Roast Review: Rare Breed

Review by: Sheila Murray, Photos by: Linked Ring

I’m delighted to tell you about my experience trying coffee roasted in my home state of New Hampshire. Rare Breed Coffee, formally known as A&E Coffee, is a unique and inspired coffee roasting company that is anything but average. I was immediately drawn in by their bold branding, excellent communication, and impressive selection. Brewing the absolute best cup of coffee can be confusing but Rare Breed makes it easy with this Brew Guide and swap in your favorite Wacaco products. 

I invited coffee enthusiast James to join me for this tasting. Read below as I share my experience sipping two of Rare Breed’s roasts. 

Son of a Beach

First Impressions

Before even smelling the aroma of the beans, I took a moment to admire the vessel that the coffee arrived in. This seasonal roast was giving happy summer vibes right off the bat. We couldn’t wait to see what the drinking experience would be like.

“This is so bright, fruity, and juicy,” I said to James. 

I shook the beans around and considered other possible notes. For me, it seemed like less of a citrus fruit and more punchy and sweet. 

James guessed it could have notes of blueberry, grape, or pomegranate. He sensed that Son of a Beach would be a light roast and also be full bodied. As usual, we averted our eyes from reading the tasting notes on the can, so we could keep up the guessing game.

Son of a Beach makes for a great cold brew, espresso, and pour over but we went the espresso route on that particular day. James heated the water and ground the beans using our Exagrind, while I took out the Picopresso, and Gauge. 

We made two, gorgeous espressos and each took a sip. 

Tasting notes

James commented on the sweet and syrupy mouthfeel and also remarked on the nice acidity that hit at the back of his tongue. He said it had a lingering flavor of berries.

“I love it all!” He concluded.

I was equally impressed by the pleasant acidity and mouthfeel. It was invigorating and also full bodied and I enjoyed the light lemon mixed with sweet sugary fruit.

The reveal

Rare breed says it best: “Son of a Beach coffee will keep up with you (and keep you up). Jam to your favorite tunes while pounding this coffee. With summer flavor notes of herby lemon verbena, sugar cone and raspberry ice, it’s a punchy coffee that can take whatever you throw at it.” 

It’s safe to say that we’ll be drinking this all summer long. 

Colombia Terra 2X Fermentation

First impressions 

Just from the name of the coffee, I was on the edge of my seat to try this unique roast. 

I tore off the top of the can and inhaled the aroma of the freshly roasted coffee. I guessed that this coffee had hints of raspberry, peach, and lemon zest but it was hard to say. There was such a lovely medley of notes!

James guessed that there was a punchy red fruit, brown sugar, sweet lemon, and perhaps something floral. He also commented on the lovely color of the coffee beans. 

We decided to try this roast using our Cuppamoka and make a cup for each of us to enjoy while sitting outside in our backyard.

Tasting notes

I took a small sip of the coffee and was immediately in awe of the maple syrupy mouthfeel, notes of pineapple, and floraly air. How all of these things could exist at once was impressive and made me keep sipping as I considered.

James agreed on the syrupy mouthfeel and was still getting the punchy fruit too. He wondered aloud if the coffee had notes of jasmine or something tea-like. 

The reveal

Here’s how Rare Breed describes this coffee: “tropical fruit, coconut, pink lemonade, crème brulee, floral note in the finish, juicy body with crisp, malic acidity”

I highly recommend you read the description page here to learn more about the brilliant process behind this coffee!