Last week we had the pleasure of doing a cupping of some beautiful coffees from Slate Coffee from Seattle, WA. There were 6 coffees total, all with really interesting flavors. We cupped the blindly and asked everyone to rank without knowing which coffee was which. Here were our Top 3.

1) Ethiopia Kilenso

The Stats Producer: Many Local Growers Region: Sidama, Ethiopia Origin: Kilenso Mokonisa Cultivar: Heirloom Processing: Natural Elevation: 1900m

The Notes When I was in kindergarten, my favorite snack was always strawberries with powdered sugar. As soon as the Kilenso hit my tongue, I was warped back to kindergarten and that flavor profile. It has a hit of bright berry at the beginning, but rounds out to a delicious sweetness at the end. This coffee was for high marks from everyone and was the consensus favorite.

The Clapps: 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼✋🏼

2) Colombia Finca Florestales

The Stats Producer: Gutierrez Family Estate: Finca Florestales Origin: Rio Blanco, Tolima, Colombia Cultivar: Yellow Caturra Elevation: 1850m Processing: Washed

The Notes This was a much different coffee from the Kilenso, but was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It has a bright hit of cranberry at the beginning before it moves to something like a juicy peach – really full mouthfeel. The sweetness of this one lingers a while in a very pleasing way.

The Clapps: 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

3) Kenya Kianyangi AB

The Stats Producer: Murue Farmers Cooperative Society Origin: Embu, Kenya Wet Mill: Kianyangi Factory Cultivar: SL 28, SL 34 Elevation: 1800m Processing: Washed

The Notes This is very much a classic Kenyan. Really juicy tomato with that high acidity that makes this coffee shine. I was really impressed with how tea-like the body on this one stays as well. All the brightness you expect from a Kenyan with a nice, round finish. We really enjoyed this one.

The Clapps: 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Slate is also featuring some cool Brazilian coffees as well as an Ethiopian Guji that we enjoyed as well. The Brazilians are highly recommended if you want something more earthy & nutty with fruit notes of fig or plum. Really appreciated those as well.

All in all, cupping and tasting these coffees from Slate was some of the most fun we’ve had in a while. They’re doing great stuff and I will recommend them very highly!

If you want to try some of these coffees mentioned here, swing by 392 Caffe ASAP and we’ll get you hooked up!