Navigating Tariffs and Unveiling Our New Single Origin Coffee Gems
The world of specialty coffee is constantly evolving, but recent global challenges, like tariffs, present real obstacles. We at Seven Virtues Coffee Roasters felt this directly when our dependable direct-trade Brazil coffee became unavailable. Our friends explained they were struggling to navigate the new trade landscape, which could result in a dissolution of their business. As a small, dedicated roaster, we lost a key component—a single origin coffee we relied on heavily for our wholesale coffee beans here in Portland. We used that coffee more than any other for our beloved drip coffee, Espresso, and cold brew offerings.
Sourcing with Integrity: Our New Coffees Arrive
To maintain the great coffee our customers expect, we quickly pivoted to new origins in Colombia and El Salvador, and now, we are thrilled to introduce three exceptional, freshly sourced coffees. We’ve had to absorb increased costs due to tariffs, a burden we handle delicately with honesty due to the challenges facing the industry.
Guatemala Blue Ayarza: A Taste of Watermelon
At Seven Virtues Coffee Roasters, we love some single origin naturally processed coffees. After cupping a lot of natural coffees (the ultimate test to find the best coffee beans) we landed on Guatemala Blue Ayarza. This coffee comes from Covoya Guatemala and is delivered to their mill from small holders in the region.
The region of Ayarza is a special one, landmarked by the drastic landscape and cold blue water from the Laguna de Ayarza and Laguna Azul. The lake was formed by two massive volcanos that collapsed and formed a large crater.
For natural-processed coffees under the Blue Ayarza mark, the best cherries from small holders in the region deliver to mill, often in their own pickup trucks. Cherry is sent to Amatitilan for drying, the coffee starts for 10 days on the patio. To finish the coffee is mechanically dried for 5-10 hours.
This coffee stood out on the cupping table with strong notes of watermelon. It was so juicy, we just had to have it. It also helped that it is Rainforest Alliance certified farm that adheres to strict criteria for environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability. This aligns with our goal of finding ethically sourced coffee beans.
Mexico Ki-Saya: Organic Sweetness
Our search for an outstanding Organic coffee brought us to the Mexico Ki-Saya, which has surprised us with a sweetness usually reserved for Ethiopian coffees, featuring delightful notes of Asian pear. This Arabica coffee is Covoya’s organic offering from Chiapas, where the name itself translates to "tasty nature." The dedication of the indigenous Tzotzil and Tzeltal farmers to producing pristine parchment demonstrates the gratitude and compassion poured into every coffee bean. This is truly the best coffee from Mexico we've ever tasted, and it makes for an incredibly sweet black coffee, or as a single origin espresso. This coffee blends perfectly in a latte, flat white, or a cappuccino.
Ethiopia Gogogu: Classic Guji Excellence
Finding a truly outstanding washed Ethiopian single origin coffee has become more challenging, but the Ethiopia Gogogu from the Guji region delivered on the cupping table. The stone fruit sweetness was electric. Grown at high elevations (2340 MASL), this classic Guji is a testament to the hard work of farmers in a remote area, who transport their cherry by horse and mule. We are dedicated to sharing this kind of quality with our customers, whether they are enjoying a perfect Cappuccino at our coffee house or brewing a pour over at home.
Bringing the Best Coffee to You, Locally and Online
These new arrivals will soon be available at our coffeeshop here in Portland. Come on over and you will find them in everything from your morning Americano to a creamy Flat white, or even one of our upcoming special holiday concoctions.
If you're looking for the most convenient way to enjoy our new beans, our coffee subscription service is your answer. You can choose the Roasters choice subscription for a curated taste, or opt for a particular coffee.
- Order coffee online: Skip the search for "coffee near me" and let us deliver.
- Subscription Options: Our monthly coffee subscription and coffee delivery subscription ensure you receive whole bean coffee immediately after roasting. It’s the perfect gift coffee subscription for any coffee lover.
- Wholesale coffee: Our new wholesale program offers wholesale prices for everyone. Simply order 10lbs per month.
- On-the-Go Excellence: These new beans will be available in the next week at our local coffeeshops both located in NE Portland.
From the integrity of our ethically sourced coffee beans to the kindness of our baristas, Seven Virtues is committed to making your next cup of Specialty coffee the best it can be.
