The Sprudge Report - 'Tinis, Genes, and Concrete

A week of coffee news from across the globe.

Aug 26, 2023

World Coffee Research releases Arabica genetic database

What variety is that coffee you are drinking? Is it really that variety? Often times, something like 39% of the time, it’s not. But now, the WCR has created an open-access genetic database for 23 of the most common Latin American coffee varieties, which will give producers the ability to quickly and cheaply confirm the genotypes of their coffee trees.

Pablo Lara: The Sprudge Twenty Interview

In this week’s Sprudge Twenty interview, we speak with Green Coffee Trader for InterAmerican Pablo Lara. Lara toes the line between producer and consumer and provides a unique perspective on the supply chain as well as all the parties involved.

Make espresso martinis with Morgan Eckroth & Onyx Coffee Lab

Arkansas’s Onyx Coffee Lab recently released an all new line of coffee concentrates called Extractions. To celebrate, they teamed up with Morgan Eckroth for three videos on coffee cocktails, both alcoholic and non-, you can make at home with the new Extractions. And yes, one of them is their take on the espresso martini.

Build-Outs of Coffee

We’ve got California love this week in the Build-Outs of Coffee feature series. First up is Malcriada, a Los Angeles-based pop-up focusing on Latin, Chicaco, and Mexican influences would have big plans for the future. We don’t stray too far for our next entry, Play Coffee in Orange. The Sprudgie Award Finalist for Best New Cafe has a brand new location that is keeping the dream of the multi-roaster alive and well.

The 2023 Build-Outs of Coffee feature series is proudly presented by Dona. Explore the world of fine Dona products at DrinkDona.com and enjoy free shipping on each order over $50.

Pittsburgh Coffee Week

Mark your calendars and prepare to indulge in a week of coffee-infused bliss as Pittsburgh Coffee Week, presented by La Marzocco and Oatly, makes its much-anticipated return from October 15th to 21st, 2023. This annual event is set to unite coffee professionals, coffee enthusiasts, local businesses, and communities in a celebration of Pittsburgh’s thriving coffee scene.

DK Metcalf decaf

Say that five times fast (and then try to keep from saying it). Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf, whose bizarre diet includes coffee as one of only three things, has teamed up with Volcanica Coffee Roasters for the Official DK Metcalf Decaf as well as a Fullcaf DK Metcalf. Aside from impeccable brand synergy, the coffees are for a good cause, with proceeds going to charity.

Concrete proof that coffee is magic

The eco-friendly uses for spent coffee grounds are myriad and keep growing. And now, Australian engineers have found a way to make concrete 30% stronger by combining a product called biochar made out of used coffee.

Raising money for Ukraine’s One Love Coffee

Ukraine has been at war with Russia for 18 months now, leaving many of the country’s coffee shops in an uncertain future. To help, San Diego’s Seven Seas Roasting Co are using their non-profit Seven Seas Foundation to raise money for Kyiv’s One Love Coffee. They hope to raise $75,000, with the funds being hand-delivered to One Love at the beginning of next month.

An ethical design

In this week’s edition of Coffee Design, we take a look at the new packaging for The Coffee Ethic. Focusing equally on aesthetics as sustainability, the Springfield, MO roaster opted for a coffee box using home-compostable packaging. It’s the best of both worlds.

Chugga chugga chagaccino

Mushroom coffee is having a moment right now, with all manner of healthful claims being made. One of the adaptogens being used is the chaga mushroom, but what is it exactly and how is it used in coffee drinks? Associate editor Liz Clayton dives in.

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…

Amavida: Honey Peru Huabal—Located high in the Andes mountain range, above the city of Jaen, is the Huabal district. The producer group CENFROCAFE was founded in 1999 and represents more than 2,000 coop members of local associations in Cajamarca. Our Honey Peru Huabal is from a special prep program organized by CENFROCAFE. This organic honey-processed lot has a velvety body and very mild acidity. An aroma of raspberry and figs gives way to berries, figs, and cream in the cup.

Camber Coffee: Ecuador La Papaya Box Set—Our first Artist Series coffee drop features a box set with two exquisite coffees from the same lot, each showcasing a different processing method. Ecuador La Papaya Washed brews a beautifully subtle cup with notes of lime, passionfruit, honeydew melon, and honeysuckle. Ecuador La Papaya Anaerobic is sweet and complex with flavors of pineapple, milk chocolate, strawberry, and maraschino cherry.

Equator Coffees: Burundi Women of Turihamwe —This delicious coffee was brought to our attention by Long Miles Coffee Project, a micro-lot company focusing on farmer-driven coffee production in Burundi. We instantly fell in love with the lemon zest and allspice notes in this lot’s spicy and sweet flavor profile.

Intelligentsia Coffee: Summer Solstice Blend—Each year Intelligentsia takes a fresh approach to their seasonal blends, curating flavors that will best evoke the spirit of the season. This year features a deliciously juicy, sweet blend of coffees from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Peru. Sip and indulge in alluring notes of blueberry, honey, and lime. Perfect for a sun-drenched Summer morning.

Monogram Coffee: La Llama—This version of La Llama is a super fun, naturally processed Java and Caturra coffee that brings bright notes of grape candy, cherry liqueur and dark chocolate. Located in Caranavi, Bolivia, La Llama is Agricafe’s highest farm. This particular coffee has been processed using Agricafe’s Coco Natural process, which leaves the coffee to ferment for longer than the average natural and gives the coffee bean the appearance of a cocoa bean—hence the name Coco Natural.

Night Swim Coffee: Leonid Ramirez EF2 Castillo—This is a super classic Colombian profile. It’s expressive, sweet, and absolutely crushable. You’ll notice hints of dried berries, fresh pecan pie, and a sparkling lime-like acidity. This particular coffee comes from Leonid Ramirez of La Cortina de Hierro, in Quindio, Colombia. This coffee was dry aerobic fermented for 24 hours, then placed inGrainpro bags for 50 more hours before being pulped, gently washed, and dried on raised beds.

Olympia Coffee Roasters: Jose Hernan Salazar Aji Ethiopian Landrace—This unique coffee was produced by José Hernán Salazar, from the town of Pitalito in southern Colombia. This lot is what José calls the “Ají” varietal, which is the Spanish word for chili pepper. José named it after noticing the spicy smell of its cherries. These delicate chili pepper-like qualities are also subtly present in the cup, giving this coffee a truly one-of-a-kind flavor—berry, caramel, and floral.

Onyx Coffee Lab: Costa Rica Las Lajas Natural—This naturally processed coffee has become a staple in our offerings from Central America. Las Lajas is the premier coffee mill in costa rica and this lot highlights precisely why they're heralded as the best. Expect notes of berries and a vanilla sweetness throughout.

Partners Coffee: Ethiopia Samuel Degelo—Samuel is one of several hundred farmers who deliver coffee to the Bishan Dimo Washing Station. He is also a teacher at a primary school in nearby Danbi Uddo. Samuel’s commitment to education extends to his coffee production, and he believes that by sharing knowledge with his neighboring farmers he can improve the lives of others in his community. Fans of Ethiopian coffee will recognize that single-farm traceability remains quite rare, and we’re delighted to share Samuel’s coffee again.

PERC Coffee: Mexico Pocitos—We love coffee from Mexico, especially ones like the Pocitos – it’s a gulper! Pocitos is exciting and comforting at the same time. Look for a sweet, smooth cup with flavors that reminds us of ripe red fruit and brown sugar. Grab a bag today if you like good things!

Stumptown Coffee: Honduras El Puente —Located in the renowned growing region of Marcala, Honduras, Finca El Puente produced the first lot of coffee we bought from husband and wife team Moisés Herrera and Marysabel Caballero in 2004. Every year since, we’ve welcomed back their signature catuaí variety coffee to our cups with awe and delight. This fresh crop is no exception – expect notes of juicy plum, lemon zest and vanilla cream in this classic cup.

Verve Coffee: Honduras Juan Benitez—A returning favorite, Juan Benitez’s coffee is characterized by sweet tropical fruit and tart citrus throughout the tasting experience. Bright notes of starfruit pair with lime leaf and honey to create a balanced cup.

New job listings from Sprudge Jobs

La Marzocco USA - Parts Fulfillment Team Member - Seattle, WA
Baratza - Support Specialist, Specialty Coffee - Seattle, WA
Counter Culture Coffee - Regional Technical Services - Durham, NC
Coava Coffee Roasters - Sales Support Analyst - Portland, OR
Sweet Maria’s - Customer Service Representative, In Person - Oakland, CA

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.

Ubuntu Coffee Roasters - Sakskøbing, Denmark

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.