Blended Coffee
Wed, Feb 17 2010 08:20
I understand quite well why coffees are blended. In some cases it is required in order to achieve a desired result, such as espresso. If you don't blend espresso by using several coffees, you will not achieve the desired characteristics in the cup you desire. Different coffees behave different and when properly and consistently mixed, they create the great harmony you desire.
Another reason for blending coffee is to achieve a greater consistency in the cup result. Although single origins, from a particular region are very consistent from crop to crop, it does not guarantee that they are exactly the same. After all, coffee is a living plant that derives its makeup from the surrounding enviroment and weather conditions. And we all know that the weather is never the same two years in a row, a great example is the lack of snow in Ontario this year....and the tons they have gotten south of here! So oblending two or three origins will create a melange that is relatively consistent from one batch to the next, sufficient enough so that the general consumer will not differentiate any subtle change.
What I do not condone is that some individuals will sell something as something else, just becasue they feel that there customers will identify with it better. Tell people what you sell, tell them what coffee is in your blend, if you do not know, then make sure you ask! In many cases, your roaster may not tell you exactly what amounts of each component are present, there is something to be said of maintaining trade secrets so other will not replicate it. But do not sell a blend as a single origin just because people know the name, or have heard and can identify with a place. If you do this, what you end up doing is misinforming your clients and educating them improperly. Take the time to taste your product, understand what makes it what it is, and then educate your clients so that you help them identify what to expect and why. By doing these things you will gain their respect and their trust and they will remain loyal and true.
Another reason for blending coffee is to achieve a greater consistency in the cup result. Although single origins, from a particular region are very consistent from crop to crop, it does not guarantee that they are exactly the same. After all, coffee is a living plant that derives its makeup from the surrounding enviroment and weather conditions. And we all know that the weather is never the same two years in a row, a great example is the lack of snow in Ontario this year....and the tons they have gotten south of here! So oblending two or three origins will create a melange that is relatively consistent from one batch to the next, sufficient enough so that the general consumer will not differentiate any subtle change.
What I do not condone is that some individuals will sell something as something else, just becasue they feel that there customers will identify with it better. Tell people what you sell, tell them what coffee is in your blend, if you do not know, then make sure you ask! In many cases, your roaster may not tell you exactly what amounts of each component are present, there is something to be said of maintaining trade secrets so other will not replicate it. But do not sell a blend as a single origin just because people know the name, or have heard and can identify with a place. If you do this, what you end up doing is misinforming your clients and educating them improperly. Take the time to taste your product, understand what makes it what it is, and then educate your clients so that you help them identify what to expect and why. By doing these things you will gain their respect and their trust and they will remain loyal and true.