The Story Behind Honey Crisp
Honey Crisp is a blend of two exceptional coffees:
1. Yirgacheffe Aricha (Washed): This component brings delicate floral notes and a bright, tea-like acidity. The washed process ensures refined clarity and a clean finish, adding a refreshing crispness to the blend.
2. Guatemala La Pia (Washed): Complementing the Yirgacheffe, this Guatemala coffee introduces layers of smooth, honey-like sweetness with a rounded body. Its bright acidity and subtle nutty undertones add depth, making the espresso both complex and satisfying.
Concept & Background
The idea behind Honey Crisp was to create a unique espresso that balances brightness, sweetness, and smoothness. We’ve always loved the versatility of our Guatemala coffee—using it for pour-over, espresso, and cold brew. It’s consistently delivered great flavors without fail. However, after enjoying it for so long, I felt inspired to tweak its profile to bring out flavors I personally love: a touch more tartness, added sweetness, and floral elegance.
That’s when the Yirgacheffe Aricha came to mind. Its vibrant acidity and delicate floral notes were the perfect addition. After experimenting with several roasting adjustments, we perfected the blend and began serving it in our shops. Within months, it quickly became a favorite among our baristas. Now, we’re excited to share it with you. Honey Crisp is an espresso blend designed to fuel your day with bright, crisp flavors and a smooth, lingering finish.
Flavor Profile
The combination of these two washed coffees results in a blend that delivers:
• Crisp apple-like acidity: Refreshing and bright, reminiscent of biting into a Honeycrisp apple.
• Honeyed sweetness: Subtle yet rich, providing a comforting sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Smooth finish: A silky mouthfeel that leaves a lingering sense of elegance and balance.
Brewing Recommendations
To bring out the best in Honey Crisp, we suggest:
• Espresso: Pull a shot with a slightly longer extraction time to highlight the blend’s sweet complexity and smooth body.
• Milk-Based Drinks: The honey-like sweetness pairs beautifully with steamed milk, making it perfect for lattes and flat whites, where the crisp acidity shines through the creaminess.
• Pour-Over: For those who enjoy a more nuanced cup, brewing it as a pour-over highlights its clean, vibrant notes.
Suggested Pairings
Enhance your experience with Honey Crisp by pairing it with:
• Dark chocolate: The bright acidity beautifully contrasts with the rich bitterness of dark chocolate.
• Fruit pastries: The crisp apple-like notes pair wonderfully with pastries like apple tarts or almond croissants.
• Nutty desserts: Try it with biscotti or a hazelnut tart to emphasize the blend’s smooth, honeyed finish.
We hope you enjoy Honey Crisp as much as we do—crafted to bring a burst of brightness and joy to your daily cup.