New online shop, TheCoffeeMate.co.uk, aims to be “your friend for all coffee needs.” A rep from the site got in touch with me before the end of last year with an especially friendly offer to give the site a look to see if there was anything I might like to sample.
Indeed there was.
I received a selection of three different beans from The Coffee Mate, and really enjoyed each. Here’s the scoop on what I got.
Very blueberry in flavour this complex variety of Arabica is grown in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia between 1,800 and 2,000m above sea level and processed in a dry natural at Bebeka Coffee Plantation – £22/250g
From the Congolese side of Lake Kivu in the Virunga Valley of central east Africa, this handpicked coffee is grown at 1,500 to 2,000m above sea level by a cooperative of family farmers. Roasted to “city” level, the beans taste of forest fruits to me with a long chocolaty aftertaste and a ‘Christmas spice’ aroma – £26/kg
These especially large beans from Mexico have a subtle caramel aroma and a flavour that’s herby and complex – £27/kg
Beyond the beans, the website offers a range of coffee (and tea) related items for sale – from filters to fridges, barware to barstools. Ordering was straightforward and delivery was pretty quick. I’d order from them again if planning to stock up on faves (which could be any of the three aforementioned) or try something new.
