Steve, over at Has Bean Coffee has just launched a new blend.
All of the previous blends, launched 18-12 months ago, were designed for espresso. That's all well and good, but not everybody has an espresso machine or chooses to brew their daily coffee that way.
Well, enter the new Phil Ter blend, designed to work well brewed as a filter / cafetiere brew. 50% Colombian, 30% El Salvador, and 20% Brazil, I'm sure it's brewable as espresso, but it was designed for other approaches.
You can also read more about Steve's thinking on creating it, but for the real insight we'll all have to wait for this week's In My Mug installment.
Good ... and similar
Having now tried it, it is good. Very, very good in fact.
It's not "Fair Trade" capital F, capital T. But that is not because the farmers involved have been exploited or underpaid. In fact, it is the very opposite. The farmers have grown a coffee that is so good that they get a price higher than the Fair Trade scheme would have given them, and the relationship between importer, farmer and buyer is such that it's still possible to ensure that they treat their workers well, etc.
It's "fair trade" without the capital letters and brand name. Or, if you prefer, it's an ethical coffee to buy.
Thanks, have ordered a packet
Thanks, have ordered a packet of the roasted, ground type. Alastair would like to know, as it's a blend, how they organise the packets of beans for grinding at home.
Sounds good --- is it Fairtrade or similar?