Alright, coffee adventurers, let’s get this one straight—I picked up an espresso blend and didn’t have the gear to brew it right. But who says rules can’t be broken? I went ahead and ran this Colombia Popayán from Lucid Coffee Roasters through my Chemex, because sometimes you’ve got to roll with what you’ve got. And you know what? No regrets.
The Beans: Colombia Popayán
This coffee comes from the Popayán region in Colombia, known for its high-quality beans and rich flavor profiles. Typically meant for espresso, these beans are washed and grown at 1,500-2,100 meters above sea level, bringing out those bright, punchy flavors that Colombian coffees are famous for. Even though I took a detour with the Chemex, the flavours held up—and then some.
The Tasting Notes: Chocolate Meets Citrus
Here’s the thing: when you brew espresso beans with a Chemex, you end up somewhere in between an espresso punch and a filter coffee’s smoothness. The tasting notes on this one are all about chocolate, brown sugar, and a hint of citrus zest. In the Chemex, the chocolatey depth came through with a touch of sweetness, and the citrus note popped up just enough to keep things lively. It’s like a chocolate orange but in coffee form—rich, balanced, and surprisingly bright.
The Brew: Breaking the Rules (and Loving It)
Look, I know this was meant for an espresso machine, but when life hands you Chemex gear, you make Chemex coffee. And it worked out pretty well, if I do say so myself. The Chemex brought out the flavours in a softer, more delicate way, without losing that bold edge you’d expect from an espresso blend. It’s not your typical espresso shot, but it’s a smooth, easy-going cup that makes for a great morning brew—one that doesn’t make you miss the espresso machine you never had.
Lucid Coffee Roasters: The Transparency Pros
Lucid Coffee Roasters aren’t messing around when it comes to quality. These guys are all about transparency, focusing on direct trade relationships and sustainable practices. They source their beans from farms they know and trust, making sure everything’s ethically done from start to finish. It’s not just about roasting great coffee for them—it’s about building a better coffee industry, and their dedication shows in every cup they produce. Based out of Belfast, Lucid takes pride in roasting with precision and passion, and it’s clear they know their stuff.
The Verdict: Espresso (Chemex) Done Right
So, maybe I didn’t brew this coffee the “right” way, but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? Colombia Popayán turned out to be a winner, even with my Chemex improvisation. The chocolate and citrus combo made for a lively cup that balanced richness and brightness perfectly. If you’ve got this bag at home and no espresso machine—no worries. The Chemex gives it a whole new character, and honestly, I’d brew it this way again.
Big props to Lucid Coffee Roasters for creating a blend that can handle a bit of experimentation and still come out tasting great. If you’re in the mood to mix things up (or if you, like me, just pick up the wrong bag), give this one a try. Cheers to breaking coffee rules and finding new favourites along the way!