider what we experienced.

James said he noted fig or dates and hints of plum too. There seemed to be a theme of stone fruit but there were also lighter notes he couldn’t quite place. He was impressed by the subtlety of each tasting note and the complexity of the overall flavor profile.

I noted something floral and airy. I guessed that there were notes of raspberry but could also see where James arrived at fig and date too!

One thing was certain – this dynamic brew would not last long in our house. It was so delicious!

The reveal

This coffee has notes of: Jasmine, Lemon, Peach, Vanilla.

You could enjoy this coffee as an espresso or a filter/drip/french press coffee. Try it with all of your Wacaco brewers and see what you notice!

Roast Review: Revelstoke

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 01:05:37 +0800

This Roast Review is all about one special coffee roaster in New Hampshire’s capital city - Revelstoke!

Revelstoke owners, Alex and Lyndsey, are dedicated to making a positive impact on their community, beyond delicious coffee. For example, teachers drink for free on Teacher Appreciation day and Revelstoke hosts Cars & Coffee on Capitol on the second Sunday of each month. Revelstoke will also host the North East Coffee Festival in May of 2024, which includes educational programming, latte art throwdown, and more!

Though I’ve known about Revelstoke for quite some time, it wasn’t until writing this article that I learned more about the name. Per their website, “Revel means to enjoy oneself. Stoke means to consume for energy.” This is so aligned with wacaco’s mission of helping people enjoy high quality coffee on the go. Find an excuse to swing through Concord, NH and get your hands on a Revelstoke brew, or buy their coffee right here and enjoy it at home.

Let’s keep the stoke going as we dive in and test two coffees - El Maco from Colombia and the Roadtrip espresso blend.

El Maco

This first coffee was from Nariño, Colombia. I highly recommend you read the sweet background story about the coffee and the family that’s behind it. I had my coffee tasting assistants James and Kristina help me with this blind taste test. As with all of our roast reviews, we like to take our best guesses at the tasting notes before revealing the notes printed on the bag. It’s always more fun with friends, as everyone has different palates!

First impressions

We had to pause and admire the bright yellow coffee bag before even opening it. Hard not to smile and feel happy with this sunny product in hand, even on the cold day we were having.

Kristina opened the bag, gave it a gentle shake, and inhaled the aroma.

“Oh, it’s very nice! For me, it’s mild and also cozy, like warm socks on a cold winter day. I am getting subdued mocha and something sweet.” She handed the bag off to James to smell the beans next.

After inhaling the aroma of the beans and taking a pause to consider, James said he noted hints of cherry and chocolate.

I was delighted by the bright and punchy bouquet. I smelled dried fruit, a certain sweetness, and chocolate to round it all out.

Our contact at Revelstoke recommended we prepare this with a pour over method. We took out our trusty Cuppamoka, boiled water, ground the beans, and brewed! I was impressed by the beautiful bloom of El Maco, indicating how fresh the coffee really was.

After we each had coffee in hand, we clinked our mugs together and took a sip.

Tasting notes

At first we were all silent, privately considering our individual experiences.

“I’m now tasting that cherry that I thought I sensed in the smell,” said James. He also noted apricot, date, and sugar.

Kristina remarked that it was light and easy to drink while also being incredibly satisfying. She isn’t big on super robust, potent coffee and El Maco hit the spot!

I shared that I appreciated the round mouthfeel and layers of flavor. On one hand it was light and sweet but on the other it was smooth and grounding.

The reveal

Per the notes on the bag, this coffee has notes of milk chocolate, rainier cherry, and maple syrup. If you are craving a single origin coffee to uplift you before your next adventure, look no further than El Maco!

Roadtrip

Roadtrip is Revelstoke’s signature blend that is loved for its versatility. We looked forward to experiencing how it paired with Wacaco’s Nanopresso. We over-caffeinated ourselves enjoying El Maco, so the Roadtrip taste test happened the day after. James was my coffee tasting assistant once again.

First impressions

The smell of the freshly roasted coffee was absolutely addicting. I noted that the aroma was chocolatey, round, and also uplifting. I wondered if it was a sweet berry or more like a mild, citrusy orange.

James identified a blueberry-like smell, toasted nuts (he guessed pecan), and dark chocolate.

James ground up the beans and the hypnotizing aroma filled our small kitchen. I prepared the water and pulled out the Nanopresso. At the end of the brewing process, we each had two crema topped espressos just asking to be sipped.

Tasting notes

I took a slow sip and savored the lovely, light acid and chocolatey body. I noticed hints of milk chocolate, fruit, and toasted nut. It was less citrusy and more smooth than I had gathered from the smell and it was tough to not drink it all in a few seconds.

“Ah, it’s very balanced,” said James. He noted a bit of acid that was smoothed out by notes of roasted nuts, mocha, and some sweet berry.

We finished our first round of espressos and made another, because it was just that good.

The reveal

In their words, this coffee is “Everyday, chocolate, cherry, nutty”. As you can imagine, you cannot go wrong with bringing this to your next family reunion or on a private adventure. It’s a crowd pleaser!

Roast Review: Wandering Goat Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:49:22 +0800

Review by: Sheila Murray

“You have to check out Wandering Goat Coffee!” said my husband, James, on the day he returned from a climbing trip in Red Rocks. He went on to tell me that his friend, Rich, brought Wandering Goat coffee all the way from Oregon to Nevada, so everyone on the trip could enjoy delicious coffee each morning before going out to climb.

Rich has always had great taste, so I knew I had to try Wandering Goat for myself!

Wandering Goat is a locally owned coffee roaster in Eugene, Oregon that provides roast-to-order, 100% certified organic coffee. I appreciate that Wandering Goat doesn’t just throw around words like “sustainable” and “organic” and instead they follow it up with the actual efforts they’ve made to support this commitment. You can learn more about their roastery practices here.

Ethiopia Guji (Natural Processed)

I’m always grateful to try a single origin roast coffee because there is so much depth and complexity of taste to be found in a single origin, as well as rich history. You can find out more about Kayon Mountain Farm, which produces this coffee, right here!

First Impressions

James opened the bag of coffee beans and inhaled the aroma.

“Hmm,” he said, considering, “I am getting marshmallow, citrus, and white chocolate.”

“Wow,” I said laughing, “that’s so specific!”

I smelled the beans but got a very different impression. For me, it was rich and earthy with hints of dried fruit, like raisins. I could see where James had gotten citrus from, as there was something quite uplifting within the profile too.

With our wildly different impressions, our curiosity was peaked. I took out our Cuppamoka and paper filter, while James boiled water and ground the beans. In the end, we had two pour over brews ready to enjoy!

Tasting notes

“It’s so smooth!” said James. “Maybe a little grapey, like a Concord grape? It’s sweet with a hint of fruit and beautifully balanced.”

“A Concord grape, huh?” I responded, impressed with his specific choice of grape variety. I immediately noticed the smooth mouthfeel, which was also a bit syrupy. It seemed like there could be some wildflower honey or maybe even molasses. It was balanced and easy going, like a coffee you’d want to sip all day!

Reveal

The reveal of the tasting notes was too fun! Wandering Goat says: Berry, apricot, floral, jammy, juicy. Can’t recommend this one enough, it’ll undoubtedly set you up for a positive day.

Espresso Chupacabra

This one is Wandering Goat’s signature blend. Signature blends can tell you a lot about a coffee roaster, so I was eager to see what this espresso would inform us about Wandering Goat! For those curious, “Chupacabra” literally translates as “Goat Sucker,” and the legend of the chupacabra has been around since the late 1980s.

First impressions

The aroma exploded out of the bag as I opened it. I was delighted by how potent, rich, and familiar the smell was.

“This one smells nuttier than the last one,” said James. He sensed cacao, brown sugar, and walnut.

“I am getting more of a floral and fruity smell,” I responded. There was also a lovely caramel undertone coming through.

James heated the water and ground the beans using our Exagrind, while I I took out the Picopresso, Gauge.

Tasting notes

James prepared the first espresso and handed it over to me, and I couldn’t wait for him to make his own espresso before taking a sip.

The espresso mouthfeel was cloudlike, smooth, and incredibly satisfying. The taste was full bodied but not overpowering, with a light acidity. After some consideration, I decided I was tasting notes of caramel, raspberry, and milk chocolate.

James had finished making his espresso and was sipping thoughtfully. He said he noted light acid, nuts, blueberry, and honey.

“I feel like I’m set up for the most cozy and also uplifting day,” I said to James.

This is one of those espressos that, the more you sip it, the more you notice about the flavor profile. We agreed it was absolutely perfect for the rainy day we were having.

The reveal

Wandering Goat says this coffee has notes of floral, citrus, berry, and caramel. James will undoubtedly take the Picopresso and Wandering Goat coffee on the next climbing adventure!

Roast Review: Nomad Soul Coffee

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Fri, 8 Mar 2024 02:56:38 +0800

Blog by: Sheila Murray

Nomad Soul Coffee prides itself on slow-roasting coffee from unique farmers all around the world. I found their saying, “We believe your sacred morning ritual must be as tasty and bold as your next adventure,” to be particularly aligned with Wacaco. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice good coffee when you go on epic adventures!

You can purchase Nomad Soul coffee on their website, and they also provide a mobile coffee shop for private events and festivals! Read on to learn about our experience tasting two of their roasts.

Pacifico Mae

First impression

It’s hard not to feel immediately happy and at ease while gazing at the sunny yellow Nomad coffee bag. I eagerly ripped open the top of the bag and inhaled the smell of the freshly roasted beans.

“Wow, it smells so delicious,” I said. I took in notes of caramel and brown sugar straight away.

Kristina, a friend who was tasting with me, shook around the bag of coffee beans next, releasing their sweet aroma. She held the bag close to her nose while she smelled and considered. She noted a mocha and overall robust smell, and added that there was some fruity undertone.

I smelled the beans again and definitely sensed something fruity but I couldn’t quite put my finger on which fruit.

We decided to brew Pacifico Mae with the Pipamoka. She had never seen anything like it before and was impressed by its unique all-in-one twist and brew design: coffee brewer and to-go mug, the perfect choice for any nomadic adventure!

Tasting notes

Kristina took a long sip of her coffee, paused, sipped again, and smiled.

“It’s so lovely and even smoother than I had expected,” she said. She added that it was bright, sweet, and fruity.

I found it to have a smooth mouthfeel and a delicious sugary impression. Kristina had made us some banana bread, and it paired perfectly!

We agreed we could happily drink this coffee any day of the week! The smoothness from the Pipamoka brew really pulled the whole thing together well.

The reveal

In their words: “Delicate aromas of fragrant brown sugar and milk chocolate. In the mouth it is an extremely clean and defined coffee. Round structure with notes of brown sugar, defined honey sweetness and a soft tropical fruit finish.”

We highly recommend this single origin bean for your next outdoor adventure! Next up, El Bombón!

El Bombón

First impression

I had my husband and coffee tasting assistant, James, help me with this one.

“I wonder if it’ll be more dark and full bodied than the last,” I guessed as I shook the bag of beans between my hands.

I opened the bag and was struck by the bean’s grounding and earthy impression. There were hints of chocolate and spice. The spice was bright, so I thought it could be nutmeg. In my years of tasting coffee, I’ve learned that nutmeg can often be more lemony and sweet than other spices.

James smelled the beans next and noted that, while it could have a grounding and chocolatey profile, it also seemed bright and fruity.

We decided to use the Nanopresso for El Bombón. James heated the water and I ground the coffee and got Nanopresso ready. At the end, we had two perfectly brewed espressos that smelled absolutely amazing.

Tasting notes

We clinked our mugs together and took sips. I noticed that there was a pleasant, acidic mouthfeel. It was both bold and sweet and I tasted notes of honey, chocolate, and toffee.

James said it was bright, acidic, and sweet. He enjoyed the espresso’s full body and punch of flavor, and he shared that it seemed like the perfect espresso to start the day off right!

This is a lovely coffee for dark roast enthusiasts but I think it could also be a crowd pleaser and would pair well with frothy milk.

The reveal

Nomad says that this coffee has notes of toast with chocolate spread as well as roasted hazelnut. It’s a mouthwatering brew for sure and would be lovely company on a cold winter walk or beach-side adventure.

Roast Review: Sabbath Coffee Roasters

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:55:18 +0800

Blog by: Sheila Murray

I’m honored to be able to introduce you to this next coffee roaster from Clawson, Michigan. Sabbath Coffee Roasters is built on love and connection. The founders, Trevor and Miranda Graham, met over a cup of coffee in 2012 and, thanks to the love and support of family and friends, the Sabbath vision withstood pandemic times and continues to grow!

Sabbath maintains the idea that coffee provides an important respite in the hustle and bustle of our days, and that each sip is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good. I was eager to try a cup for myself and experience this small batch, big-hearted coffee. If you’re in or traveling to the Detroit area, please pop by and try their oatmilk frozen latte for me!

Ritual House Blend

First impressions

Trying the house blend is arguably the best way to get to know a new coffee roaster. I was curious what the Ritual House Blend would tell us about Sabbath! I employed the help of James and Kristina to taste this coffee.

James opened the bag and inhaled the smell of the freshly-roasted beans. He immediately called out its citrusy and sweet nature.

“I just want to keep smelling it,” said Kristina. She had taken the bag next and was wafting the aroma of the coffee toward her nose. She remarked that it was quite light and she appreciated the beautiful caramel color..

I agreed that it was quite bright and enlivening, even just by smell. Personally I noted strawberry, honey, and milk chocolate. I was eager to give it a taste, for it seemed like a delicious blend already!

Both coffees are versatile enough to use as coffee or espresso. Not a bad day when a difficult decision is, “coffee or espresso?”. We went with the coffee for this one!

I heated the water and James set up the Cuppamoka. We made a cup for each of us to enjoy.

Tasting notes

Once we brewed the coffee I noticed a certain blueberry scent that I hadn’t sensed before. I took a sip and was taken by the floral, light, and fruity flavor.

Kristina sensed notes of tea and fruit and said that it was well-balanced. She appreciated how light the overall taste profile was, as she’s not a fan of super dark and bitter coffee. For her, Ritual House Blend was fresh and pleasing.

James was the last to weigh in.

“Oh, it’s so lemony,” he said. He also noted a certain sweetness and citrus acid that was quite awakening and enjoyable.

The reveal

We were not so far off on our blind taste test for this one - I’m impressed! Sabbath says that this coffee has notes of lemon, praline pecan, and berry jam. This is the perfect coffee that you can bring along on a group trip. You’ll be able to enjoy delicious coffee but it’s also a crowd pleaser if you want to share!

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere

I always appreciate when small batch coffee roasters rotate in new single-origin coffees.We were able to try Sabbath’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere, which has since rotated out. You can see their rotating single-origins and all their blends here!

First impressions

James and I tackled this next roast together, and I was in the mood for espresso. I opened the bag and shouted out my first impressions between inhales of the aroma.

“Milk chocolate! Strawberries! Spice! Nuts!”

James took the bag with a laugh, sharing his curiosity to see if he would smell the same.

“Wow,” he said after smelling the beans, “it’s so different from the last one!”

He noted punchy fruit and more of a sweet versus citrus smell than he noted in the Ritual House Blend. We did not agree on the exact notes we were smelling and became curious what tasting notes would reveal themselves once brewed.

James heated the water and ground the beans (using our Exagrind, always!) while I I took out the Picopresso, Gauge. We’ve been absolutely loving all of the Picopresso accessories, which give us both control and a delicious outcome.

Tasting notes

We clinked our espressos together (gently) and took a sip.

James noted florals and sweet fruit on the backend. He appreciated how light this single-origin sipped as an espresso.

I couldn’t agree more. There was a lovely punch of fruit, a round mouthfeel, and floral finish. The more I sipped, the more similarities I could sense between the care put into roasting the single-origin and the Ritual House Blend. This experience showed us that Sabbath Coffee Roasters does a lovely job keeping their coffees light and enlivening!

The reveal

Sabbath says this coffee has notes of juicy fruit, sweetness, fresh apricot, and fresh florals. This coffee will set you up for success before your next adventure day or productive day of work!

Barista Skills: How To Make Flash Chilled Espresso With The Picopresso

noemail@noemail.org (Wacaco Company Limited) — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 07:18:05 +0800

Join Brodie Vissers as he shows us how to make a Flash Chilled Espresso using a frozen whiskey ball and the Picopresso.

Wacaco - BLOG

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Complete the Setup With Thoughtful Add-Ons

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