Relationship Blend, a blend of all the coffees purchased through our relationship with Caravela (was Virmax).
Colombia and Caravela
Throughout the world, Colombia is recognised as the largest producer of quality Arabica coffee. In 2008 Quaffee was fortunate enough to be introduced to Virmax, who are now known as Caravela. Caravela is a pioneer of Direct Trade, they have worked closely with the farmers assisting them from seedlings in the nursery, to shade planting of the saplings, to productive coffee plants. Then from there to the picking, processing, packaging and then offering coffee to roasters that want to work direct with the growers, with Caravela as a facilitator.
This relationship with the growers has been in place for close to two decades now, and with the assistance of Caravela, the growers have developed a following among many roasters that are keen to reward growers directly for great coffee.
Quaffee has been working with the fruits of this relationship since 2008. In 2012 to blended a coffee from only those offered from this relationship, and named the blend Relationship.
Balancing the blend
Essential in producing a coffee blend is having an end goal in mind. The Relationship blend’s end goal was to be a coffee that could produce a good espresso, season on season. While still lending itself to the popularity of cappuccino and latte, espresso-based preparations. All coffees used in this blend can easily stand on their own to be enjoyed in their own way, so ensuring that each coffee contributes something to the blend was important.
Coffees in the blend are from the South of Colombia: La Piramide (from Cauca, Inza) and Asorganica (also from Cauca, but El Tambo and Timbio), and have stone fruit, jasmine and an earthy body. They provide the Umami for the blend. Los Naranjos (from the ever-impressive San Agustin, Huila area) adds more Citrus fruit and a white wine acidity to complement this intense body. The sparkle in the blend is introduced through the fruit acidity and sweetness of Los Idolos (also from Huila). A quality Brazil smooths the combination out
Relationship Blend
The result is a coffee that can still impress even with milk added. Complexity is preserved, making if very drinkable and enjoyable.
- Colombia: Caravela selected producers, that follow relationship guidelines.
- Brazil: A specialty coffee (varies per season) that Marunic has a direct relationship with.
- Colombia: Fully washed process solar dried on raised beds.
- Brazil: Either a natural or semi-natural coffee as long as it scores 85+ in the cup.
Starting brews:
| Brew Method | Ratio | Brew Method | Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1:2.5 | AeroPress | 16g:200g | |
| Plunger | 48g:600g | Pour over/filter | 18g:300g |
Transparency Information
| Sourced from | Varies on the season |
|---|---|
| FOB price | Listed in each component |
| Cupping score | Typically, between 84-86. |
| Other Information | This is a blend of the specialty coffees that score between (84 and 86) we currently have available from Colombia. As from April 2020 it now also includes a portion of the specially grade Brazilian coffee, to help it suit espresso better. |
Christi Fleet –
Such a versatile coffee blend. Fell in love with it at the Coffee Bloc and Buitenverwachting, now drink it as espresso, filter and plunger daily. So happy to have found this delicious coffee.