The Sprudge Report - Coffee Sets Sail
Plus a new grinder on Kickstarter
Trish Rothgeb: The Sprudge Twenty Interview
Trish Rothgeb is a living legend within the coffee industry. Coiner of the term “third wave coffee,” Rothgeb is a coffee multi-hyphenate. She’s the owner of San Francisco’s Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters, she’s the co-founder of educational firm Good Form Coffee, she’s a Q-Grader and a Quality Evaluation Specialist with the Coffee Quality Institute. As part of the Sprudge Twenty interview series, we sit down with Rothgeb to discuss her near 40 year career in coffee.
A Short ‘n Sweet pop-up this weekend in Hollywood
Sabrina Carpenter’s moment is far from over, and in fact it only seems to be beginning. The Espresso singer just snagged more Grammy nominations than there are currently numbers to represent, and this weekend, she has her own pop-up. Taking over West Hollywood’s Verve Coffee location, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Cafe will feature a revamped space Sabrina-inspired drinks, and even some limited edition merch.
The Great British Tiramisu Off
The world’s greatest baking show meets the world’s greatest coffee dessert. It’s Dessert Week on The Great British Bake Off, and the Showstopper is none other than the classic Italian coffee treat, the tiramisu. We take a look at each competitor’s take on the tiramisu, gawk at the winner’s creation, and even suggest a recipe of our own.
Geimori, less static
Static buildup is the bane of all coffee grinders and coffee grinder users. When I put 50 grams of coffee in the hopper, I want 50 grams of coffee out of the chute. And the same 50 grams at that. There are two main ways folks deal with static buildup in grinders: a quick spritz of water and post-grind ionization. Now, there’s a new grinder on the market that incorporates both. Introducing the Geimori, a features-heavy new grinder and it’s on Kickstarter now.
Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with coffee
Coffee transport is one of the most ecologically deleterious parts of the supply chain. Cargo ships require massive amounts of fossil fuel, polluting the ocean, and producing significant quantities of ozone-destroying carbon. To combat this, Brazil’s Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza announced that they would now be exporting all their coffee via wind- and solar-powered sailboat. Read more about the initiative here.
A boozy press release
Tis the season for the heavier, more decadent beer styles, the ones that keep you warm on the cold winter nights. That’s why Rogue Ales & Spirits has teamed up with Portland Coffee Roasters for a new offering, Santa’s Private Reserve 2024, a coffee mocha stout. But it’s only available for a limited time.
Coffee companies that are serving more than good drinks
There have been various studies that claim coffee may be good for you, but there is growing evidence that cafes can be good for others, too. More cafes are emerging as social enterprises and non-profits with specific mandates to train and hire baristas and other employees from vulnerable populations. Featured here are cafes that employ at-risk women, persons with mental health challenges, “prison leavers,” refugees and new immigrants, and people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Roaster’s Village
We’re highlighting outstanding coffees from some of our favorite roasting partners each week here in the newsletter. This week’s selection of tasty coffees are…
Madcap Coffee—Elefante
About a decade ago, mysterious coffee trees were discovered on the Rodriguez family farm — the same producers as El Porvenir and Pacamara La Gloria. The origin was unknown, but after recent genetic testing, these naturally mutating trees were discovered to be a combination of an unknown Ethiopian Landrace and the world-famous Bourbon. Over the years, the Rodriguez family has planted many seedlings of these trees. Though it remains a mystery how this unique variety came to grow in Apaneca, the fruit is much larger, and contains up to ten times more juice than its neighboring varieties. This year, we are excited to offer Elefante processed two different ways. This washed process Elefante is depulped and dry fermented for 24 hours. After being washed, the coffee dries on patios for 10-15 days. This coffee offers exquisite sweetness, with notes of lemon meringue, milk chocolate, and raspberry.
Portland Coffee Roasters—Holiday Roast
Indulge in the spirit of the season with our Holiday Roast! Each year, we release a Limited Time Offering that benefits organizations helping people near and far. What started as a one-time celebration of festive goodwill has evolved into a tradition we have cherished for over 15 years!
For every 12oz bag or bulk pound of Holiday Roast sold, $1 will be donated to Growing Gardens – a Portland non-profit using the experience of growing food to cultivate healthy, equitable communities.
Sightglass Coffee—Winter Solstice
Returning for the fifth year, we’re excited to release something exceptional for the holiday season: our Winter Solstice Blend. Named for the longest night and shortest day of the year, Winter Solstice is the perfect accompaniment to cool weather and changing seasons. A time when we crave comfort, warmth, the familiar, and the surprising. For Winter Solstice, we combine two amazing coffees from Kenya and Colombia to evoke flavors of chocolate truffle, marzipan, and blackberry.
Onyx Coffee Lab—Colombia Tio Conejo Gesha Natural
In the high mountains of Caldas, Colombia, Tío Conejo cultivates coffee with a commitment to tradition, community, and resilience. Nestled at 2,000 MASL on rich volcanic soil, their farm’s high altitude and meticulous practices yield exceptional quality. That quality shows in the cup with pungent fruit characteristics throughout the drinking experience, culminating in pink guava and watermelon candy.
Equator Coffees—Costa Rica La Lia Typica Mejorado
For many years we have been offering incredible coffees from the award-winning farms belonging to brothers Luis and Oscar Monge and their coffee mill, La Lia, built during the infancy of of what has been coined Costa Rica’s “micro-mill revolution” by our friends at Exclusive Coffees. Debuted at SF Coffee Fest, this red honey-process coffee makes for a truly fruity and floral cup with notes of black tea, raspberry and nectarine.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters —Guatemala El Injerto Pacamara
Pacamara is the result of a combination of teamwork, a unique microclimate and good plant genetics! All of these factors come together to produce one of the most award-winning flavorful coffees in the world. Each decadent cup features notes of ripe peach and sugar cane complemented by a touch of sage – truly exquisite!
Partners Coffee—Honduras – San Francisco Natural Bourbon
Roger Domínguez produces some our favorite natural process coffees, like this red bourbon from Finca San Francisco. This coffee is all punchy and jammy red fruits—think strawberry and raspberry compote or rhubarb pie—supported by subtle notes of chocolate and brown sugar. A delicious filter coffee.
Klatch Coffee—Espresso Lover’s Trio Gift Set
Klatch Coffee’s holiday trios are ideal for gifting – just add a bow and drop the handsome gift box under the tree! The Espresso Lover’s Trio Gift Set includes 3 of Klatch’s top-rated espressos – Belle Espresso, House Espresso, and WBC World’s Best Espresso. Cozy up with flavors including blackberry, zesty orange, semi-sweet chocolate and more as you explore the flavor profiles and unique mouthfeel of 3 distinct espressos. Each Trio comes packed in a holiday-themed gift box, the perfect gift for home baristas!
Dune Coffee—Honduras Benjamin Paz Gesha
Benjamin Paz is a multiple time Cup of Excellence winner, taking first place with his coffees in 2022 and 2024. His farm, La Salsa, is is located on the Santa Bárbara mountain of Honduras. Here, the rainforest and proximity to water create a unique microclimate, where the Gesha variety thrives amidst these high elevations on the farm. Benjamin then processes this coffee using an anaerobic washed process, preserving the floral flavors and silky textures of the Gesha variety grown in the Santa Bárbara terroir. Benjamin’s Gesha reminds us of sweet stonefruit and vibrant citrus, with aromatic floral qualities like jasmine and honeysuckle.
PERC—Nicaragua Maritza & Francisco Javier
This coffee blew us away. An intoxicating aroma danced out of the cup, drawing our lips to the rim like a dang tractor beam. The flavors remind us of black cherry syrup, blackberry jam, Cantaloupe, Cherry Lifesaver, Red Licorice, and brown sugar. This coffee is a beautiful juxtaposition. It’s complex, juicy, sweet, silky smooth, and a comforting treat.
Joe Coffee —Rubí Sisters Catuaí
Perched between the Sierra La Esperanza and Santa Bárbara mountains in Las Vegas, Honduras, lies Finca Ruland 2—a specialty coffee farm as beautiful as it is biodiverse, owned and operated by the Rubí-Landaverde family. Notes of Candied Lemon, Almond Paste, Cinnamon.
Pachamama Coffee Farmers—Guatemala
Grown on the volcanic shores of Lago Atitlán, this is an exceptional single origin medium roast coffee from the Manos Campesinas coop in Guatemala.
Olympia Coffee—Alexander Vargas Pink Bourbon
Alexander Vargas is a Cup of Excellence-winning producer for his Pink Bourbon varietal. He continues to innovate in processing and drying, making his coffees an absolute delight for us to roast. The variety is native to Colombia, specifically Huila, with the name inspired by the cherry ripening with a pinkish hue.
Nigh Swim Coffee—Yukro #8
Tasting Notes: Peach, Mango, Lemon, Floral Honey
All proceeds from sales of Yukro #8 are being donated to help the Hurricane Helen relief efforts in Western NC and Upstate SC. Please join us in supporting our neighbors by purchasing and enjoying this stellar, washed coffee from Agaro, Ethiopia!
CXFFEEBLACK—Fruit Of Our Labor
A HIGA JUNT -NATURAL RWANDA KILIMBI STATION, 1650-1850 MASL
TASTING NOTES: Strawberry, Dark Chocolate, and Passionfruit
Verve Coffee Roasters—Seabright
From our house to yours, Seabright House Blend is undeniably inviting. Seabright showcases apricot and honeydew flavor notes composed of direct trade coffees from El Salvador and Guatemala. A balanced mouthfeel. And aromatics of toasted hazelnuts. Set yourself up for a winning day with one of our easiest drinking blends.
La Barba Coffee—Colombia | Diego Bermudez Castillo Y-05
This directly sourced Castillo has delicate peach sweetness with intense and complex floral character. Its a coffee that balances sweet flavors and delicate notes beautifully – the result of Diego Bermudez’s meticulous farming and a scientific approach to coffee processing. Notes : Peach, Apple, Lychee
The Barn—INSPIRATION ADVENT CALENDAR 2024
This Advent Calendar contains 24x Single Origin Coffees from producers that decided to change the way they grow and process coffee. It includes: 4 boxes with 50g of Single Origin Coffees, individual cards about each coffee, tasting diary to record your favorite brews, variety of handpicked coffee gifts, and limited edition artwork to hang on your wall.
Phil & Sebatian—Colombia, Finca El Paraiso Bourbon Aji
This is our first coffee of this amazing variety. Bourbon Ají is an Ethiopia Landrace variety that has found its way to the Americas and is now referred to as a bourbon – much like pink bourbon, chiroso and sidra. As to why it’s called “Ají”, some speculate that the colour of the cherries and the slight spicy flavour of the coffee fruit is why the variety is called “Aji”, which means “red chili” in Spanish. The way Jose decided to process this borbon ají is what makes this coffee more special. The coffee was picked, floated and hand selected. Then it was anaerobically fermented in a cold room for a whopping 110 hours in cherry. The coffee was then de-pulped, washed and dried in raised beds.
Mr. Espresso—Mexico Mayan Village — Women’s Lot
Rosalba Cifuentes Tovía came to the San Francisco Bay Area from Chiapas, Mexico, with two small children and without knowing any English. What she did know was coffee. Incredibly, she built a network within Bay Area coffee circles. It has been her passion to use her coffee expertise to uplift the people from her native community of Chiapas. Rosalba has grown Mayan Harvest into a source that represents some of the best in the region. Combined with direct traceability and an exquisite taste that brings to mind notes of cherry, cream, and panela, this is a coffee you’ll feel good about buying and better about drinking.
New job listings from Sprudge Jobs
Proud Mary Coffee - Sales Manager, Southwest - Austin, TX
Stumptown Coffee Roasters - Seasonal Production Tech - Portland, OR
New cafes on Sprudge Maps
Here are new cafes discoverable on our global cafe portal Sprudge Maps. Register your cafe for free—thanks to the support of La Marzocco and Pacific Barista Series.
Do you have a news tip? Feedback? A funny joke? Send us an e-mail, use the contact form on Sprudge, leave a message at 1-888-55-SPRUDGE, or send us a letter at P.O. Box 3943 Portland, OR 97218.