Why Single Origin?
Have you always wondered about the difference between blends and single origin coffee? The explanation is quite simple– a blend usually consists of two or more coffee varieties to achieve a specific flavor, mouthfeel, and body. A single origin comes from a singular region. However, for other roasting companies, the term “single origin” is loosely used to describe coffee from an entire country. At Amalthea Coffee Roasters, our single origin coffees come from specific regions from all over the globe. Contrary to popular belief, coffee doesn’t have one taste. Each individual origin of every country has flavor profiles unique to their own regions. Not only does this bring more characteristics to our coffee, but this also allows us to work more intimately with our sources, and to maintain sustainable and ethical connections. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t ever drink blends. Although we currently do not offer blends, we encourage that you try different ones in addition to our Single Origin coffees. If you are feeling adventurous, maybe you can even try combining your own single origins to invent your own blend.
Why are single origins roasted so light?
You might have noticed that all of our single origin coffee is roasted light to medium. We do this to preserve the flavors of the coffee fruit that is unique to each region that we harvest from. In other words, roasting a single origin batch too dark will result in the flavor profiles being completely overtaken by the “bitterness” of the roast. Other coffee roasters tend to roast their blends a bit darker. This is purposely done to craft a certain kind of flavor, but may sometimes cause the blend to lose its characteristics.
When are blends used?
As we mentioned earlier, blends are typically used to achieve a certain flavor profile and body. A certain blend and roast might work well for espresso, but may not taste the same for cold brew. For example, one might want a fruity blend for their espresso, and a more caramel-flavored profile for their drip coffee. The espresso blend could consist of a single origin of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe (which has flavor notes of blueberry) combined with another African coffee. The drip coffee blend on the other hand could consist of coffee from Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Although blends do have their perks,
Amalthea Coffee Roasters’ single origins are already full of flavor and personality. We don’t think it’s necessary to combine more than one origin. This is because each region provides unique profiles that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. We roast each single origin with the intention to showcase their regions’ best qualities in their environment and hard work. Our coffee is not only about the taste, but also about the sustainability and culture of the people that helped us craft our coffee.
Our Rwanda Nyamasheke Single Origin is processed in the Kanzu washing station located in the Nyamasheke district of Rwanda’s Western Province.
The Rwandese coffee industry was the focus of a series of collaborative development projects designed to rebuild the agriculture sector, mainly coffee & cassava, after the devastation of genocide & civil war. By building washing stations, forming coops, and training agronomists, cuppers and quality control personnel, the programs helped to elevate Rwandese coffee to new heights, giving farmers access to specialty coffee markets and prices.