One of the undying quirks of the coffee supply chain is the possibility for DRIFT.

We, as roaster operators and purveyors of specialty coffee from around the globe, assume our place in the chain a few times throughout the harvest timeline. If we have purchased coffee from a specific exporter via importer in the past, we often get a chance to taste what’s known as “offer samples”, representing different lots, pickings or variety separations from a producer’s output. The next opportunity we’d get to preview a coffee is at the “pre-shipment” stage, when samples from finished lots are sent quickly via post as the freight vessel begins its many-week journey to us.

Depending on a number of factors, DRIFT may occur between the long trip from origin to the U.S., marked by a change in flavor, loss of brightness, or increase in non-organic flavors. This doesn’t happen TOO often, but it does happen. The arrival coffee simply doesn’t have the shine that the initial samples showed.

This DRIFT downwards can be disappointing, but we’re here today to talk about when the DRIFT points upwards!

A perfect example of UPLIFT DRIFT is this year’s washed Ethiopia lot from the Chelbesa One washing station. We tasted pre-shipment samples back in April and it was tasty: very Ethiopia-coded with sunny, peachy vibes. Since we have bought Chelbesa One coffee a few times, it was easily approved for purchase.

Fast forward to July, the coffee has arrived, we have profile roasted it and are just starting to sip an inaugural MoccaMaster brew of it when BAM, an aura ring appears around the roastery and all three staff on-hand are transported to another plane. Multiple layers were called from those first sips: that Peach Snapple essence, citrusy orange candy blobs, juicy watermelon waves, sun dancing on water, etc. This is truly an all-timer from the most classic of all classic growing regions. UPWARDS!