What do we mean by our flavor profile of “delicate and dynamic”?
Delicate
Delicate coffees are those whose flavor characteristics are much more deliciously subtle and nuanced than, say, a bold, chocolatey cup. Instead, both the tasting notes and acidity have a pleasant mildness about them. They’re typically well-balanced, with a lighter body. Notes associated with these kinds of coffees are usually floral, citrusy, sweet, or even tea-like.
Dynamic
Dynamic coffees, on the other hand, are usually labeled as such because of their unique and unusual flavors. They are often processed using non-traditional types of fermentation (anaerobic, etc.) that impart complex flavors. There might be an intense fruitiness or a surprisingly flavor like watermelon, stewed strawberries, or rooibos.
Combining these two categories together offers a coffee experience that is rich in contrasts, and complementary flavors.
What Makes a Coffee Delicate and/or Dynamic?
Origin, variety, terroir, and processing have a lot to do with the resulting flavor profile of a particular coffee.
Origin impacts the final product because depending on where the coffee is grown, it will carry with it certain flavor characteristics from that place, which we call terroir–basically, the natural environmental factors (climate, elevation, soil type, etc.) that shape how a coffee tastes.
A coffee’s varietal also matters because just as wine has different types of grapes (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir), coffee has different varieties (Geisha, Typica, Bourbon). Each varietal has its own genetic makeup, which imparts its own distinct flavor characteristics down the line.
Then, once a coffee is harvested, processing comes into play. Is it a washed coffee, a natural, or a honey processed? Each of these choices significantly affects the end result of the final cup.
Delicate and dynamic coffees are often the result of a combination of these variables.
Delicate coffees tend to derive much of their flavor from their varietal (i.e. Geisha coffees come to mind when it comes to having deliciously floral or lightly citrusy notes). Dynamic coffees, however, are often most impacted by their processing method. Coffee producers that experiment with non-traditional forms of fermentation seem to be leading the way in dynamic coffees. But we have also seen some really dynamic naturals as well.
Every few months, there seems to be a new method of processing that emerges to produce a really interesting coffee or a lovely new varietal that comes on the scene that is crisp and mild and pleasant. And we get to be the ones to introduce them to you!
We have some really stunning coffees in this category from producers and farms we work with directly.
explore delicate & dynamic
