Blending Coffees
Coffee blending is truly an artistic endeavor and is perhaps nearly as old as the noble arabica plant itself. Scott Brothers Coffee has been reluctant to adopt the popular practice of blending, preferring to supply our customers with the finest pure origin (varietal) coffees available in the world. We feel there is a strong argument to be made for individuals first building an understanding of, and appreciation for, the diverse range of unique coffee characteristics through working with varietals. The coffee tasting sensory evaluation might be organized into the following categories: aroma, acidity, body, flavor, and finish. In learning to evaluate a cup's quality, it is often helpful to compare and contrast different coffees using these terms. Single country origin coffees are the best starting point.
We encourage our customers to try many single origin coffees to learn to distinguish some of the strong regional traits before they jump into blends. If you have two or three single origin coffees on hand, you can experiment with different ratios of each to create your own blends. It is very probable you will arrive at a blend which is more rewarding than any "designer" blend you will find anywhere.
Dave does blends!
Having said all that, I really enjoy experimenting with coffees grown in different regions and roasted to different levels. Recently I have been very enthused with the results of my own blending experiments. I make no pretense of my qualifications or knowledge base. I have never taken part in a coffee cupping competition, and there are many amateur coffee affectionados who can talk circles around me with "cuppers lingo". But I don't know anyone who enjoys fine coffee more than I.
Some of our regular customers have asked if we ever intend to introduce blends. Well, Dave's Blend is the first, and where it may go from here I could not say. Here is the description from our "Coffee Offerings" page: On the Wild Side - Throw caution to the wind, and try what Dave is drinking today! Cautious roasters are blending to achieve balance and harmony. A commendable goal to be sure. But Dave's blend is wild, spontaneous and combustible. It will be different every time you order, because I love adventure in my cup. For 30 years I have focused on sampling, brewing and appreciating the pure single origin coffees from all corners of the world. Recently I have ventured into blends. This one will always contain at least: one Latin American coffee in a Full City roast (bright, crisp, edgy), one African (usually Vienna roast) (spicey, aromatic, nutty, chocolatey), and one Asian-Indonesian in Vienna roast (Full bodied, deep, rich, butter-smooth mouthfeel). Some combinations are proven superstars, some are hopeful would-be classics, all are delightful, I promise. The unique recipe will be printed on back label.
