Annick's Old World Coffee

Coffee Blends

Blending is an ever-changing art where one creates a greater impression or feeling not found in the separate blend components. The key to creating a great blend is not by a recipe but by comparative cupping. Coffees with the same country origin name can differ from farm to farm and even harvest-to-harvest. Of course when we purchases coffee directly from certain plantations based on sample, many of these problematic variances are eliminated. However, over time changing weather conditions, farming methods, plant blights, etc. force us to locate and purchase from other plantations to keep our blends consistent in acidity, body, flavor and aroma. Blending is truly an ever-changing art.

Another quality roaster trait is BAR – “blending after roasting”. Not all coffee blends can be roasted as a single batch. Depending on water content, bean hardness, and blend taste requirements, many coffee blends require multiple roasting batches and post-roast blending. For a good BAR blend, try our Roaster's Select blend. 

Espresso Blends

First, let's cut through the pop American marketing. Espresso is just a method of brewing. Espresso actually means quickly or rapidly brewed coffee. However, espresso usually means a short concentrated and rapidly brewed coffee under intense pressure resulting in more extraction of coffee soluble, 25% versus 16-18% for standard infiltration or drip method, and thus a stronger, richer tasting coffee. In Italian homes it can also mean coffee brewed on the stove with a mocha pot. It is not a roast or variety of coffee plant. There are certain cultural standards for espresso and varying views for brewing espresso.

We offer 7 espresso blends, ranging dark roast American style espresso to light roast European espressos. Yes, contrary to Starbucks commercials, European espresso blends and coffee blends tend to be light to medium roasts. Don't believe us. Go to your local European import store and buy 4 or 5 imported European espresso blends and coffees and check the roasts. There are some dark roasts blends in European but they tend to be from Mediterranean bordering cities. Although humorously, Starbucks' entrance into England with large American size flavored milk and espresso drinks is actually creating a dark roast culture spreading from northern Europe. We believe it stems from two factors: the introduction of chocolate mocha and extra-large milk based espresso drinks and American professional pop marketing. The darker roast espresso blends stand-up well in large milk based drinks and add a chocolaty finish to the larger milk based drinks, and truthfully, American product companies do a great job of build-out and supply of a consistent professional looking product.

Truly, all that matters is that you find the espresso blend, dark or light, which you like most. If you want a Starbucks style flavor then our Latte and Pacific Espresso blends are for you.  If you want the best-balanced espresso offering sweet flavor, medium acidity, and dark roast highlights then our Velvet Espresso (<=highly recommended) or Cappuccine blend is the one for you. If you want a true European roasted espresso then try one of our three imported DoMondo Cafe blends from Switzerland. For more info and pricing on DoMondo Café, call for a quote.

 

Cappuccine Blend	Medium to slightly dark roasted estate coffees from Central America and Kenya make for a good balanced espresso with good body and acidity.
Lake Geneva Blend	Under the DoMondo Cafe label. This is the best selling Illycafe blend in the Swiss-French area of Europe. A light to medium roast with medium acidity, good body, and a cashew flavor finish. If you serve traditional espressos and 6-8 oz. lattes or cappuccinos, for example fine-dining, then this a good espresso blend for you. (For more info, call for a custom quote price)
Latte Blend	Dark Italian roasted blend of Indonesian and Central American coffees create a heavy body with intense smoky flavor and chocolaty finish when used in lattes and cappuccinos. If you like Starbucks or serve large to-go espresso based beverages then this is a good espresso blend for you.
Pacific Espresso Blend	Another dark roast blend with smooth, heavy body with strong yet smooth aftertaste. If you like Seattle style espresso then this is a good espresso blend for you.
Ticino Blend	Under the DoMondo Cafe label. This is the best selling Illycafe blend in the Swiss-Italian region of Europe. A solid medium roast with a little more attitude. Similar to best selling Zurich blend, but with a more dark roast flavor and finish. (For more info, call for a custom quote)
Velvet Espresso Blend	This is probably our best balanced espresso blend offering the best of  light and dark roast attributes. Sweet, mild and bright yet smooth, syrupy, and strong. It is an Italian roast blend of African, Indonesian, and Central American coffees.
Zurich Blend	Under the DoMondo Cafe label. This is the best selling Illycafe blend in the Swiss-German region of Europe. For the ultimate European latte, combine cream or heavy near-cream milk in a 6 oz. cup. For the traditional, rich Schale combine a 3 oz. fast pour shot of Zurich blend with 3 oz. steamed cream or cream-heavy milk. (For more info, call for a custom quote)

Click below for detailed descriptions of our products

• Single Country of Origin Coffees
• Blended Coffees - Espresso Blends
• Roast Classified Blended Coffees
• Certified Organic - Fair Trade Certified
• Naturally Flavored Coffees
• Natural Process Decaffeinated Coffees
• Low Acid, Stomach Friendly Coffee - Breakthrough Product!!!
• Elegant Loose Leaf Teas
• Cocoa, Cappuccino & Chai
• Gift & Incentive Boxes