Tag Archive for 'Fair Trade'

#1 Rwanda is here…

Starting today we’re offering the first place winner of Rwanda’s inaugural Golden Cup competition. We’re also continuing with the 4th (Kanzu) and 14th place (Murera) coffees as the response from customers has been terrific. Here’s some info on the new coffee…

Muyongwe, Rwanda Golden Cup: 1st Place, roasted by Intelligentsia- their tasting notes:

From the first sip, this coffee will sweep you off your feet with its elegance and complexity. The first place winner of Rwanda’s first-ever Golden Cup competition is a beautiful orchestration of soft pear and jasmine notes with candied cherry and an acidity that gives not only an exquisite roundness but also a glimmering citrus quality to the cup. Its finish is sweet and clean with a touch of milk chocolate; a handsome bow on a striking package.

P.S.- the new brew bar menu has been uploaded.  La Tortuga, Honduras and the Quetzal Breakfast Blend have been taken off the menu, but we may have enough for a couple of cups so please ask the barista if interested.

All’s not always ‘fair’ in coffee labeling

Here’s an article describing the differences between fair trade coffee and direct trade coffee, from the Chicago Tribune. Many of the coffees that we serve in our shop (including our House Blend) are products of Intelligentsia’s Direct Trade.

All’s not always ‘fair’ in coffee labeling

The direct trade criteria includes a “verifiable price to the grower or the local co-op, not simply the exporter, must be at least 25 percent above the Fair Trade price; the grower must be committed to healthy environmental practices; the grower must be committed to sustainable social practices.”

Click here for more on direct trade.