Cupping 15th April: Bolivian, Kenyan, Indian and Zambian Coffees

Cupping April 15th 2010

The Grumpy Mule Team whipped out the cupping bowls, spoons and some fine coffees from India, Brazil, Bolivia, Kenya and Zambia for an intense tasting session on 15th April 2010.

We're going to try and give more blog updates on our cupping sessions, as it is one of the most critical activities for any specialty coffee roaster - not only checking the quality of delivered coffees and finished products, but also new and exciting samples from far and wide.

It seems increasingly rare for us all to be in the cupping room at the same time, but myself, Ian, Louise and Rob were treated to a varied selection of coffees all nicely roasted and set up by Louise. Here's what we cupped, and some of the thoughts on each:

Kenya Makwa Estate
An auction lot discovered by our friends at Mercanta, one of several fine Kenyan coffees they've unearthed from this season's harvest. Juicy, fruity and bright, think everyone enjoyed this cup. Louise has been finding open bags of the roasted coffee ever since, as it proving very popular for our daytime drinks from the Clover.

Brazil Sitio Monte Verde (Cup of Excellence)
Ian bought a proportion of this coffee - Lot 21 - from the 2009 Brazil Cup of Excellence competition and the vacuum packed boxes have just recently arrived. We should have this coffee available very soon from the shop. Tasting the coffee blind we wouldn't have automatically picked it out as a Brazil - had some black tea notes and fantastically complex. A good choice, Ian!

Bolivia Irupana
Another recent arrival (Bolivian coffees are always tricky logistically so nice to see this one. Does anyone know where our Organic Bolivia from Union Pro-Agro is right now? Chile??). Creamy body, nice toasty almond notes.

India Monsooned Malaber (Indian Elephant brand)
We use quite a bit of Monsooned Malabar in espresso blends and it's sourced from Faiz's Bibi Plantations. Smaller and more straw coloured than usual it might have set alarm bells ringing, but the cup profile is pretty much as expected - rich, very nutty with virtually no acidity and a strong, though clean, finish.

Zambia Kansato (AA and AB grades)
Bit of a sneaky sneak preview in light of the fact they're samples intended for one of the UK's barista gurus, but haven't had chance to drop off the roasted samples to him yet. And we couldn't resist a taste. Roasts well, lovely  aroma in the grounds and ticks all the right boxes. A nice surprise indeed.

We also tasted a Kenco sample sent in to us for reasons which are too long-winded to mention, but the less said about the flavour of this coffee the better...

Damian