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Our coffee journey began way back in 2002 when we opened our very first Cafe in New Regent St, Christchurch. By 2007 we had purchased a Toper coffee roaster and began roasting and developing our No.1 House Blend espresso.
In 2008 we launched our espresso when we opened Ris'tretto Cafe in Barbaoes St in Christchurch, and in 2013 we sold the Cafe under licence and moved our roastery off site so we could focus on supplying and supporting our Cafe clients.
Our roastery is based in the beautiful Waikuku Beach in North Canterbury and our roasting is now done on a bespoke locally made Stonka coffee roaster.
OUR STORY
We carefully selected three fair trade organic arabica single origin coffees for their individual flavour traits and soft acidity. The lower level of acidity in these coffees allows us to roast these origins to a medium roast profile. This roasting method brings out the natural flavours of each bean without bitterness. Our blend produces a strong, smooth espresso with great body, sweet spiced aroma and soft acidity and has been recognised nationally with multiple awards!
OUR ESPRESSO
No.1 House Blend
Blend Details
Origin: Mexico Chiapas.
Cooperative: San Fernando
Processing: Fully washed
Roasting notes: Rich powerful aroma with a smooth body and light sweetness of raisins. Hazelnuts, oak, and pipe tobacco are lurking in the flavour. Finely balanced.
Origin: Guatemala Guaya’b GHG
Cooperative: Guaya’b
Processing: Fully washed
Roasting notes: Fruity and sweet aroma. Coffee is medium bodied with distinct berry fruit flavours -a touch of plum. The acidity is bright and clear, but not overpowering, very well balanced, lively and satisfying coffee.
Origin: Peru, Rodríguez de Mendoza
Cooperative: COOPARM
Processing: Fully washed
Roasting notes: Light citrusy aroma, it is sweet with rounded, soft acidity and caramel and ripe stonefruit flavours in the cup, good winey body and a lingering sweetness.
In 2011 we entered our No.1 House Blend in the NZ Coffee Awards for the first time and scooped a silver medal for best NZ espresso!
In 2012 we backed this up with a bronze medal for best organic espresso and in 2013 we continued this success with a silver medal for best flat white.
Our last award was a silver medal for traditional flat white at the 2015 and final edition of the competition.
OUR AWARDS
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We exclusively buy and roast certified fair trade coffee because we feel good about supporting disadvantaged coffee farmers. Despite massive global demand for coffee, many farmers have small lots and struggle to earn a living from their crop. Large multi national companies buy the bulk of each harvest at reduced prices. Fair trade sets a fairer price for the coffee farmer. We like that.