Choosing a single-origin coffee is easier when you start from the cup you want rather than the map. Here are four origins we roast in Toronto, what each tastes like, and who each one suits.
If you like sweet and balanced: Colombia Huila
Notr 001 comes from Garzón, Huila, grown between 1,250 and 1,600 metres, graded Excelso and scored 84. It is washed and medium roasted. Expect milk chocolate, panela, almond and fresh orange, with a balanced body and a spiced finish. A smooth, approachable cup that works for espresso and filter, and pairs well with steamed milk.
If you like bright and vivid: Kenya AA Plus
Notr 002 is washed and medium roasted, with a cupping score of 87. Citrus and stone fruit meet floral, tea-like notes, with a sharp acidity and a rich, lingering finish. The most expressive of the four, for those who enjoy a lively, high-acidity cup.
If you like sweet fruit with depth: El Salvador Cuzcachapa
Notr 003 is an SHG Max, Rainforest Alliance certified, washed, medium roasted and scored 85.5. Raisin and molasses sweetness meets pomegranate, with a vibrant body and a long, clean finish. A good middle path between the sweetness of Colombia and the brightness of Kenya.
If you like floral and fruit-forward: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
Notr 004 is grown at 2,223 metres in southern Ethiopia, naturally processed and light roasted. Blueberry, citrus and floral notes, with a sweet, fruit-forward character. For readers who enjoy the delicate, aromatic side of coffee.
At a glance
- Colombia Huila: washed, medium. Chocolate, panela, almond.
- Kenya AA Plus: washed, medium. Citrus, stone fruit, floral.
- El Salvador Cuzcachapa: washed, medium. Raisin, molasses, pomegranate.
- Ethiopia Yirgacheffe: natural, light. Blueberry, citrus, floral.
Not sure where to start?
Begin with a medium roast. Notr 001 and Notr 003 are the most forgiving places to start, and Notr 004 is a rewarding next step once you know what you enjoy. To understand why they taste so different, read our guide to washed and natural coffee, or see how to choose beans for espresso at home.
Explore the full Specialty Coffee Beans collection, roasted and packed in Toronto.