Another review from Coffee Barista, Barista Trainer and all round Coffee Expert Daniel Clarke. This time a review of our Light Roast Coffee Bag from Ethiopia. Ethiopia is often considered the birthplace of coffee and Daniel covers this in his review. He also includes some food pairing suggestions, which we’re really enjoying. Here you go, enjoy the read…
INTRODUCTION TO THE ETHIOPIA COFFEE BAG
Welcome back bean lovers. Join me as I brew and review another coffee bag from Bristol based company New Kings Coffee. This time, I shall be reviewing the Light Roast Ethiopia and talk about what the coffee bag is, brewing a cup, the tasting, and the final verdict. So, put the kettle on, perch yourself in your favourite seat, and enjoy the review.
So what is a coffee bag? As like tea bags, this bags can be brewed with a cup and hot water. It is an easy, no fuss, portable coffee solution. The bags from New Kings Coffee follow these conforms and allow for non-connoisseurs to enjoy effortlessly. Not only that but, these ones are Fair Trade and Organic ground coffee which is better for the farmers and for us.
Now on to the roast. This roast hails from African and the country of Ethiopia. This is the grandfather of all coffee and where it all started. From humble beginnings of a goat herder observing his herd getting a boost from the coffee cherries, to hosting nearly 1 million acres of coffee growing areas, Ethiopia has a vibrant history. It provides fabulous floral cups and citrus character in beans.
THE TASTING
Before we can tantalise the taste buds we must first brew a cup. From the guidelines give from New Kings Coffee, pop a coffee bag in your cup, add hot water, give it a generous stir, then brew for 3-5 minutes. Once brewed to taste, squeeze and remove the bag. You can add milk and other things afterwards if you like. For best extraction, it is best to use an 8oz cup (227ml~) to allow the flavour to come forth. You can add more water afterwards if need be.
Once you have brewed to taste, it’s time to enjoy the brew! A tasting can be separated into four elements: Aroma, Acidity, Body, and Flavour. The aroma of the light roast Ethiopia is fruity sweet. This is matched with peaks of bright acidity and an easy body. The berry, floral essence of the country is apparent here that gives a citrusy feel. It is an inviting and refreshing cup that is the complete opposite to deep, dark roasts. The bigger the cup you brew, however, the more subtle to taste so keep that in mind.
With all coffee tasting there is food that pairs well with it. For this light roast, hailing from the floral continent of Africa, fruity parings are a natural fit. Berry cheesecakes, bowls of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, or muffins even compliment the brew perfectly. A burst of flavour ignites on your tongue bringing forth a lovely, juicy cup.
GREEN THOUGHTS
This would be a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the companies who set a good example. In the case of New Kings Coffee, the entire packaging unit is either fully recyclable or biodegradable. This includes the sustainable corn starch Bioweb for the coffee bags, to mailing the foil sachets back to the Bristol company where they have teamed up with TerraCycle to recycle them. A marvelous example for other companies and society in general to follow! If you want to learn more about TerraCycle, please visit there website.
Not only do they support a green initiative but, they also donate to the Grounds for Health charity with every box bought. Grounds for Health provide screening, treatment, and even training for the care of cervical cancer patients in developing countries. It is these developing countries that most coffee growing takes place. Combined with Fair Trade, it is a excellent combo of green heart care and just admirable to see the human spirit shine through. You can find more information on Grounds for Health here.
THE VERDICT
Overall, the Ethiopia coffee bag by New Kings Coffee is a citrusy sweet and bright cup. For a light roast, the light body allows for the floral peaks to shine more and is easier to drink. For those who do not like thick, full bodied coffee this roast might be for you. It is an upgrade from your standard jar instant coffee and for those who don’t own a French Press or other brewing methods.
For the final verdict, I would like to rate this coffee bag 8 out of 10 beans. It is a sparkling step into Ethiopia with a easy to brew method. The natural floral flavours is a complete contrast to a rich and dark bean. It doesn’t have the raw essence and bold feel of a French Press or the elegance of a Pour-Over but, it is more convenient and less messy solution.
Thank you for reading this brew and review. For more coffee bag reviews you can find them here. Until next time, keep your cups warm and the hearts warmer!
Shop Our Coffee:
1: https://newkingscoffee.myshopify.com/products/fairtrade-organic-dark-roast
2: https://newkingscoffee.myshopify.com/products/fairtrade-organic-medium-roast
3: https://newkingscoffee.myshopify.com/products/fairtrade-organic-light-roast
4: https://newkingscoffee.myshopify.com/products/fairtrade-organic-decaf-roast