Introducing the coffee that started it all. Back in 2013 Leeds was somewhat of a stronghold for darker roasted commercial coffee and we were faced with the rather massive task of introducing many traditional espresso drinkers to the world of specialty coffee… and so ‘The Docks’ was born! A blend which we felt successfully bridged the gap between old and new, embracing many of the characteristics of the traditional whilst embodying key principles of contemporary specialty production. Highlighting the work of amazing producers from across the tropics by profiling and roasting their beans to a medium level before blending them to create a characterful cup.
11 years later and our house blend had remained virtually unchanged from a component percentage perspective, with long standing partnerships emerging in coffees from Montanari Estate in Minas Gerais, Brazil and the Los Chelazos producer group in La Palma, El Salvador. However, 2024 sees us make a big step towards future proofing the blend by replacing the third, smaller Sumatran component with a more stable coffee in both price and quality, adding more value into an existing supply chain. And so our relationship with producers of the Sierra Mazateca was born!
Mazatecan coffees are typically known for their herbal, sometimes pleasantly savoury character but this regional lot is so much more than that with juicy, fruit-forward orange and nectarine notes. It’s complexity matches that of the Sumatran wet hulled components of the past with the addition of an improved balance and syrupy body that when teamed with components from our long standing partnerships in Brazil and El Salvador, creates a beautiful house blend full of clarity and flavour. The differences in the blend are subtle. You can expect the same sweetness and body, just a little less acidity and none of that typical Sumatran wildness peeking through. Instead, expect heaps of toasted nuts, a rounded stone fruit acidity and milk chocolate sweetness. And for all you milk lovers, there are rich caramel and vanilla notes that are simply delightful if you prefer a flat white or latte.
Components:
40% Brazil Montanari
We have worked with Marcelo Montanari since 2014, prizing his coffee for its incredible balance and distinctly chocolate and nutty flavour profile! Sited on the plains of Minas Gerais, this farm is pioneering a carbon neutral approach to coffee growing. Marcelo is dedicated to quality, sustainability, and innovation in coffee production. Working on a sizeable estate, Marcelo actively encourages biodiversity, ensures worker well-being, and upholds eco-friendly farming practices. We have been working with Marcelo since 2014, his approach seamlessly integrates with our own and his coffee is a permanent feature on our offer list.
40% El Salvador Chelazos
We are so proud of this coffee having sourced it during a trip to El Salvador in February 2017 from B Corp partners Caravela Coffee. Determined to work with small scale producers where possible, we chose the region of Chalatenango to source our coffee from and came across a group of incredibly determined and focused farmers defying the challenges of the area and remaining committed to the principles of quality coffee production. The result is juicy, clean, balanced and bursting with plum and marzipan.
20% Sierra Mazateca Regional Blend
This Mazateca producer group are part of an important indigenous community in the region of Oaxaca. A group that is famed for producing some of the most complex coffees in Mexico, all whilst navigating the many complexities that come with producing coffee in the Southern states. Farms are isolated and widespread, crops are at high risk to climate-related volatility and access to finance and agricultural inputs is extremely limited. Because of this, production yields are some of the lowest in Mexico. By purchasing this coffee, we are making a long term commitment to this amazing group of producers, making up the end of a stable and profitable supply chain and providing a home for their beautiful coffee.
