Foundation Coffee Roasters Review
World class coffee roasting crossed with laid back surf vibes. Waka waka.
Foundation coffee roasters are an independent roastery and equipment supplier based in St Ives, Cornwall.
They began their coffee journey with a mission to create quality and high-grade speciality coffee while at the same time using the best possible ethical practices that have a minimal impact on the environment.
This transcends from the sustainable relationships they build at source all the way through to the Omni-degradable and home compostable coffee bags that they showcase their coffee.
Foundation focus on honesty and transparency throughout their business - two things that we hold extremely important too. Their involvement at origin stems from these two ethics as they prefer to deal with coffee farms and mills directly.
It is a super important step that more and more roasters across the world are making.
Although it is hard and requires time and money, there is no substituting the value that is gained when you can see exactly where the coffee is coming from, speak to the people that grow it and nurture sustainable long-lasting relationships.
All of this knowledge can then be passed onto the consumers to better educate them on the issues in coffee-growing regions of the world.
The work that is put into their sustainable sourcing of coffee is carried into their local community in St Ives where they participate in the community orchard - donating the chaff (a byproduct of coffee roasting) to help mulch the fledgeling apple trees.
They also send coffee grounds to the New yard restaurant to use in their walled garden.
The Origin
The Daniso Horsa Coffee from Foundation Coffee Roasters originates from the Sidama region of Ethiopia.
Daniso Horsa is a coffee producer in the picturesque Damo area of Shantawene, nestled within the Bensa district of Sidama.
In this area, many people belong to the Shantawene Kebena group, with local languages Sidaamu and Amharic.
A journey to Damo through the lush countryside treats you to a mesmerizing landscape, where trees blur past, casting alternating patterns of sunlight and shadow.
The earth beneath hardens into ruts of vivid red mud, while scenes of community life unfold, with the sound of laughter and the clack of ping pong balls filling the air under the shade of acacia trees, mingling with the aroma of roasting goat and berberi spices.
While the idyllic setting may romanticise coffee farming, the reality is far from easy. Growing, picking, and processing coffee is demanding work that unfolds over long days under the sun and in the rain.
It begins with nurturing the trees and patiently awaiting the transformation of delicate white coffee blossoms into vibrant red berries. Once ripe, the labor-intensive task of hand-picking only the ripest cherries commences, requiring meticulous attention to detail and frequent revisits to the trees.
Coffee Cupping CATA
Additionally, Daniso operates a second farmsite in the Faficho area of Bombe Kebele, further contributing to the coffee production in the Bensa zone.
Producers in the Bombe region reside in the elevated and verdant valley of Bombe mountain, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The coffees from Bombe consistently impress with their density and rich flavor profiles.
They tend to feature heavy concentrations of smaller screen sizes, primarily 14 and 15, which distinguishes them from the lots from Shantawene and Keramo. Additionally, there is a slightly higher proportion of the Mikicho variety in Bombe coffees, identifiable by its larger cherries with distinctive wavy leaves and elongated, canoe-shaped seeds.
Mikicho is closely related to the renowned Gesha variety, and the Bombe lots are renowned for their lush tropical fruit notes and delicate floral undertones, which are prominent in every cup.
What To Expect
Here’s an idea of what to expect from this bangin’ Ethi coffee from Foundation coffee roasters.
Team Batch brew method of choice - Pour Over.
If you loved this coffee and want it to have it in your life again order directly from Foundation Coffee Roasters now.
Download Our Free Brew Guide PDF
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The Origin
The Coffee Mchana Coffee from Foundation Coffee Roasters originates from Kenya.
The Mchana Estate is one of the larger estates of Kofinaf Company Ltd.
Situated in Kiambu County, the estate sits 35km north of Nairobi City and 10km west of Ruiru town, and covers 907 hectares of which 459 is the coffee bearing area.
The estate employs 172 permanent workers covering tractor drivers, lorry drivers, watchmen, pump operators, mechanics and general workers.
The estate is also supported by casual labour ranging from 200 to 1200 people depending on the time of year. The age of all workers is verified and under-18s are not allowed, labour allocation is free of tribal discrimination and all workers are treated equally regardless of gender or background.
Mchana Estate. Photo: Mercanta
There is a crèche and daycare available on site where children of workers are cared for by qualified professionals and fed.
In addition to this the estate houses Ngewe Primary School to cater for the children of the permanent workers and the wider local community.
What To Expect
Here’s an idea of what to expect from this brilliant Kenyan coffee from Foundation coffee roasters.
Team Batch brew method of choice - Pour Over Coffee.
If you loved this coffee and want it to have it in your life again order directly from Foundation Coffee Roasters now.
Download Our Free Brew Guide PDF
FAQs
Where to buy Foundation Coffee?
You can purchase all of their fantastic single origin, blends and decaf coffee’s from their online store or by visiting directly. Find their location on the map above.
Is there a Foundation Coffee Subscription?
At the time of writing they don’t have a coffee subscription.
