Our coffee roasts are inspired by the warmth and joy of Labradors – they’re comforting and full of character. Each coffee has its own personality, lovingly crafted by us to suit every mood. Read our simple little guide to finding your perfect coffee companion…
Why do coffees taste so different?
Every tasting note – from light and zesty to deep and nutty – comes from nature and craft. That’s why we believe the secret lies in the passion behind every stage of the bean’s journey – from Soil to Sip.®
Coffee Plants
Different coffee varieties produce different flavours. Farmers pick their varieties based on yield and growing conditions. In Colombia, popular varieties include Castillo and Caturra – each bringing its own taste to the cup. In Costa Rica, Catuaí Rojo is most widely planted, beloved for its bright and balanced flavours.
Altitude
The height at which coffee is grown affects how the cherries mature. Higher-altitude beans mature slower, developing light and citrusy flavours with a lively acidity. Those grown at lower altitudes ripen faster, producing a richer cup with smooth, nutty and chocolatey notes.
Post-harvest techniques
The way in which coffee cherries are transformed into green beans also makes a difference. A fully washed method produces a crisp and clean mouthfeel with bright acidity and chocolatey undertones. A natural and sun-dried method balances a milder fruitiness and gentler acidity for a smoother cup. For more adventurous coffee lovers, anaerobic fermentation produces complex, layered flavours that are more intense and unusual.
Roast
Roasting is where we bring out the best in each coffee, kindling its unique flavour personality in the cup. Lighter roasts highlight bright and complex flavours, while darker roasts give creamy, chocolatey richness.
Coffee Roasts for You
Not sure what kind of coffee you’ll love? We’ve grouped our roasts into four easy flavour categories to help you choose your favourite cup of joy.
1. Bright, Zesty & Refreshing
- Flavours: Citrus, peach, maple syrup
- Roast: Light
- Fully washed: for a clean and crisp mouthfeel
Mellow and easy-drinking, Yellow Lab is your beloved breakfast companion. Light in body with bright notes of peach and lemonade, savour the citrusy sweetness for a delicious start to your day.
2. Smooth, Balanced & Sweet
- Flavours: Chocolate, caramel, tangerine
- Roast: Medium
- Fully washed: for a clean and crisp mouthfeel
Fox Red is our beautiful all-rounder. Smooth praline meets caramel and warming milk chocolate. Add in a zingy burst of tangerine marmalade. A selection of satisfying flavours to suit any mood.
3. Full-bodied, Rich & Satisfying
- Flavours: Chocolate, nuts, fruit
- Roast: Medium-Dark
- Natural / Sun-dried: for a bold and jammy taste
Indulge in a rich, nutty and satisfying sip with subtle hints of silky-sweet apple with our Black Lab. Or enjoy deep chocolatey and sweet caramel notes with Choc Lab. Brew a rich cup of joy, any time with our Golden Decaf, featuring fruitier notes of juicy red apple and nutty rooibos.
4. Vibrant & Complex
- Flavours: Fruitcake, blackberry, plum
- Roast: Dark
- Anaerobically fermented: for intense and syrupy flavours
Adventure with our Silver Lab for a more unique and unexpected cup. Aromatic and full of fruity notes, our ‘Best in Show’ is complex and expressive.
Tips for Tasting Coffee
- Smell first – Aroma hints at the flavours to come.
- Taste black – Skip milk and sugar to experience the coffee’s true character.
- Sip at different temperatures – Flavours evolve as it cools.
- Use a clean cup – Old residues can alter the taste.
Ready to find your favourite coffee companion? Head to our Coffi Lab Shop.
