Compadre, Italian espresso

Compadre - Coffee Information

How we would prepare the Compadre

For a classic 9-bar profile, we work with a brewing ratio of 1:1.8 to 1:2 in at least 25 seconds. Those aiming for high flavor intensity and a heavy body should extract the coffee shorter, towards 1:1.8. If you want to balance the coffee a bit more and emphasize some more caramel notes, you can aim for 1:2.

We developed and optimized the recipe with the following equipment:

Water: Total hardness 5 °dH, alkalinity 3 °dH

Machine: Maro Model 1

Grinder: Eureka Single Dose Pro

Our interpretation of an Italian Espresso

"Italian Espresso" is often understood as short, strong, and roasty. In our tests, we found that there isn't one single Italian Espresso: the roasts and compositions of the blends were too diverse. With our interpretation, we combine things that are important to us: transparently traded specialty coffees, purchased through our partners at Farmers Coffee in Espírito Santo, produced by family farms. Dark roasted with a focus on body and strong notes. 

Why does the Compadre taste the way it does?

The 50% Conilon Robusta gives the Compadre a heavy body and strong, spicy, dark chocolate notes. The 50% Arabica from the mountains of Castelo balances the Compadre. Nutty notes and a smooth texture bring harmony to the cup. We don't roast any other coffee as dark as the Compadre, thereby emphasizing its classic character. 

Tell me more about the Compadre Espresso  

Together with Farmers Coffee, we visited Arabica farms at 1200 meters and Conilon farms at 80 meters above sea level in Espírito Santo. The topography is impressive, as is the history. Espírito Santo has a history heavily shaped by immigration. Many Italian families immigrated at the end of the 1 9th century, worked in coffee production, and gradually took over coffee farms. The two families who contribute their coffee to the Compadre also have Italian roots: The Romãos produce their pulped natural Arabica in the mountainous region around Castelo, while the Magieros produce their pulped natural Conilon in the plains of São Mateus in northern Espírito Santo. In a sense, a very significant, historical circle closes: The coffee of the two families with Italian roots now ends up in an espresso inspired by the Italian model.

How do we roast this coffee?

We opted for a medium-long and hot roast. We roast the Henrique or Apas espresso a bit longer, but with the Compadre, we have the highest end temperature on our roaster. With this high end temperature, we emphasize the roasty, strong notes. We stop the roast just before the second crack.

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