Possibly one of the biggest and oldest companies in the coffee industry haven't just dipped their toe in the water of roasting specialty coffee, rather they have anchored their boat quite firmly in the middle of it.
Small history lesson, bear with me... In 1949 - Two young men Max Herz and Carl Tchilling (maybe there is a connection somewhere along the line? Tchilling - Shillings? Ok maybe not) lay the foundation for today’s Tchibo Group. They started out with the business idea of sending roasted coffee to customers by mail. Who would have thought that would be the norm some 66 years later?
In 1955 came the first Tchibo coffee shop and from there the endless services were born.
So why do you need to know this? You don't. However consider yourself to have learnt something new today. You never know you may see a Tchibo logo on your travels, once you see one you will never miss another. Like all in the specialty coffee industry, Tchibo have seen that people want good quality coffee. You can see it everywhere by the surge of new specialty coffee shops.
So many have had their coffee fix from Starbucks and Costa and now crave quality, more flavoursome and vibrant coffee to drag themselves from the squinty eyed, maungy state we find ourselves in on a morning and this is exactly what Tchibo want to give us.
Earlier this year the birth of the Hand Roasted Collection by Tchibo was brought to us. The good people at Tchibo sent me a bag of each flavor from the first batch of the Hand Roasted Collection! So I indulged my taste buds with their three different batches, Blend 49, Ethiopia Guji and Papua New Guinea Arusha.
Now where to begin?
Starting with - Blend 49. Once I had measured my serving, I had small 'drop mic' episode for getting the extraction pressure and time to extract on first time using my Sage. Yes I am that sad.
I was met with a thick, creamy crema and an instant nutty toasted aroma which was pleasant and not too harsh on the senses. This soon transferred to my taste buds where I experienced an almost cocoa note. A great full bodied espresso with not too much over-powering acidity. Once cooled slightly this is when I experienced the slight buttery mouth feel.
Although a lighter roast, it would suit milk based drinks.
Next a light roast - Ethiopia Guji. With many Ethiopian beans the bursting scents of fruitiness and sweetness was vivid. After the refreshing aroma that tempts you to take a sip you are met with a mature berry taste full of flavour! This style of beans never disappoint to surprise me of how different coffee can taste. A really light but balanced espresso. I may have to try this with my new AeroPress. (Many thanks to a very generous supporter!)
Last up a bold dark roast - Papa New Guinea. Once extracted it was clear this has the strong caffeine injection for that morning pick me up (or brunch/midday or early afternoon/evening - just all the time really). On initial sip you get the powerful dark chocolate note which is then followed by a surprisingly light lemony after-taste.This coffee would be perfect served as a flat white or, if you’re in a hurry, a macchiato!
You shouldn't take my word for the quality of these beans just try them yourself.
As I have just been told a fresh batch of Hand Roasted Collection coffee has been roasted!
I would like to thank the good people of Tchibo for letting me try these packs from their first batch of roasting! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting involved.
I have so many blogs planned I just need to get my head into gear (or just fill it with coffee) and get on with them!
Thanks for reading.