Don Pablo Coffee Review – Honduran Organic Coffee
Summary:
Roasteries and aspiring coffee artisans flood the market every day. It seems like there is plenty of coffee to go around, but not all coffee satisfies.
It can be a challenge to find the right type of coffee. The delicacies of flavor, impact on the environment, and the growing processes of coffee are vital… and quite frankly, not every roaster cares. But today’s featured roaster does.
Our friends at Don Pablo Coffee Growers and Roasters sent us a few bags of their Subtle Earth Organic Coffee, and it’s fantastic!
Don Pablo cares about the soil that their coffee grows in. They care about the intricacies of flavor. And they care about relationships.
We’ve been excited to review Don Pablo’s Subtle Earth Organic coffee for a while now.
The Coffee
Subtle Earth is a Honduran coffee grown in the Marcala region. Marcala is known for its fertile soil and optimal elevation for coffee farming.
Don Pablo takes out all the stops for this coffee. All farming processes are organic, and due to high elevation, farming processes, and careful roasting procedures, this coffee has a low acidity content.
Organic:
Many farms use pesticides, insecticides, or other chemicals to deter harmful forces from hurting precious coffee.
Don Pablo thinks differently.
Instead of using chemicals that are potentially harmful to you or the environment, Don Pablo favors alternate methods to promote coffee growth.
To organically fertilize the soil, these farmers engage in vermiculture – which is the process of having worms decompose organic food waste. Along with the vermiculture process, the pulp from coffee cherries (cascara) is used as fertilizer.
Insects do not thrive at the elevation in the Marcala region, so insecticides aren’t needed. If bugs ever do become a problem, natural insect deterrents like peppers are planted.
Instead of wasting money on manufactured chemicals, farmers in these regions are protecting the environment. Not only do these organic processes keep our products safe, but they also save money and promote financial growth.
Low acidity:
As mentioned before, Subtle Earth has a low acid content. Coffee’s acidity can be determined by growing region, varietal, roasting process, or a number of other variables.
Acidity plays a large role in the flavor of a particular coffee. Coffees with high acidity usually have a sour, fruity taste. If brewed or roasted poorly, tannic and metallic flavors bask in the limelight.
Coffees with low acidity, on the other hand, provide a tame mouthfeel and promote mellow, smooth flavors. If brewed with error, the coffee will still maintain its mild, chocolatey flavors.
Health:
Low acidity coffees are favored by those with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues. Coffees with low acidity are easier on the stomach (this is due to optimal pH levels in the human body).
While coffee is generally healthy, some choose to stay away from high acidity coffees as a preference.
Tasting Attributes
Don Pablo describes this coffee as having a “full body with a deep, rich, chocolatey flavor; a clean finish and low acidity. Smooth milk chocolate with notes of honey, caramel, and cocoa.”
Not to mention that the coffee is also 100% Arabica, Non GMO, and Certified Organic by CCOF.
Flavor Notes:
When we tasted this coffee, flavors of honey and chocolate dominated most of the cup. Underneath the cocoa, there are remnants of Dulce de Leche and hazelnut.
Acidity:
This is a low acidity coffee. Instead of fruity, intense flavors, Subtle Earth boasts a mild flavor profile.
“Crispness” is substituted with a “soft” and “balanced” acidity in this coffee – which makes it easy to drink and be enjoyed!
This coffee is great with sweeter complimentary flavors or with a light snack. The mild acidity and chocolate undertones let this coffee meld flawlessly with flavors around it.
Body:
We consider this a medium bodied coffee.
Following Don Pablo’s hand drip brewing directions on the bag, we found Subtle Earth to have a bold, juicy mouthfeel.
Aroma:
The comforting aroma of baked bread and almonds emanated from the cup we brewed.
With neutral and mild coffees, the aroma is usually boring and lackluster, but this isn’t the case with Subtle Earth.
The aroma of Subtle Earth pulls you in. The taste, body, and aroma all compliment one another, immersing you in this rich and delicate coffee.
Conclusions
We love getting coffees from companies like Don Pablo. Relationship centered roasteries and coffee growers understand the importance of good coffee and good community.
Subtle Earth is a coffee that suits any occasion. We highly recommend it.
Thanks for reading!