Since its founding in 1995, Counter Culture Coffee has been a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement. With a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and quality, this Durham, North Carolina-based company has set the standard for what great coffee should be. Counter Culture’s approach is rooted in long-term relationships with coffee farmers, rigorous quality control, and a deep respect for the environment. In this article, we'll explore the different types of coffee Counter Culture offers, delving into their unique characteristics, origins, and what makes them stand out in the crowded world of specialty coffee.
1. Single Origin Coffees
Single origin coffees are the cornerstone of Counter Culture’s offerings. These coffees are sourced from specific regions, farms, or cooperatives, allowing the distinct flavors of each origin to shine through. Counter Culture’s commitment to transparency means that each single origin coffee tells a story about the people and places that produced it.
a. Ethiopia Idido
Ethiopia Idido is one of Counter Culture’s most celebrated single origin coffees. Sourced from the Idido cooperative in the Yirgacheffe region, this coffee is known for its vibrant and floral flavor profile. The washed processing method used by the cooperative enhances the coffee’s bright acidity and clean finish. Expect notes of jasmine, citrus, and stone fruit in this delicate and aromatic cup, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the nuanced flavors of Ethiopian coffee.
b. Honduras Finca El Puente
Finca El Puente is a standout single origin offering from Honduras. This coffee is the result of a long-term partnership between Counter Culture and Marysabel Caballero and Moises Herrera, the owners of Finca El Puente in the Marcala region. The coffee is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of red fruit, chocolate, and a touch of spice. The meticulous attention to detail in both farming and processing makes Finca El Puente a consistently excellent coffee, year after year.
c. Peru Chirinos
Peru Chirinos comes from the northern highlands of Peru, where smallholder farmers cultivate coffee at high altitudes. This coffee is washed processed and roasted to highlight its bright acidity and sweet, fruity flavors. Notes of red apple, caramel, and a hint of floral make Peru Chirinos a balanced and approachable coffee that is perfect for both pour-over and drip brewing methods.
2. Blends
Blends are a key part of Counter Culture’s offerings, designed to create a consistent and balanced cup by combining beans from different origins. Each blend is crafted to highlight complementary flavors, making them a reliable choice for everyday drinking.
a. Big Trouble
Big Trouble is one of Counter Culture’s most popular blends. This medium roast blend is crafted to be smooth and comforting, with a flavor profile that includes notes of caramel, nuts, and a touch of sweetness. The blend is made with beans from Latin America, chosen for their ability to create a consistently delicious cup that works well as both drip coffee and espresso.
b. Hologram
Hologram is a blend that combines beans from Latin America and East Africa, resulting in a coffee with a vibrant and complex flavor profile. The medium roast brings out notes of berry, chocolate, and a hint of citrus, making Hologram a lively and dynamic coffee that is perfect for those who enjoy a more adventurous cup. It’s a versatile blend that shines in both pour-over and espresso.
c. Forty-Six
Forty-Six is a darker roast blend that caters to those who prefer a bolder cup. This blend features beans from Central America and Africa, roasted to bring out their deep, rich flavors. Expect notes of dark chocolate, molasses, and a touch of smokiness in this full-bodied and satisfying coffee. Forty-Six is a great choice for those who enjoy a strong and intense cup, whether brewed as drip coffee or espresso.
3. Decaf Coffees
Counter Culture understands that some coffee lovers prefer to enjoy their coffee without the caffeine, which is why they offer a range of decaf options that don’t compromise on flavor. These decaf coffees are made using a natural water process that preserves the beans’ flavor while removing the caffeine.
a. Slow Motion Decaf
Slow Motion Decaf is Counter Culture’s flagship decaf offering. This coffee is crafted to be as rich and flavorful as their regular coffees, with a smooth and balanced flavor profile that includes notes of chocolate, nuts, and a touch of sweetness. The beans are sourced from Latin America and are decaffeinated using a chemical-free water process, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious cup any time of day without the caffeine.
b. Decaf Kuichi
Decaf Kuichi is a single origin decaf coffee from Peru. Sourced from the Chirinos cooperative, this coffee is decaffeinated using the water process, which preserves its bright acidity and sweet, fruity flavors. Notes of red fruit, caramel, and a hint of floral make Decaf Kuichi a delightful choice for those who want to enjoy the unique characteristics of Peruvian coffee without the caffeine.
4. Seasonal Offerings
Counter Culture’s seasonal offerings reflect the best coffees available during peak harvest seasons. These coffees are carefully selected to highlight unique flavors and profiles that are only available for a short period, making them a treat for those who love to explore new and exciting coffees.
a. Apollo
Apollo is a seasonal coffee that showcases the bright and lively flavors of African coffees. The specific origins and processing methods may vary throughout the year, but Apollo is always characterized by its vibrant acidity and fruity flavor profile. Expect notes of citrus, berry, and a hint of floral in this refreshing and dynamic coffee.
b. Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice is a seasonal blend that captures the flavors of the colder months. This blend features beans from Latin America and Asia, roasted to bring out their rich and comforting flavors. Notes of caramel, spice, and a touch of chocolate make Winter Solstice a warm and satisfying coffee that’s perfect for enjoying by the fire on a cold winter day.
5. Limited Edition Coffees
In addition to their regular offerings, Counter Culture occasionally releases limited edition coffees that showcase rare and exceptional beans from around the world. These coffees are often sourced from small, experimental lots or feature unique processing methods that result in distinctive flavors.
a. La Golondrina Reserve
La Golondrina Reserve is a limited edition coffee that comes from a small farm in the Cauca region of Colombia. This coffee is the result of a long-term relationship between Counter Culture and the farmers of La Golondrina. The Reserve edition is selected from the best lots produced each year, resulting in a coffee with a complex and nuanced flavor profile. Expect notes of red fruit, caramel, and a hint of spice in this exceptional coffee.
b. Kanzu Lot 3
Kanzu Lot 3 is a limited edition coffee from the Kanzu washing station in Rwanda. This coffee is known for its bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, with notes of blackberry, lime, and a touch of floral. The meticulous processing and careful selection of beans make Kanzu Lot 3 a truly special coffee that is sure to impress.
6. Cold Brew
Counter Culture has embraced the growing popularity of cold brew coffee, offering a range of cold brew products that are perfect for enjoying on a hot day or when you’re on the go. Their cold brew is made using a slow, cold-water extraction process that results in a smooth and refreshing coffee concentrate.
a. Cold Brew Concentrate
Counter Culture’s Cold Brew Concentrate is a rich and smooth coffee that can be diluted with water or milk to your preferred strength. Made with a blend of beans from Latin America, this cold brew is characterized by its chocolatey flavor profile and low acidity. The concentrate is versatile and can be used to make a variety of cold coffee drinks, from iced lattes to coffee cocktails.
b. Single Origin Cold Brew
For those who want to experience the unique flavors of a specific origin, Counter Culture offers Single Origin Cold Brew options. These cold brews are made with beans from a single farm or cooperative, allowing the distinct characteristics of the origin to shine through. Whether you’re looking for a bright and fruity cold brew or a rich and chocolatey one, Counter Culture’s Single Origin Cold Brews have something to offer.
7. Espresso
Counter Culture’s espresso offerings are crafted to deliver a rich and satisfying experience, whether you’re a professional barista or a home espresso enthusiast. Their espresso blends are designed to produce a consistently excellent shot, with a focus on balance, complexity, and flavor.
a. Toscano
Toscano is Counter Culture’s flagship espresso blend, known for its smooth, velvety mouthfeel and rich flavor profile. This blend combines beans from Latin America and Africa, resulting in an espresso with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a hint of fruit. Toscano is a versatile espresso that works well on its own or as the base for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
b. Big Trouble Espresso
Big Trouble Espresso is a variation of Counter Culture’s popular Big Trouble blend, designed specifically for espresso. This blend is smooth and comforting, with a flavor profile that includes notes of caramel, nuts, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a mellow and approachable espresso that pairs well with milk.
8. Subscription Service
For those who want to enjoy Counter Culture’s coffee on a regular basis, their subscription service is the perfect solution. Counter Culture offers a variety of subscription options, allowing customers to receive freshly roasted coffee delivered to their door at a frequency that suits their needs.
a. Blend Subscription
The Blend Subscription is ideal for those who enjoy a consistent and balanced cup. Subscribers receive a rotating selection of Counter Culture’s signature blends, including Big Trouble, Hologram, and others. Each shipment is freshly roasted and delivered to your door, ensuring that you always have a delicious cup of coffee on hand.
b. Single Origin Subscription
The Single Origin Subscription is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want to explore the diverse flavors of coffee from around the world. Subscribers receive a rotating selection of Counter Culture’s single origin offerings, each showcasing the unique characteristics of its origin. It’s a great way to discover new coffees and expand your palate.
c. Espresso Subscription
For those who love espresso, Counter Culture offers an Espresso Subscription. Subscribers receive a rotating selection of Counter Culture’s espresso blends, including Toscano, Big Trouble Espresso, and others. Each shipment is freshly roasted and designed to deliver a rich and satisfying espresso experience.
Conclusion
Counter Culture Coffee has established itself as a leader in the specialty coffee industry, with a diverse range of offerings that reflect their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Whether you prefer single origin coffees that highlight the unique flavors of a specific region, expertly crafted blends, or refreshing cold brew, Counter Culture has something to offer every coffee lover. With a dedication to sourcing the best beans and roasting them to perfection, Counter Culture continues to set the standard for what great coffee should be. Whether you’re enjoying a cup at one of their training centers or brewing it at home, you can be sure that you’re drinking coffee that has been crafted with care and expertise.
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