Caffeine Australia has secured up to 20% discount off many of these great roasts for our faithful coffee-loving readers. Now you have no excuse not to change it up a bit and support our local Aussie roasters.
REMEMBER TO QUOTE THE CODE “Caffeine” WHEN YOU’RE CHECKING OUT.
Geisha Stratus
Brew Ha Ha Coffee Roasters
FILTER ROAST
Varietal: Geisha
Origins: Panama
Region: Morgan Estate
Process: Natural Carbonic Maceration
They say: “Raspberry, red grape, musk, hibiscus, pineapple, cherry, mandarin, lemonade, jasmine, blood orange.”
The competitive edge of Dennis Dordevic, the brains behind Brew Ha Ha Coffee Roasters competitive, might explain his choice to submit something as premium as a Panama Geisha from the renowned Jamison Savage for the Blind Taste Review – or maybe it’s simply his compulsion to deliver maximum quality. Either way, the inherent fruit-forward nature of this coffee was a hit with our expert panel.
Overall, Jem Challender (Barista Hustle) thought it was well-balanced. He enjoyed the powerful fermentation aromas with rhubarb, ripe red apple and glacé cherry as well as the elegant clean flavours of process. Penny Wolff (Wolff Coffee Roasters) continued in the same vein, smelling wet aromas of “floral berries and cherries” with flavour notes of “boysenberry jamminess, plus the fruit sweetness of orange and mango.” Ed Cutcliffe (The Little Marionette) picked up on the presence of “big sugars and clean ferment” as well as commending it for being “a good clean roast.”
Dennis says; “As a roaster, my philosophy is to find each coffee’s best flavour expression.” Based on this evidence, we’d say he’s staying true to himself.
PRICE: $40 for 100g
Given the seasonal nature of coffee, we cannot guarantee that this roast will be available but can recommend the high standard of Brew Ha Ha Coffee Roasters.
20% discount available with codeword “Caffeine”
Ethiopia Shantawene
Ickle Coffee Roasters
FILTER ROAST
Varietal: Heirloom
Origin: Ethiopia
Region: Sidamo
Process: Natural
They say: “Strawberry, lavender and apple crumble.”
National coffee roasting competition first-timer, Rowena Chansiri founded Ickle Coffee Roasters with her sister Kate in 2018.
Knowing Rowena’s penchant for fruit-filled brightness, her choice of a traditionally fruity Ethiopian coffee for our Blind Taste Review was a no-brainer.
“Floral lilac tones, with marshmallow and honeysuckle sweetness, tea-like vibes and a winey acidity and a light smooth texture,” were the thoughts of Penny Wolff (Wolff Coffee Roasters).
Jem Challender (Barista Hustle) noted a “nice mouth-filling presence” with a hint of lychee and tinned peaches.” Adding that a mild astringency was probably due to the presence of a few quakers (unripened beans) in his sample – something that’s easily solved by picking them out.
Esteemed coffee consultant Ben Bicknell was a fan of the initial flowery hit saying that “the floral emerges as bergamot and a soft, juicy body carries some delicate white peach.” He thought that this was ideal for someone seeking a balanced coffee with some mild fruit.
PRICE: From $21 for 250g
Given the seasonal nature of coffee, we cannot guarantee that this roast will be available but can recommend the high standard of Ickle Coffee.
NB: No discount available.
Ecuador, Lugmapata Sidra
Stitch Coffee
FILTER ROAST
Varietal: Sidra
Origin: Ecuador
Region: Pallatanga, Chimborazo
Process: Fully washed
They say: “Black grape, floral, brown sugar.”
The Stitch Coffee brand has been developed to complement the work of the Ensemble of Coffee Research and Education (ECRE); an educational co-roasting coffee space in Sydney.
The first time Nawar Adra, Stitch Coffee founder, tasted Ecuadorian coffee it was a very specific varietal that he has never forgotten. Sidra is a rare cross between Bourbon and Typica that resembles an Ethiopian coffee with floral characteristics and lots of sugar.
The well-rounded structure presents a lot of deep sweetness and prominent acidity that Penny Wolff (Wolff Coffee Roasters) likened to lemon sherbet. There was also a “marmalade bitterness, like candied peel coated in 85% choc” noted by Jem Challender (Barista Hustle). Who thought it was “a very full-on coffee with huge body and acidity.”
Independent coffee guru, Ben Bicknell, delighted in the sweet aromas of amaretto, vanilla nougat, and just a hint of berry fruits. Saying, “with acidity and sweetness in great balance, this is the perfect coffee for someone who wants something lively and acidic while still balanced by lingering golden sugars.”
PRICE: From $30.00 for 250g.
Given the seasonal nature of coffee, we cannot guarantee that this roast will be available but can recommend the high standard of Stitch Coffee.
20% discount available with codeword “Caffeine”
Apolinar Arevalo
St Ali Coffee Roasters
FILTER ROAST
Varietal: Yellow Caturra
Origin: Peru
Region: San Jose Lourdes, Cajamarca
Process: Washed
They say: “Fresh cherries, brown sugar.”
As one of Australia’s largest independent specialty coffee businesses, St Ali Coffee Roasters in Melbourne has a huge wealth of experience to draw on.
Senior Roaster, Lachlan Kelaher, and Green Buyer, Lucy Ward, work closely on the company’s single origin program. Together, they focus on achieving the perfect roast profile for each particular crop with one key focus.
Lachlan describes Peruvian coffees as having “a really lovely cleanliness, a longer finish and a nice sparkling acidity.” But what did our panel think?
Ed Cutcliffe (The Little Marionette) noted a lime-like acidity when the coffee was hot, something that Penny Wolff (Wolff Coffee Roasters) described as super bright and tart but Jem thought was bordering on sour. Describing the flavour as “Jaffa Cake” he was concerned by its drying finish.
Conversely, independent coffee guru Ben Bicknell thought it was a perfect match for the cold weather saying, “the toasty, warming aromas of brown sugar, marzipan and Nutella welcome you in.” In the cup, he thought it was “a really enjoyable, chewy-textured medium-bodied coffee,” advising us to “fill a big mug, drink and repeat.”
PRICE: From $21.00 for 500g
Given the seasonal nature of coffee, we cannot guarantee that this roast will be available but can recommend the high standard of St Ali Coffee Roasters.
20% discount available with codeword “Caffeine”
Theodoro Herrera
Veneziano Coffee Roasters
FILTER BLEND
Varietal: Caturra, Yellow Caturrra, Typica, Bourbon
Origin: Peru
Process: Washed
They say: “Maple syrup, nectarine, orange blossom.”
With Veneziano Coffee Roasters celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, it’s a touch poetic that their very own Daniel Shadbolt is the 2022 AMC Australian Roasting Champion.
Daniel explains that this particular microlot is a unique and high-quality coffee from Peru. It possesses the bold rich flavour and strong body notes normally attributed to African coffees, with the delicacy of a Peruvian.
“It’s a good depiction of a washed coffee and one of the highlights of the year so far,” he says.
Penny Wolff (Wolff Coffee Roasters) noted, “a deliciously viscous, thick mouthfeel, notes of old-school marmalade, creamy candied orange, grapefruit acidity, brown sugar and molasses.” With independent coffee guru Ben Bicknell saying, “this is a good option for folks who want something that has a bit more weight.” Adding that it may be complimented by a splash of milk.
PRICE: From $20.00 for 250g
Given the seasonal nature of coffee, we cannot guarantee that this roast will be available but can recommend the high standard of Veneziano Coffee Roasters.
20% discount available with codeword “Caffeine”
Please note: These exclusive offers for Caffeine Australia readers are from the individual roasters. Discounts are for one use only. Offers are only valid while stocks last. Any discounts offered are done so at the discretion of the producer. In the event that the code is misused the offer may be withdrawn without explanation.