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Special Release Available - TANZANIA KIGOMA (11/8/2010)
From the Cupping lab
Wells Trenfield - Director
While cupping a range of new coffees I came across the Tanzania Kigoma, a region
that was new to Jasper Coffee.
The Tanzania jumped out of the cupping bowl with its complex and obtuse sweet fruity character.
Needless to say that I was instantly smitten as I hope you will be too.
Please take time to enjoy this wondrous coffee.
Jeremy Boxall - Cupping Specialist
A beautiful Luscious velvet mouth feel, a creamy berry front with a long clean red currant finish.
This fabulous piberry is amazing as an espresso based coffee or a sweet fruity flatwhite.
What a great afternoon coffee from the filter, coffee machine or sit back and
enjoy a long slow plunger in the garden.
Producer Profile
The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania borders the Indian ocean and lies between
Kenya and Mozambique. The majority of Tanzanians speak one of the estimated
120 local languages and dialects as their first language. About 80 percent of Tanzania’s
coffee is classified as arabica, whilst the other 20 percent is robusta.
Many organisations, exporters and cooperatives are working to increase the quality and
salability of the coffee. The Tanzanian Coffee Research Institute has
developed several coffee hybrids that are resistant to major coffee diseases and
can produce up to 13 pounds per tree. Organizations such as TechnoServe are working
to establish new tree farms to phase out the older, more unproductive tree.
The area is also relatively new to coffee, as it has been farmed for less than fifty (50)
years and has enough land for expansion of new farms, as well as the proper altitude
for growing high-quality arabica coffee, the future bodes well
for the Tanzanian Coffee Industry.
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Billy Dunne of the week (14/6/2010)
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In the beginning there was Billy Dunne Bennett.
Bill, owner of Australia’s best known Coffee Brokering
House, was instrumental in pioneering to
Australia, Fairtrade certified coffee. As complex
a character as Bill was, so too this blend is enriched
by the fabric of flavours out of Central & South America.
With respect to these origin tastes
we champion balance, body and ethical benefit,
in order to sustain the promise
of creamy sweet cocoa and plum – just as Bill liked it.
As homage in kind to sustainable Statesmanship
in coffee, we give you this Champion
of Organic Fairtrade Blends
Great for Filter, Plunger, Stovetop and espresso!
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Isabel of the week (1/6/2010)
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In spite of our Single Origin Beauties, they sometimes metamorphose into memorable mixes. These blends can take on their own adventures, as Isabel has done. Originally as "O Blend", our desire to meet the human faces behind the beans led us to Isabel Uriate Latorre, coffee inspector, buyer, and ambassador of the Penachi Fairtrade Cooperative in North Peru. Isabel, Champion of the Peru Cafe Femenino Project, initiated huge changes to gender ethos, and elevated the self esteem of women coffee growers. She has been the inspiration for us to shift this blend to 100% Fairtrade and name it in her honour.
We love it in a plunger and espresso!
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East Timor Maubisse of the week (25/5/2010)
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In the early stages of the newly independent country's growth, a group of poor coffee farmers banded together to from the Cooperativa Cafe Timor.
Today over 19,600 members now achieve a fairer price and a decent livelihood through Fairtrade. The Co-op Funds mobile health clinics to benefit the equipment upgrades to process their own coffee. Grown in the lush, mountainous region of Maubisse, this coffee now provides a sustainable livelihood to our closest neighbours.
... and it's Bloody Great Coffee!
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Mexican Chiapas Coffee of the week (3/5/2010)
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Our Fairtrade Mexican Coffee comes from UDEPOM cooperative.
850 individual family farmers each tend to a small coffee farm of between 2-20 acres. At an altitude above 1,500 meters this organic certified coffee is grown in very steep rainforest. In fact UDEPOM are one of the pioneers of the organic coffee movement in Latin America. They are known for their strict internal standards on organic coffee cultivation and processing.
UDEPOM is located in Motozintla, Chiapas - Mexico's southern most state, bordering Guatamala and so this coffee bears resemblance to the great Huehuetenango coffees of that country.
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A visit from New Guinea (2/5/2010)
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The Other week we had a visit from the wonderful Sampath Ragindha Padmawansa, a man who is responsible for a large part of the amazing coffees that we drink from New Guinea.
He looks after the operational side of harvesting coffee and tea way up in the elevated plateaus of the New guinea Highlands.
We had the pleasure of showing him around our Roastery as he enjoyed some of his own coffee from an espresso machine on the other side of the world!
Scott Bennett who we work with to import our coffee is pictured here with Jasper and Sampath in front of a bag of New Guinea Sigri Estate.
We hope you enjoyed your trip Sampath, and look forward to seeing you again in the future!
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Nicaragua Matagalpa Organic (27/4/2010)
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We are Excited to Announce Our fantastic Coffee of the Week -
This Coffee from the Jinotega region, is considered one of the finest of Latin america with 'classic' cup qualities of great body and clean flavour.
With 95% of growers beeing small producers, this is truly a cooperative, covering 17 communities and 6 municipalities.
This certified organic coffee is grown under lush indigenous shade trees, providing a natural habitat and food for local wildlife as well as a vital haven for migratory birds.
Elevation: Extends over 17 communities
Processing: Wet Processing
Cup Characteristics: Pronounced acidity and deep body
Harvest Season: September -April
Export Season: October -July
Organic Production: 100%
Fairtrade - Organic - Single Origin
Download the Producer Profile. here to find out all about this fantastic coffee
Wells Talks on Okapa (21/4/2010)
Show/Hide News Item Just before he left for the states, We recorded Wells Trenfield talking about his relationship with the Okapa coffee, and how he witnessed Fairtrade working to create a better life for the communities of this amazing coffee growing region in New Guinea.
Coffee of the Week (12/4/2010)
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We are Excited to Announce Our fantastic Coffee of the Week Program!
Throughout the Jasper Team, we will be drinking the same coffee for the entire week, From the girls in the office, to our coffee Roasters, to the wonderful people serving at your local Jasper Coffee Store!
To go along with this we will Provide a Producer profile on the Coffee, and some great information that will give you an idea of how this coffee gets from the tree to your Cup!
With that aside, we are Proud to introduce the first Coffee of the week...
(...drum roll...)
Okapa Organic is one of our Predominant Fairtrade Coffees, rich Almond overtone and some honey characters coming through to leave your palate with a delightfully sweet fulfilling finish.
Okapa is a coffee that strikes a particular chord with us, as we recently visited the amazing land of Papua New Guinea, to see just how our coffee is grown, and to see how Fairtrade has affected the lives of the people we buy our coffee from.
With the country being thick with such amazing jungle, the conditions that these Coffee farmers have to go through in order to get a bag from the farm to the production site and then to the market are extreme. If you Thought Hoddle Street was bad, Imagine having to do this every ten Minutes...
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Papua New Guinea
OKAPA
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Fairtrade - Organic - Single Origin
Download the Producer Profile. here to find out all about this fantastic coffee
Organic Expo (14/7/2009)
Show/Hide News Item We are looking forward to the Organic Expo held on July 24th, 25th, & 26th at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Event Venue Event Opening Hours Friday 24 July 2009 10.00am to 6.00pm - Trade Only Saturday 25 July 2009 10.00am to 6.00pm - Trade & Public Sunday 26 July 2009 10.00am to 5.00pm - Trade & Public
Jasper Coffee is proud to be one of 150 organic exhibitors at the event - come along and say hello!
Special Release Available (30/6/2009)
Show/Hide News Item Yemen Special Release -
Limited Availability.
This rare mother of a mocha displays tremendous integrity and intense complexity; smooth & piquant with a pinch of pepper over silky chocolate.
Adventure into the Ancient World.
Checkout Fairtrade Winners Announced (11/6/2009)
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Cup of Excellence---watch this space (25/5/2009)
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These privileged members and guests were treated to a cupping of over 25 Columbian coffees, each expressing a unique varietal distinction and personality.
For roasters and tasters alike, this is an opportunity to sample some truly unique coffee, in limited release, directly from the origin.
There were some memorable stand outs, with certain coffees exhibiting a succulence and caramel like complexity along with incredible freshness.
Jasper Coffee will be bringing the exceptional examples to you, later in the year when we present our pick from The Cup of Excellence.
Stay tuned, as supplies will be very limited!
For more details on The Cup of Excellence program and for FAQ's please visit: www.cupofexcellence.org
Fairtrade Fiesta (12/5/2009)
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Our Master Roaster at the World Barista Championships (20/4/2009)
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2009 World Barista Championships (14/4/2009)
Show/Hide News Item A live video broadcast from the event and link to the official WBC blog sponsored by Barista Magazine can be found on the World Barista Championship website at: http://www.worldbaristachampionship.com/
Our master roaster, Ross Quail is currently judging for the 2009 World Barista Championship held in Atlanta. 52 nations from around the world will compete in front of a live audience, including thousands of online viewers.
Australia Skybury Peaberry back in stock! (6/4/2009)
Show/Hide News Item We are pleased to announce the return of the Australia Skybury Peaberry Special Release! In 1992 we discovered a secret hidden on the Atherton Tablelands. It was in the small round pearls of the Skybury Peaberry; a delicate sweet coffee with light buttery finish and honeysuckle aroma... exquisite excellence ! As an espresso it inspires a cult-like devotion. It is a secret we keep to ourselves. The owners of Skybury sell their Peaberries exclusively to us.
Jasper Coffee releases new packaging (10/3/2009)
Show/Hide News Item Exploration, Adventure, Obsession in Every Cup: Jasper Coffee announces the release of a new line of packaging with greater functional benefits and a premium look and feel to match our product quality. With clear instructions for brewing and optimum storage conditions, the new packaging also features a coffee valve to allow the unique aroma to be released when squeezed. Our Fairtrade Organics range will continue in black, whilst our Specialty Blends will be in cream.
Ethical Fundraiser (22/1/2009)
Show/Hide News Item Ethical school fundraising Step by Step Guide Tired of pushing confectionary & chocolates to raise funds? Well how about ethically sourced, premium Fairtrade & Organic coffee? Parents will love the taste. And students and families will engage on global issues. World Vision Fairtrade Coffee Fundraiser In partnership with World Vision and our Yirgacheffee Ethiopia coffee, we have developed an easy step by step guide and ready made forms. Combine this with Fairtrade resources to make your fundraiser a profitable and educational experience.
Go to our Fairtrade & Organic section / fundraiser - click here.
Chadstone Concept Store Now Open (16/12/2008)
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Our new Chadstone Concept Store is now open. Available are our 40 plus range of coffees with at least 4 on tasting at anytime. New to Jasper is our fab Crepe menu with 8 different savoury and sweet crepes made on site. Plus Lebanese style coffee pot - a spiced coffe infusion. Location and opening times are available on our Outlets page.
Santas Golden Bean (8/12/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Sweet and Toasty. A Blend of Peaberries and Fancy Arabica. Australian coffee…Australian Christmas. GOLD MEDAL WINNER – AUSTRALIAN GROWN; GOLDEN BEAN AWARDS 2008.
This is the Skybury Estate grown coffee that recently took Gold. Specially released for Christmas gifts, so now everyone can enjoy this Aussie winner. Packaged in a black bag with label as shown. Available for the festive season only.
Tp purchase see Special Release or click here
Aussie Skybury wins gold at The Golden Bean Awards (21/11/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Our Australian Skybury Estate has been awarded GOLD!!! at the Golden Bean Awards (Australian Coffee Category). Ian MacLaughlin, the owner of the Skybury Estate in QLD, has been selling his coffee beans exclusively to Jasper Coffee for 17 years. "Ian MacLaughlin and his team have coaxed the best flavoured bean from the tropical soils, and my team have roasted to extract the nuance and profile of the coffee to reveal the wonderful flavours within" said Wells Trenfield, owner of Jasper Coffee, that team includes Head Roaster Ross Quail and our Assistant Roaster, Tong Zhou. In other awards the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe was awarded Silver in the Organic Coffee category. WELL DONE TO EVERYONE WHO HAD A HAND IN PRODUCING THESE AWARD WINNING COFFEES!!! Carly Grummisch
To read more in the Cairns local newspaper see this link: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/11/19/16201_local-news.html
To order the Aus. Skybury Coffee please look it up under the Single Origin tab.
To experience Yirgy, see the page under Fair Trade & Organic tab.
Assistant Editor
Fly Jetstar, Drink Jasper (14/11/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Hey we have great reason to fly Jetstar... To drink our coffee!!!
Yes folks, you can now enjoy our fabulous Colombian coffee on all Jetstar flights throughout Australia AND international flights. Fairtrade & Organic certified, this 100% Arabica coffee will certainly have you buzzing around the world..
Now you can enjoy Jasper on Virgin and Jetstar.
Carly Grummisch
Assistant Editor
Fly Virgin, Drink Jasper (29/10/2008)
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Yes Folks, your favourite cup of coffee is now available on board Virgin Blue domestic flights and between Auckland, NZ!
Virgin are serving our Colombian Fairtrade Organic instant coffee. This is a great coup for the Fairtrade movement and the coffee farmers of Colombia. PLUS as this coffee is shade grown, NOT from a plantation, it is a great win for the environment.
Our hats off to Virgin for making the premium sustainable choice!
To read more about the coffee, see Instant in \'Buy Online\'.
Jasper Gets Greener and More Efficient (17/10/2008)
Show/Hide News Item As part of the ongoing evolution of Jasper Coffee the Roastery is now implementing collapsible reuseable crates, replacing the use of cardboard boxes. This initiative is not necessarily borne out of a need just to be greener, collapsible boxes considerably reduce costs throughout many areas of the business and also benefit our customer base. A box that holds around 15kg of coffee can cost close to $1.00, more often than not we are not able to re-use these boxes which ends up being a cost for us and furthermore, businesses pay as much as $70.00 a month for recycling pickups. As any business owner would know, reducing your operating costs is vital to the on going success of their business. Excess packaging often takes up lots of space in and around the bussiness up until the time of collection which can make life difficult for staff. Dead space is something owners can often ill afford in these times of higher rents and increasing running costs. In and around our Roastery a collapsible crate means we save on valuable pallet racking space which would otherwise be taken up by pallets of empty boxes awaiting use, it also takes significant human hours to stocktake, rotate, store, and refill which are all costs to the business. As a further bonus, collapsable crates are usually designed with standard pallet racking dimensions in mind so they create minimal disruption for warehousing. Basic facts about collapsible reusable crates when compared to corrugated boxes; May require as much as 39% less total energy May produce as much as 95% less total solid waste Can generate 29% less total greenhouse gas emissions However the main issue that can cost a business more money is handling a product. The more sets of hands that are required to get a product from raw to retail increases costs. At Jasper Coffee we aim to incorporate collapsible reusable crates from production to destination. Our customers simply return crates upon delivery or collapse them and store them until the next delivery, Jasper Coffee also then is seeking to reward our customers for adopting the system as we see that it is vital the where we make a cost saving that if at all feasable we pass on a saving to our customers. Not always are things like this about building empires, for the most part it can just be following the old saying "making your money work harder for you..." Until next time, Ross Quail - Head Roaster
Fathers Day Special Release & Offer (31/8/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Released specially for the Dad's is one of the World's exclusive coffee experiences. 
SPECIAL OFFER: Free 250g with every purchase of the Jasper Barista Pro Pack. Features Expobar Brewtus twin boiler and accessories. Available at Jasper Retail Stores only. Ring 03 9416 0921.
Delicate palate evokes soft cinnamon nuances with a full creamy succulent body and hints of dry Dutch cocoa on the finish.
Jamaica Blue Mountain is one of the World’s most expensive and enigmatic coffees. This certified, single Estate coffee is grown within the strictly defined region of the Eastern Blue Mountains. At elevations of 5,000 to nearly 7,500 feet above sea level this is one of the highest coffee regions in the world. Here the terroir qualities of high altitude, rich fertile soil, warm temperatures, plentiful rainfall and the thick Blue Mountain mist combine to create perfect conditions for the elusive beans.
Only 15% of coffee grown in Jamaica is authenticated by the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board. This, along with its delicate taste, exquisite body and distinctive aroma ensures very high demand from connoisseurs around the World. This parcel has been carefully roasted to ensure optimal quality and the unique cup qualities of arguably the most famous of all coffees.
Cupping coffee at home (11/7/2008)
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For those of us who can't get enough of our coffee and looking for new ways to explore coffee at home, cupping is the answer....
So what is cupping ?
In simplest form cupping involves grinding your chosen coffee to around plunger consistency, adding about two dessert spoons to a cup that holds 250mls and pouring hot but not boiling water over the top. In many senses it is plunger coffee, just a little more rustic. Once you have the coffee brewing have time to explore a few things; What did the beans look like before they were ground, what did the ground coffee smell like ?
Then, once the brew has had a little time to cool it's time to break the crust. This involves pushing back the coffee crust on the surface of the cup and getting a really good sniff, to enhance this try to sniff and breath through your mouth. Much of our ability to experience a food or beverage item hinges on using both our tongue for taste with the nose for smell. Going one step further, 'retro-inhalation' occurs as we exhale after consuming a product.
But now that we have sampled the aromas, it's time to taste ! Grab yourself a soup spoon and break up the crust to allow any floating coffee grounds to sink the bottom.
This next part involves all the things Mum said not to do when ate soup, that is, SLURP !
Begin with a small amount of brewed coffee on the spoon, raise it to your lips and suck it literally off the spoon with a loud slurp. This action aspirates the coffee and allows us to taste the full spectrum of flavours the coffee has to offer in the cup. Swirl it all around in your mouth then either swallow it of spit it down the sink, which ever you prefer.
We now look at where we had a response on our tongue, sweetness to the front the palate, sourness and bitterness towards the back and back corners of the tongue. We also look for the mouth feel, is it full and smooth, is it drying or approaching a raspy texture? No matter what you get the most important thing is not to try too hard, just experience it for what it is, in the end you are your own best expert on flavour. Conducting these experiments will go along way to explaining why you like something, further to that, you will be amazed at how much those coffees are influenced by which coffee maker you chose to use and how well it is made in them.
Here at the Jasper Coffee Roastery we cup all the coffees that we roast to maintain quality Control, it also forms the basis for our recommendations of what coffee makers will best suit a particular coffee. All Jasper Coffee retail staff perform cuppings as part of their retail training program, so feel free to come in and discuss your coffee purchases with our staff or email me at roaster@jaspercoffee.com
Until the next time, drink up that coffee cup!
Ross Quail - Master Roaster Jasper Coffee
The Victorian Rosters Guild at Jasper Coffee (2/7/2008)
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Last week on Wednesday 25th June saw the return of the Victorian Roasters Guild, part of The Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (AASCA) at Jasper Coffee.
In attendence were a number of local and regional coffee roasters, joining together to create a platform for roasters to learn more about their craft. The Guild is open to all commercial coffee roasters in Victoria and with such a gathering of the minds there was no shortage of conversation !
Issues were raised, friends were made and beers were had !
The next meeting of the Victorian Roasters Guild will be on Wednesday the 23rd of July at 6:30 pm, again at Jasper Coffee. If you are interested in learning more about coffee roasting, and you are a commercial coffee roaster, or know some one who needs a hand drop an email to roaster@aasca.com or roaster@jaspercoffee.com
That's all for now, stay tuned and drink more coffee........
Ross Quail - Master Roaster Jasper Coffee
Going Green Expo & Organic Expo (3/6/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Going Green Expo - Melbourne Exhibition Centre Opening World Environment Day, Going Green is an Expo on sustainability and how you can play your part as a consumer and business. A huge range of exhibitors will be there with the latest 'green' ideas and sustainable commercial solutions to save the environment and money! Visit us at stand FT6. Organic Expo 2008 - Sydney Exhibition Centre
5th - 6th June: Trade & Business only
7th - 8th June: Public
More info at www.goinggreenexpo.com.au
25th July: Trade only
26th - 27th July: Public
Australia's largest certified Organic & Environmental show. This is the Organic Industry's premier annual event. We'll be there with a full range of exciting newly certified Organic Coffee, Tea & Drinking Chocolate!
More info at www.organicexpo.com.au
Fairtrade Fortnight (3/5/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Fairtrade Fortnight 3rd - 18th May Fairtrade Fiesta: 9th May 12:00pm - 8:00pm. Federation Square, Melbourne Jasper Champagne Night: 16th May. Jasper Roastery This night is also open to offices, cafes and retail stores, considering using or switching to Fairtrade certified coffees. Call 1300 JASPER to book a place.
Fairtrade Fortnight is a 2 week celebration of Fairtrade certified products and ultimately how we can all change the lives of farmers and producers in developing countries.
Meet us at Fed square for some fairtrade coffee tastings. There will be a range of fairtrade market stalls, so bring some cash to pick up some fiesta specials!
A great night of bubbles and fine food, open to Jasper wholesale customers. Featuring a presentation on the impact of Fairtrade on Peru coffee growers and guest speakers with case studies of Fairtrade on their business.
Coffee of the Month - Kenya Peaberry (12/3/2008)
Show/Hide News Item This month's coffee is the Kenya Peaberry, but what's a peaberry ? The coffee bean is a seed from a coffee plant, it’s part of what we call the coffee “cherry”, with two beans inside each cherry. Except in the case of a “peaberry” where there is only one bean, pea berries represent approximately 3 % of the total yield of a tree. They occur at the extremities receiving less nutrients as they are the last in line down the branch, this lack of nutrients inhibits the formation of two cherries leaving one smaller “football” shaped bean. The flavour of pea berries is known to be more intense almost a distillation, of the main characteristics of the parent plant. So what can we expect from the Kenyan ? Well, while this coffee does have a relatively low identity, it plays a vital in the Jasper repetoire of exotic coffees. In a plunger or filter it is simply adorable; a succulent intense experience of a good shiraz laiden with ripe blackberries, a high pitch on the front palate and a lingering finish. Truly a wine buff's coffee, Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Coffee of the Month - Sulawesi Kalosi (20/2/2008)
Show/Hide News Item " Heavy, smooth and succulent coffee, perfect for those who like double short blacks and ristretto. Best recommended for the adventurous coffee drinker." That's how we have always described the Indonesian Sulawesi Kalosi, but with current crops this coffee just keeps getting better ! Earthy, light fruit notes also are coming to the fore here but in a subtle delicate way. For those of us who have an automatic machine and always find coffees rather insipid, this coffee will be the change you've been looking for ! An extra tip for those automatic machine users out there is to shorten the length of your shots, these machines use less coffee per serve than your local cafe's coffee machine, thus when you pour your standard shot the cup quality is all washed out. However even like this the Sulawesi is such a show off, it still makes it's point as one of the best single origin or blend auto machine coffees going around. You really should try this coffee as it is a shining example of what fabulous coffees we Australians have here right on our doorstep. Dare I say it but if you serve this one up at home you may find yourself a very popular neighbour ! All the best, Ross Quail - Master Roaster
What to do about those used coffee grounds (20/2/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Here at Jasper we always try to look for ways reduce or reuse discarded or waste materials, as it happens there's one thing we have in spades, coffee. So how can we use it ? Simple, Compost & Mulch. Now compost is something that has been going on forever, it can save you money, help the environment and give you the reason you need to get up off the couch and do something outside to blow away the cobwebs and get your hands a bit dirty. But before we get started let's do some Chemistry 101. The pH of coffee generally speaking is 5, what does that mean ? Well, pure distilled water has a pH of 7 being neutral, lemon juice rates at around 2 (Acid), Household Ammonia rates at 12 (Alkaline/base). So coffee is not far off the middle, a tomatoe rates just below coffee at 4, so no need to race out and stock up on the Mylanta just yet ! But what the hell does all that have to do with compost ? Well, the main answer is that we don't want to kill the plants ! Added to this there needs to be a balance in the compost heap so that everything can just get along and break down. Commonly, good compost heaps rely on a balance of Carbon and Nitrogen. The old lawn clippings are high in Nitrogen so you need to balance that with some low nutrient material like shredded paper, then some manure and so on... Coffee grounds weigh in on the nitrogen side, coupled with being moist from being put through the coffee machine or stovetop etc. they breakdown pretty quickly. A good example of this is my wife telling me that the knock box in the kitchen will "grow legs" (mouldy) soon if I don't empty it. But wait there's more ! Coffee grounds are great for detering the odd slug or snail if you want to just chuck them on the garden. It doesn't have the unique odour of blood and bone (you'll remember it if you've smelt it), it smells like coffee yay ! So, if you work in a cafe try taking some home and putting them to good use. Alternatively, ask your local cafe if you can grab a bag to take home. You can do your bit and your garden will thank you, or in my case my wife will be more happy if they're on the garden looking after the basil than waving at her from the knock box in the kitchen. All the best, Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Kenya AA - Murang'a Central Province (2/1/2008)
Show/Hide News Item Hi All, this month we feature in some detail the Kenya AA coffee from Murang'a Central Province in Kenya. It is one of my favourites for it's heavy body and blackberry notes, that always have you wanting more. A cracker in a plunger or filter and a must try for any coffee lover.
IYEGO FARMERS COOPERATIVE SOCIETY: GATHIMA WETMILL IYEGO GATHIMA WET Gathima wet mill was constructed in 1979 and started with 101 farmers. Currently, the wet mill has a total membership of 431 with 400 farmers being active. The total number of coffee trees in this wet mill is 74,518, with about 10 % of them being Ruiru 11 and the rest being SL varieties. The highest production attained in this wet mill was 489,000kg in 1998 and the lowest ever recorded was 140,000kg cherry in 2001. Last year, Gathima produced 248,000kg cherry and the anticipated production for the current year is 220,000kg cherry. The current average production per tree is estimated at 3 kg cherry. Current average number of trees per farmer is about 200. The wet mill has a potential to produce 700,000kg cherry per year (100metric tones). Gathima is located on the wind ward side of The wet mill produces more of late (main) than early ( fly ) crop. Flowering for late is between March and May. Early crop in Gathima is usually about 15 % of the late crop. Picking and processing of the main crop is usually done from October to December. Members usually pick and deliver their produce to the wet mill for pulping and drying. Transportation to the dry mill usually occurs from December to early February and this is carried out by the Society. Gathima farmers practice mixed farming. Other activities carried out alongside coffee farming include dairy, horticulture, macadamia nuts and maize. Coffee is considered as the main cash crop in the area with the other enterprises supplementing the income. Organic manures collected from cow sheds forms the main supply of nutrients to coffee while bananas, milk and maize provide daily subsistence and incomes on day to day basis. Farmers in Gathima have embraced the culture of agroforestry .All coffee farms in Gathima have numerous species of both indigenous and exotic tree species that are planted as shade trees for coffee either along the farm boundaries or inside the coffee trees. Grevillea lutea, a native of See photos of the Gathima Processing Mill @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/8229484@N03/sets/72157603608292751/ This information is courtesy of; Scott Bennett & the team @ H.A. Bennett & Son, Suppliers to the Australian Coffee and Tea Industry since 1918
Coffee of the Month - Blend # 4 (28/11/2007)
Show/Hide News Item We wanted a blend 10 years ago to be definitively strong, with a bite but with a complex fullness to follow...along came our answer to the traditional Italian espresso coffee. This is wonderful through any style of espresso machine, and if you like yours black and strong - here's your choice already made for you. This blend consists of coffees from Sumatra, Sulawesi, Ethiopia, New Guinea and Brasil
Bells Milk Bar wins NSW Tourism Award (28/11/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Jasper Coffee congratulates Bells Milk Bar of Broken Hill on their recent Award in the Cultural and Heritage Category at the NSW Tourism Awards !! Another great Jasper customer doing great things. How did an outback milk bar shake up the competition to win the 2007 NSW Tourism Award for Heritage & Cultural Tourism? Who would have guessed that a small country milk bar in Broken Hill, in the first year they’ve entered, could compete and win against the best of NSW Tourism? That’s exactly what happened when Bells Milk Bar took out the Cultural and Heritage Tourism category at the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards in Sydney recently. Bells Milk Bar and Museum allows visitors, who can remember, to re-live their fond milk bar moments and engages those who are too young to help them imagine what it was like. This is achieved through an award-winning immersion in the 1950s and 1960s Australian Milk Bar Culture. Young owner Jason King says the win reflects the high standard of heritage and cultural experiences offered in Broken Hill and Outback NSW. "People are amazed to discover just how historically relevant Broken Hill is to the Australian psyche. It really is like a living museum". To find out more about what makes Bells Milk Bar & Museum a NSW Tourism Award Winner, contact Jason King on 0414917793. Jason King Heritage & Cultural Tourism
Milk Bar Crusader
(08) 8087 5380
0414 917 793
jason@bellsmilkbar.com.au
At last! Great tasting Coffee in an Instant (23/10/2007)
Show/Hide News Item What the?!! For quite some time we have debated the merits of a premium espresso and fresh coffee roaster, dipping into the murky brew of Instant coffee. With customers demanding an Ethical alternative in an Instant, we searched the globe for one that would meet our strict quality standards. We were not confident. Already we have had a fantastic response to this product, especially from offices. Because it not only meets Corporate Social Responsiblity goals, but tastes superb. To join ING Direct, Medibank Private, Arup Engineers, BP and many others, contact Corporate Express or the Jasper Roastery. For information on how our Instant provides a fair and sustainable livelihood to Colombian families and preserves one of the world's most important ecosystems, visit the webstore.
But alas unbelievably we found one! It took many palate painful, blind tasting sessions against competitor products to find this premium winner from Colombian. Unlike most Instants, this coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans and is freeze dried to retain its succulent flavour profile.
Quality vs Fairtrade (3/10/2007)
Show/Hide News Item You may have seen an article on Fairtrade in The Australian on Friday 28th September, featuring quotes and a picture of yours truly. A few people have questioned me on the following sentence that has been attributed to me. Romeril says that Fairtrade isn't necessarily about the quality of product but about philosophy for sustainability. Ben Romeril
Firstly Jasper's approach is always quality, quality, quality. We pay up to 2 - 3 times more for our Double A grade green beans than our competitors. Many of our Fairtrade coffees, we have roasted for years before they became certified Fairtrade. If they become certified Fairtrade, then great we will pay the higher price and the levy to support the growers and the environment. That is why of our 40+ coffees, only about a third are Fairtrade certified.
Secondly, Fairtrade generally leads to better quality. Because of the higher price, growers are better able to invest in the quality of their product. The Organic price premium included in Fairtrade, means growers have an incentive to go Organic. Organic in most plantations leads to Shade Grown. Shade grown coffees are those grown under a natural rainforest canopy. With less sun the bean develops more slowly, meaning greater flavour intensity.
Thirdly, yes the Fairtrade Label was developed to correct flaws in international trade with a Sustainable approach to People and the Environment. It is not a mark of quality. However it does not mean Fairtrade is inferior quality. Give growers the ability to invest and they will produce better quality.
Lastly we have witnessed only a handful of operators manipulate the Fairtrade Label. This is such an insignificant minority - it does not discount the incredible work Fairtrade achieves. We do not allow our wholesalers to sell Fairtrade coffee at a premium to our non-Fairtrade coffees. Thanks for reading!
Employee Beans of the Week - O Blend Jasper's newest Fairtrade Blend (13/9/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Well good news ! A long standing Certified Organic blend from Jasper Coffee has now become Fairtrade, O Blend. It was named after O for organic so we may have look at changing that, maybe OFT, who knows ! But down to brass tacks, this blend has a fine winey start with flavours of creamy caramel in the mid palate. The finish is long and clean and makes a great espresso. Having just put the new blend through it's paces amongst Wells and the rest of the Jasper crew I tried it on the public at the recent Organic show in Carlton. Responses were more than we had anticipated, with people clammering up for seconds. The blend is available online of course and you can find it also out our retail outlets in Prahran market and Brunswick Street Fitzroy. Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Fine Food Australia - Trade only (13/9/2007)
Show/Hide News Item For wholesale customers, visit us at Fine Food Australia, Sydney. Running from 24 Sept, 07 to 27 Sept 07 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Come and taste Australia's largest range of Specialty coffees. Including new release Honduras, a very smooth coffee - Fairtrade & Organic certified. Also available, Special Release Hawaii Kona and some exciting new products to Jasper and Australia!!
Fine Food is the largest industry event in Australia. This year over 750 exhibitors will showcase the latest food, drink and equipment ideas from around the world. More info at www.foodaustralia.com.au
Organic Expo Friday 7th Sept - 9th Sept: Melbourne (31/8/2007)
Show/Hide News Item For those interested in Organics and environmentally friendly products, this is THE show to attend. The mecca of 'organic living' it is highly informative. Plus we'll be there!
Come and visit us to taste a range of organic certified coffees. And to taste our NEW Instant Coffee - Organic certified, Fairtrade and Shade Grown. Folks this coffee will change your perceptions of bitter, burnt Instant.
Royal Exhibition Buildings, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne.
Friday 10am - 6pm [Trade only]
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
More info at www.organicexpo.com.au
Jasper available through Corporate Express (20/8/2007)
Show/Hide News Item
Great news for office workers. Jasper Coffee is now available nationally through Australia's largest office supplier, Corporate Express Australia. CE offer the convenience of one order, one delivery and one invoice.
The Jasper range available includes, five single origin Fairtrade & Organic Certified coffees, 2 Specialty Blends coffees and our new Fairtrade & Organic Certified Instant. The Instant has just landed and right now is only available through CE. More Instant news next week....
Corporate Social Responsibility
The great news for businesses is there is now a very real and practical way to meet Corporate Environmental and Ethical sourcing requirements. Our range of Fairtrade & Organic Certified coffees are the 'gold standard' of sustainable agriculture and are all shade grown (which means the natural rainforest is preserved - see shade grown under the Fairtrade section).
For the full list and CE order codes, see the Corporate Express page under our wholesale section or click here.
Employee Bean of the Week - Nuigini Okapa Fairtrade Certified Organic (8/8/2007)
Show/Hide News Item It's time to take a look what's in our own backyard this week. Nuigini (New Guinea) Okapa is a wild grown coffee from the remote highlands of Nuigini, come to think of it there isn't much that isn't remote. It can take days or even weeks to transport coffee from picking to the mills located off the mountains. The mud is often so bad it's a metre deep and travelling 1 km can take all day. But it's all worth the toil, the Okapa coffee exhibits a delicate fruit quality on the front palate, good body and a pleasant honey finish. I really enjoy this coffee in a plunger, especially at breakfast on Sunday morning as I struggle to read the newspaper while my 18 month old daughter climbs all over me, bliss ! You remember those moments and the Okapa is a coffee that doesn't get lost among the comotion, clean and clear fruit notes that sing from the cup. Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Employee Bean of the Week - Dominican Republic (25/7/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Recently we have spent a lot of time profiling and cupping this coffee. Our Prahran market store manager Tim, remarked on Monday 'it is the best coffee I have ever tasted'. Wow huge call! It's the Marketing guy's favourite coffee, but that doesn't mean much?! Wells loves it as a milk based espresso coffee. He believes it really enhances the chocolatey cocoa and cedar tones. Whilst Mel, our Dispatch Coordinator swears by it in a Plunger.
Employee Bean of the Week - Peru Cafe Femenino Swiss Water Decaf Organic (14/6/2007)
Show/Hide News Item OOHH ! Decaf I hear you say ! But this is no ordinary Decaf coffee. First let's start with Swiss Water Process of decaffeination. It's a process whereby the the coffee is washed in pure water, then the beans are immersed in what is called "flavour charged" water, which is the ingenious part of the process. The water is "flavour charged" therefore there is minimal loss of flavour in the process, while the caffeine diffuses into the water and is subsequently removed via carbon filtration. Overall, the cycle takes approx. 8 hours. For more detail on this process visit Swiss Water or for a diagram of the process you can download a pdf file here Now to the Decaf Peru Cafe Femenino coffee, sourced from the remote Penachi region this coffee exhibits a rich complex profile with plum and almond qualities. It is suitable stovetop and plunger, as well as being a great espresso. It has been the case that this coffee has been mistaken for caffeinated coffee, so take heart those of you who have to drink decaf. The Swiss Water Process means that no longer is decaf to be sneered at because to proof is in the taste. So drink up but don't stay up !
Milk Crate Man with Coffee (29/5/2007)
Show/Hide News Item So where's Melbourne's newest art location? Its on our Roastery Roof! Yep an street artist has designed 4 giant men made of milk crates position on our roof. You can view the street art 'men' from Victoria Park Connex train station. You can see more at http://www.woostercollective.com/2007/05/the_return_of_crateman.html
Fairtrade Fortnight (9/5/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Fairtrade fortnight is a 2 week celebration of Fairtrade certified products. Its running now and finishes Saturday May 12. For details and public events check out www.fta.org.au. Jasper Coffee are planning a special event to celebrate the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe coffee with some unique footage from the region at Prahran Market - details out soon. Not sure about fairtrade? We have included some background information on each of our fairtrade single origin coffees. It highlights how the cooperatives are using their fairtrade premium to build roads, health clinics or school buildings! Click here for our list of fairtrade coffees and see the producer profiles listed under each coffee description. 'Spilling the beans' is a fantastic report produced by Fairtrade Foundation UK. It details why Fairtrade coffee is critical to farmers and their families around the world. The fact that farmers may only receive only 3 cents per a $3.00 latte. Easy and clear to read. Download 'Spilling the Beans on the coffee trade'.
Jasper Coffee at the SCAA 2007 (4/5/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Below a quick news update from Wells, Merilyn & Ross who having visited Hawaii are now at the Specialty Coffee Association of America Aloha! Fresh from Kona coffee on the lava flow in Met up with our Peru Fairtrade Femenino cooperative growers and informed them of the great growth in sales of their coffee this last year at Jasper. Smiles all round and many thanks from Victor and Isabella ! Chance meeting with Kim Moore Director of Business Development Transfair That’s all for now Cheers From Wells Merilyn and Ross !
Jamaican Blue Mountain on sale now ! (5/4/2007)
Show/Hide News Item It's here, it's great and now you can buy it ! Jamaican Blue Mountain Estate - Mavis Bank Hill Last year's release was the Wallenford, which is milled at sea level in Kingston. Mavis Bank is milled and stored at altitude, this should result in a slightly brighter coffee. Upon inspection it is note-worthy that the grading of the coffee is as good as we have ever seen, no defects could be spotted ! An exceptional taste from exceptional coffee, A Cinnamon Nuance with Creamy Succulent Body and hints of a Dry Dutch Cocoa Finish.
Employee Bean of the Week - Brasil Santos (3/4/2007)
Show/Hide News Item This week it is time to honour an old favourite, Brasil Santos. It could be described as a 'work horse" of a coffee, and be in no doubt, if you have been drinking coffee out in the last month or 20 years it will have past your lips. This Brasil grade is an unwashed New York C standard A grade, there are of course many grades but this one presents itself with a crisp pitch at the front palate similar to that of a good reisling. What follows resembles one of my favourite comfort foods, a flavour of roasted or baked potato. It sounds crazy but it's these characteristics that have made it a must have for so many cafe blends. It goes well with milk and presents equally well as an espresso, although not nearly enough do we drink it as a single origin. Consider it an essential part of coffee education, try it and I think you'll develop a soft spot for it like I have over the years. Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Jamaican Blue Mountain Estate Mavis Bank Hill (30/3/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Test roasting is underway and we will be ready to release to highly acclaimed Jamaican Blue Mountain Estate in the coming weeks. Available online at www.jaspercoffee.com, at the Jasper stall Prahran Market and Jasper Brunswick street store. What might you expect from the Blue Mountain Estate ? You'll have to wait ! Stay tuned more updates to come next week ! Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Employee Bean of the week - Ethiopian Sidamo Fair Trade Organic (27/3/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Well, after another day of roasting and another cupping of numerous coffees, I've decided that the Ethiopian Sidamo is this week's employee bean of the week. The Sidamo exhibits a rich buttery mouth feel with a finish soft citrus notes and a hint of cocoa. It's a great espresso with almost the perfect balance (perfection only comes with those elusive 'godshots' ), or it can be used in a stovetop or plunger for a great morning coffee. All tastes aside though, this shade grown coffee helps to provide a living wage to 24,000 small hold farmers. Great coffee with great outcomes. Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Treat yourself with Yemen Coffee at Celebrate the Bean (23/3/2007)
Show/Hide News Item I am excited to let you all know that the Yemen Ishmaili Moka coffee has just been roasted for Celebrate the Bean. I have roasted it to full city, meaning just into the second crack (about 8 seconds), and it look's to be a cup worth anticipating ! This Yemen coffee exhibit unique leather, tobacco and savoury qualities, with a hint of molasses on ther back palate that really lingers. So come on down to the Jaspers tent this Sunday at the river terrace of Fed Square for Celebrate the Bean for a coffee, I'll see you all there ! Ross Quail - Master Roaster
Employee Bean of the week - Colombian Excelsior (20/3/2007)
Show/Hide News Item Ok. So when I can drag myself away from the roaster, I intend to write a short blog on what I am drinking.... Master Roaster Ross Quail Colombian Excelsior. Wow. This bean is roasting now with special exception. Well balanced, smooth, harmonious blend of sweet butterscotch and subtle acidity. Lovely in espresso.