Golden Week Release

Golden week is one of the more important holidays in Japan. I was planning on bringing on some Japanese roasters this month (not specifically for this holiday. More to compare/contrast with Coffee County from the subscription). When I was talking about this on Discord, this idea was suggested by carlblikecoffee and mokobien. Carl suggested that it ties in with this holiday, whereas mokobien, who lives in Japan, recommended these roasters.

So why am I grouping these 3 roasters together? Not only are they all from Kyoto, they all source from the same company and all roast on a Loring S7. So, while these are all great roasters, this is a good way to sample similar coffees side by side to compare the differences in roast profiles. I love comparing similar things side by side to really notice the small differences. Along with the normal dime bag set, we will release a set of 3 similar (or same) coffees. That'll be specifically for people who are interested in that only (or want to buy a few bags that sound good but also want to do that). That'll drop on Saturday :)

Roast Profiles: They are all what I would consider 'Japanese light', which is a slightly more developed, but not roasty, light roast. Closer to Nordic roasts. All are on a Loring. Weekenders is currently probably the lightest roaster in Japan. Solkatt is about as light. Yoshihara is perhaps a bit more developed. The head roaster is the OG roaster from Kurasu, so I'm hoping it's more similar to older Kurasu roasts (was not able to sample from him). All will have different profiles/presentations.

Here's what coffees will be in the release:

1. Solkatt - Astrida Medina Washed Caturra Amarillo - Tolima, Colombia - 180g

"Rich acidity with intense cacao aroma enhance its plum flavor. Its tastes are not only complex like red wine but also refreshing like tonic water"

I chose this coffee because I'm a huge caturra fan and it's actually one of the only varietals that I tend to prefer with this kind of roast profile. If you like caturras, I'd get whichever one speaks to you tbh. This one may be a bit more 'warshed' than #3

2. Solkatt - Mibilima Washed - Gakenke, Rwanda - 180g

"Good combination of refreshing citric acidity. Brown spices and black tea flavors leave comfortable aftertaste. It is gently sweet like fresh fig."

I love Rwandan coffee and this one is a classic representation of that origin!

3. Solkatt - Jesus Saavedra Washed Caturra - Tolima, Colombia - 180g

4. Solkatt - Juan Fernandez Washed Paraneima - Santa Barbara, Honduras - 180g

"Sweet like brown sugar. It matches with deep, thick acidity and leaves hints of dried pineapple. Licorice candy flavor enhances its rich mouthfeel"

I was actually just talking on Discord about how much I like paraneimas. They have a really unique herbaceous quality that adds a complexity to them that I really enjoy. One of my favorite varieties and I usually bring one on when I see it!

5. Weekenders - Halo Washed - Gedeb, Ethiopia - 200g

I enjoy every coffee I try from the Halo Washing Station. Great, clean coffees with lots of floral and distinct citrus notes. This is the first roast I've tried of this year's harvest. If you like Ethiopians, this one is a must!

Tasting Notes: Floral, Citrus, Lime, Ginger, Black Tea

6. Weekenders - Ragati AA Washed - Kirinyaga, Kenya - 200g

One of those Kenyans that has some typical Kenyan notes, but also more soft orange and floral notes. If you like Kenyans, this one's a must!

Tasting notes: Floral, Navel Orange, Plum, Juicy, Black Tea

7. Yoshihara - Mibilima Washed - Gakenke, Rwanda - 100g

No, this isn't a copy and paste error lol. This is the same coffee from Solkatt. So why am I bringing it on? One thing that Mokobien (mutual on Discord) pointed out when they suggested this release is that all 3 roasters source from the same company. In an earlier discussion on discord, someone had said that they wanted to try more of the same green from 2 different roasters. This (and #8) are a good way to do that!

Tasting Notes: Floral, apricot, orange, honey, silky

8. Yoshihara - Astrida Medina Washed Caturra Amarillo - Tolima, Colombia - 100g

Tasting Notes: tropical fruits and a chocolatey sweetness ("washed but with a gentle touch of fermentation" so funk avoiders be aware!)

9. Yoshihara Marisabel Caballero - Washed Java - Marcala, Honduras - 100g

Okay, so we got one that's unique to them too! Finca El Puente is one of my favorite farms in Honduras, so I always keep an eye out for them. I've also never had a washed Java coffee. So this one is interesting to me!