Name: Equator Estate Coffees and Teas, Llc
Address: 115 Jordan St, San Rafael, CA, 94901
Telephone: 415-485-2213
Price range: $

Black Tea

Assam #8

Origin country: taiwan; varietals: tres no. 8; production method: oxidized; profile: surprisingly taiwan has a long history of producing black teas that date back to the early 1920's when the region was under japanese rule. Yucich township, situated on the shores of the scenic sun moon lake of central taiwan, was chosen for its ideal climate and soil to grow assamica tea bushes. The japanese objective was to compete with the british commerce that dominated the market of black tea. They could not compete in the yield, but the quality of the taiwanese black teas garnered attention in new york and london. But by the end of wwii, black tea had virtually disappeared from the island. Through the recent revival of this heritage assam tea, its easy to understand why this tea was successful . The tres. No. 8 strand presents itself as a large, wonderfully curled and lustrous full leaf; with a fruity aroma that evokes stewed cherries and apricot jam. A warm, velvety body satisfies the palate and holds up well to milk. Brewing recipe: 5g tea | 195f water | 2-4 minute steep

1 Oz. Tea Box $15.75

4 Oz. Bulk $54.00

Darjeeling Singell Estate

Origin country: india; profile: fancy grade. Floral top-notes; light-bodied, with classic muscatel character. And lingering finish.

3 Oz. Tea Box $14.00

12 Oz. Bulk $47.60

Organic Earl Grey

Profile: full-bodied black tea infused with aromatic, floral-citrus oil of bergamot.

3 Oz. Tea Box $12.00

12 Oz. Bulk $40.80

25 Ct Bag $6.95

100 Ct Bags $14.50

Organic English Breakfast

Origin country: india; profile: a blend of robust, faintly smoky, and malty black teas from india designed to yield a traditional bold flavored breakfast cup.

3 Oz. Tea Box $12.00

12 Oz. Bulk $40.80

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Honey Orchid

Origin country: china; production method: lightly oxidized; profile: honey orchid is a lightly oxidized black tea made from a rare varietal that originated in the hunan province. This exclusive tea was grown on a small farm in the wuyi mountains in northern fujian province. Light honey sweetness with a subtle floral finish, smooth creamy mouth feel with notes of toasted almonds and a sweet clean finish. Easy to brew, yields multiple steeps, and pairs well with food any time of day.

2 Oz. Tea Box $15.00

8 Oz. Bulk $51.00

Yunnan Gold (Dian Jin)

Origin country: china; profile: deep golden-colored leaves. Very aromatic; full and spicy taste.

2 Oz. Tea Box $24.00

8 Oz. Bulk $81.60

Flowering Tea

Pearl in a Cup (Bai Mei Tu Zhu)

Origin country: china; profile: this high quality green tea is hand sewn into a tight ball which slowly unfurls to show a single white chrysanthemum flower tucked inside like a pearl. Not overly sweet or floral, the flavor is subtle and smooth with classic green tea characteristics.

3 Oz. Tea Box $35.00

12 Oz. Bulk $119.00

Thousand Days Red Jasmine (Xian Tao)

Origin country: china; profile: early day harvested green tea hand sewn with silken thread in to a litchi nut shape then infused with jasmine. Tea blooms as it steeps to unfold a scarlet-red clover flower. Delicious and sweet; enjoy multiple infusions as tea does not get bitter as it steeps.

3 Oz. Tea Box $30.00

12 Oz. Bulk $102.00

Oolong Tea

Charcoal Roasted Tung Ting

Origin country: taiwan; production method: lightly oxidized; profile: this oolong tea begins as a winter harvest from nantou county in taiwan, and is then roasted slowly over charcoal made from wood of longan fruit trees, which gently caramelizes the natural sugars in the tea leaves, bringing out sweetness and adding depth. The master tea roaster monitors the aroma and color of the tea to roast it to perfection using only his senses in the traditional method of layering charcoal with the tea leaves. With tasting notes of burnt caramel, coffee and chocolate, this tea offers a unique and complex flavor profile that is best enjoyed through multiple steeps.

3 Oz. Tea Box $30.00

12 Oz. Bulk $102.00

Milk Oolong

Origin country: taiwan; varietals: jinxuan; production method: lightly oxidized; profile: the jinxuan oolong varietal was discovered in 1981 and is known for its light floral aroma with smooth, uniquely creamy flavor characteristics. Also known as golden lily oolong, this tea is ball rolled and lightly oxidized. Ours has been lightly infused with milk essence to further enhance the sweet, buttercream flavors in this spring harvested varietal. Best enjoyed in short multiple steeps to release the underlying green notes which compliment the sweet, dessert like quality of this tea.

3 Oz. Tea Box $20.25

12 Oz. Bulk $69.00

Monkey Picked Oolong (Ma Lui Mie)

Origin country: china; production method: lightly oxidize; profile: fine tieguanyin oolong fragrant green leaves unfurl as they steep and release a fresh, floral bouquet of aroma, golden champagne-colored liquor, and a bright orchid flavor. Excellent for multiple infusions.

3 Oz. Tea Box $33.00

12 Oz. Bulk $112.20

Phoenix Mountain Oolong

Origin country: china; profile: phoenix mountain, known for the quality of its tea, is the source of this exceptional oolong tea which is characterized by refined floral green notes.

1 Oz. Tea Box $16.00

4 Oz. Bulk $54.40

Pu-Erh Tea

Camel's Breath Pu-Erh

Origin country: china; production method: fully oxidized; profile: fine example of a traditional pu-erh tuo cha with deep, earthy flavors. Individually wrapped nuggets are good for multiple infusions. This 2009 vintage tea was specially cave aged. Excellent choice for a tea drinker beginning to explore the complex, unique flavors of pu-erh tea.

3 Oz. Tea Box $21.00

12 Oz. Bulk $71.40

Chrysanthemum & Silver Pu-Erh

Origin country: china; profile: for centuries chrysanthemum has been blended with pu-erh tea to add a sweet, light dimension to the naturally earthy flavors of the pu-erh. Our take on this tradition is to blend hand-picked yellow chrysanthemum flowers with our unique 10-year aged silver bud white pu-erh to create a delicate, smooth and sweet cup. The chrysanthemum flowers are sourced from anhui provice, china, while the pu-erh is from da xue mountains, sichuan province, also in china.

2 Oz. Tea Box $24.00

4 Oz. Bulk $40.80

Silver Bud White Pu-Erh (Da Xue Shan)

Origin country: china; profile: aged 10 years, this is a very unique and easy to drink pu-erh tea. The long silver leaves produce an apricot colored brew with delicate, subtle pu-erh flavors. Round mouth-feel with spicy notes of cardamom and turmeric, with a hint of aged leather and dry tobacco in the finish.

2 Oz. Tea Box $24.00

4 Oz. Bulk $40.80

Small Leaf Pu-Erh (Xi Yi)

Origin country: china; profile: small, tan-brown leaves offer a nutty and light earthy quality. This pu-erh is derived from young leaves and buds, which produce a distinctly mellow cup with mineral-like, smoky, earthy, mushroomy, and nutty qualities.

3 Oz. Tea Box $18.00

12 Oz. Bulk $61.20

Sticky Rice Scented Pu-Erh

Origin country: china; profile: this tuocha style pu-erh has the wonderful aroma of sticky rice. This is imparted to the leaves from the chinese herb nuo mi xiang ye, which translates to "sweet tender leaves." The tea leaves are sundried and stored for many months in baskets with the nuo mi xiang ye herb, then pressed into tuocha cakes and aged for over ten years. Produces a wonderful brothy liquor with notes of toasted rice and leather, this unique pu-erh is a delightful treat for the senses.

3 Oz. Tea Box $16.00

12 Oz. Bulk $54.40

Green Tea

Dragonwell (Lung Ching)

Origin country: china; profile: famous "10 hand movements" pan-fired green tea. Faintly smoky, earthy character.

2 Oz. Tea Box $12.00

8 Oz. Bulk $40.80

Genmaicha

Origin country: japan; profile: a blend of earthy, grassy japanese green teas, complimented with toasted and popped rice.

3 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

12 Oz. Bulk $34.00

Organic Green Lemon Ginseng

Origin Country: India; A light bodied green tea with ginseng and lemon myrtle yields a clean, bright flavor with a gentle finish.

2 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

Formely Buddha Blend $34.00

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Green Snail Spring (Bi Luo Chun)

Origin country: china; profile: this select grade of bi lo chun is processed by pan firing to make the leaves pliable then softly rolling into the classic spiral or "snail shell" shape. Offers a wonderfully green, herbaceous flavor with soft notes of melon.

2 Oz. Tea Box $18.00

8 Oz. Bulk $61.20

Flower Fragrance Iccha Kariban

Origin country: japan; profile: we are excited to be one of the few purveyors of this unique new style of japanese green tea. Iccha means "first flush" and kariban refers to the trimmings in between pluckings. After first flush, the tea bushes are pruned to reestablish a level plucking table and the trimmings are typically sorted out for bancha tea. In this case, combined with the first flush leaves they add a unique flavor and complexity to this tea. Another processing technique that sets iccha kariban apart is withering; typically japanese teas are not withered but instead steamed to denature the organic compounds. Iccha kariban has been allowed to slightly wither prior to steaming which develops floral aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle. These delicate floral notes accent the vegetal character typical of japanese teas. This is a one of a kind cup producing a beautiful floral aroma and a brothy liquor with flavors of nori and asparagus.

3 Oz. Tea Box $12.25

12 Oz. Bulk $42.00

Organic Jasmine Almond Orange

Origin country: india; profile: lightly scented green tea with orange pieces and a hint of almond give this blend a rounded, soft, sweet character.

2 Oz. Tea Box $8.25

12 Oz. Bulk $15.75

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Jasmine Pearls

Origin country: japan; profile: green, downy leaves are hand-rolled into jasmine-scented "pearls" that unfurl in the cup.

2 Oz. Tea Box $23.00

4 Oz. Bulk $78.20

Moroccan Mint Green Tea

Origin country: china; profile: this traditional blend of mint and green tea is a favorite beverage in morocco and throughout north africa. Our blend consists of refreshing organic peppermint leaves and a gunpowder green tea from the zhejiang province in china, a region known for producing high quality gunpowder teas. The tightly rolled gunpowder leaves unfurl as they steep to yield a naturally sweet, balanced cup that is delicious hot as well as iced.

3 Oz. Tea Box $15.00

12 Oz. Bulk $51.00

Sencha (Hao Di)

Origin country: japan; profile: bold, emerald-colored leaves yield a crisp, grassy, vibrant cup.

3 Oz. Tea Box $12.00

12 Oz. Bulk $40.80

White Tea

Drum Mountain White Cloud (Gu Shan Bai Yun)

Origin country: china; profile: early spring leaves. Fragrant, light-green liquor; slightly malty with a sweet melon flavor.

1 Oz. Tea Box $12.00

4 Oz. Bulk $40.80

White Peony (Bai Mu Dan)

Origin country: china; profile: a fresh, early-picked mix of light and dark green leaves and silvery buds grown in the fuding mountains. Sweetly herbaceous with hints of melon and fruit.

1 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

4 Oz. Bulk $34.00

Herbal

Chamomile

Origin country: egypt; profile: mild herbaceous flower with earthy, grassy floral notes.

2 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

4 Oz. Bulk $17.00

25 Ct Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Cranberry & Orange

Origin country: chile, egypt, united states; profile: chamomile flower is cut/harvested dried and blended with dried fruit that is lightly infused with natural fruit, hibiscus, rosehips. Tangy, sweet rounded flavor.

3 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

12 Oz. Bulk $34.00

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Pacific Blend

Profile: calming blend of chamomile, mint, and lavender.

2 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

4 Oz. Bulk $17.00

Peppermint

Origin country: united states; profile: bracing, refreshing sonoma coast wild and farm grown mint.

2 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

4 Oz. Bulk $17.00

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Rooibos

Origin country: south africa; profile: red bush herb from south africa with nut-like notes of black tea.

3 Oz. Tea Box $12.00

12 Oz. Bulk $40.80

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Rooibos Chai

Origin country: south africa, sri lanka, guatemala, indonesia, china; profile: rooibos herb spiced with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger.

3 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

12 Oz. Bulk $34.00

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Organic Spicy Mint

Origin country: united states, chile, indonesia; profile: the spearmint leaf has a rounded, slightly smoother, more grounded taste than peppermint, with warming and cooling notes compatible with cinnamon and orange peel.

2 Oz. Tea Box $10.00

8 Oz. Bulk $34.00

25 Ct. Bags $6.95

100 Ct. Bags $14.50

Single Origin

Brazil São Benedito

Origin - country: brazil; farm: rancho são benedito; altitude: 4,432 feet; varietals: yellow bourbon; production method: pulped natural; profile - we are please to feature another coffee from our friends at rancho são benedito, a coffee farm located outside the town of dom vicoso, just south from carmo de minas., On the slopes of the mantiqueira mountains. Owner mariana de carvalho junqueira inherited the farm from her parents in 1954 and planted coffee there in 1978. Her son marcio now helps manage the farm and mill. While visiting são benedito last summer, we were impressed with the number of awards posted in the living room and foyer of the family home, including several from brazil's cup of excellence competitions. The family belongs to cooperativa regional dos cafeicultores do vale do rio verde, also known as cocarive, a cooperative founded by a group of farmers in carmo de minas and the surrounding area who were hoping to bring more attention to the quality of coffee grown in the region. São benedito is utz certified, which is a comprehensive third party certification system that focuses on sustainable coffee production through responsible farm management, conscientious environmental stewardship practices and by supporting social programs. Mariana and marcio are focused on increasing coffee quality and production and have recently invested in new machinery to accomplish their goals.

12oz $18.25

2lb $41.40

Burundi Bubezi

Origin - country: burundi; altitude: 5,750 feet; varietals: bourbon; production method: washed; profile - this year we are featuring two coffees from kayanza, a province located in the northern reaches of burundi along the border with rwanda. The kayanza growing region is known for producing some of the best coffee in country and the mpanga washing station, where this coffee was processed, is one of the best. In fact, coffee from the mpanga washing station took first and third place in the most recent burundi cup of excellence competition. This lot hails from bubezi, a micro-region located near the mpanga washing station. Grown by smallholding farmers living in nyangwe, the farmers bring coffee cherries washing station, where milling, drying and sorting takes place. Premiums are paid to farmers based on the quality of cherry delivered to the station. Coffee is processed in a traditional manner pulping of the coffee cherry, dry fermentation, washing of the coffee beans and then a second soaking in fresh water before the beans are dried on raised beds. This careful attention to processing, as well as the terrior of the growing region and the abundance of heirloom bourbon verity coffee result in unique, especially rich, flavor profiles that are exemplified in this lot. Coffee enthusiasts take note, for a limited time we are offering two coffees from the same growing region, processed at the same mill. We recommend taking advantage of this rare opportunity to compare both coffees -- the burundi bubezi with the brighter and sweeter burundi nyangwe.

12oz $16.95

2lb $38.45

Burundi Nyangwe

Origin - country: burundi; altitude: 5,750 feet; varietals: bourbon; production method: washed; profile - this year we are featuring two coffees from kayanza, a province located in the northern reaches of burundi along the border with rwanda. The kayanza growing region is known for producing some of the best coffee in country and the mpanga washing station, where this coffee was processed, is one of the best. In fact, coffee from the mpanga washing station took first and third place in the most recent burundi cup of excellence competition. This lot hails from nyangwe, a community located on the hillsides above the mpanga washing station. Grown by smallholding farmers living in nyangwe, the farmers bring coffee cherries washing station, where milling, drying and sorting takes place. Premiums are paid to farmers based on the quality of cherry delivered to the station. Coffee is processed in a traditional manner pulping of the coffee cherry, dry fermentation, washing of the coffee beans and then a second soaking in fresh water before the beans are dried on raised beds. This careful attention to processing, as well as the terrior of the growing region and the abundance of heirloom bourbon verity coffee result in unique, sweet and rich flavor profile represented in this lot. Coffee enthusiasts take note, for a limited time we are offering two coffees from the same growing region, processed at the same mill. We recommend taking advantage of this rare opportunity to compare both coffees -- the burundi nyangwe with the richer and rounder burundi bubezi.

12oz $16.95

2lb $38.45

Colombia Cerro Azul Enano

Origin - country: colombia; altitude: 5,250 - 6,550 feet; varietals: enano; production method: washed; profile - introducing the new crop arrival of cerro azul enano, an ongoing exclusive offering at equator. As many of you know, cerro azul is a coffee farm owned and operated by our quality-obsessed friends at granja la esperanza. The farm was planted exclusively to the rare and celebrated botanical variety known as gesha (or geisha), or so they thought. As the coffee trees began to mature, it became evident that a small number of trees did not look like gesha. The compact size of the trees and the dense foliage were distinctly different than the taller, rather sparse gesha bushes. No one was sure what the true identity of this dwarf variety is. As such, the plants were dubbed enano, which means dwarf in spanish. Because it was not thought to be of the gesha variety, granja la esperanza began processing the enano cherry separately. When we tasted in in colombia a few years ago we offered to purchase the entire production of this gesha-like coffee. Whatever the actual variety, the intense floral tones is clearly reminiscent of the gesha type. Our understanding of this coffee is evolving over time. Originally we thought it might just be a great tasting arabica species coffee, the shrub looked a little like the catuai variety. Now we are beginning to think that it is an actual dwarf mutation of gesha. As the plants continue to naturalize on the farm it seems as if the gesha-like characteristics are becoming even more intense.

12oz $17.95

2lb $40.70

Colombia Cerro Azul Gesha Aaa

Origin - country: colombia; farm: cerro azul; altitude: 5,250 - 6,550 feet; varietals: gesha; production method: washed; profile - we are excited to reintroduce one of the best coffees in the world! Among its many other awards, this coffee, roasted by equator, won the prestigious 2013 roaster's choice competition. The award is sponsored by the roasters guild and the specialty coffee association of america to highlight the art and craft of coffee roasting. Cerro azul is one of a handful of farms owned and operated by granja la esperanza, and is planted almost exclusively to the rare and celebrated botanical variety known as gesha. The aaa designation is used by granja la esperanza to denote the most pronounced intensity of flavor. Gesha (also known as geisha) is an ethiopia-derived heirloom variety that was planted by granja la esperanza as part of a multi-year project focused on producing outstanding coffees through deliberate quality improvement efforts. The project includes study and operation of a farm in boquete, panama, the growing region best known for the gesha variety. Data for every imaginable detail is logged in order to find correlations between different variables and positive results. In order for coffee to be sold as cerro alzul gesha it must fall into either double or triple a grade classifications based on cup quality. If the coffee does not match the flavor expectations for the cerro azul terroir, then it is not sold with the farm designation. Once this fully washed coffee is processed and dried, the parchment coffee is stored in grain pro bags, an unusual extra step taken to protect the coffee from damaging moisture. Even the warehouse were coffee is stored is temperature and humidity controlled.

12oz $59.95

2lb $203.85

Colombia Las Margaritas Honey Pacamara

Origin - country: colombia; farm: finca las margaritas; altitude: 4,000 - 6,600 feet; varietals: pacamara; production method: honey; profile - this is the second time we are offering this one-of-a-kind coffee. Not only is it made up of beans of the pacamara variety, a cultivar practically unknown in colombia, it is also processed by the honey method, which up until recently wasn't even allowed to be exported from colombia. Like last time, we have a limited supply of this coffee; if you would like to taste it, we suggest securing a bag soon. Our friends at granja la esperanza, a group that owns and operates a small collection of farms in colombia and panama, produced this pacamara variety coffee on their farm las margaritas. The farm functions as a laboratory, where different varieties can be tested and evaluated for planting on other farms. In addition to all the unique verities, the granja la esperanza team also experiments with unique processing methods. Almost all of the coffee produced in colombia is processed by the washed or wet method. This is partly due to the efforts of the colombian federation of coffee growers, a group that has worked for decades to improve the average quality of colombia coffee. Granja la esperanza keeps challenging the expectations of the federation by testing new processing methods in an effort to produce coffees of extraordinary quality. Extremely uncommon in colombia, this coffee was processed by the honey method, a variation of the pulped natural process where fruit mucilage is allowed to dry on the bean rather than being washed away before drying. The resulting green (unroasted) coffee shows signs of dried fruit on the beans. Initially the federation refused to approve the unusual looking green coffee for export, thinking there may have been a processing error. Through the deepening relationship that has developed between granja la esperanza and the federation, their honey processed lots are now easily approved for export. Other coffee producers have taken note of granja la esperanza's success and have begun processing experiments of their own. Expect to see more colombian coffee processed by different methods in the future. More on pacamara: it is a cross between the typica derived maragogype variety, which produces very large beans, and pacas, a compact-growing selection of heirloom variety bourbon. As a result of this parentage, pacamara is rather small in stature but produces enormous beans.

12oz $18.25

2lb $62.05

Colombia Planadas Reserva

Origin - country: colombia; altitude: 4,900 - 6,900 feet; varietals: caturra, castillo, typica; production method: washed; profile - planadas is a municipality and coffee growing region within colombia's tolima department. The region is nestled in the andean cordillera central, the highest of the three mountain ranges running through colombia. In addition to coffee, the region is known for producing a wide range of agricultural products. This coffee hails from the area around the town of montalvo which is situated on the eastern face of the mountain range facing the hot and dry magdalena valley. Produced by an association of 39 smallholder farmers who are organized together in a group called agprosem, the acronym roughly translates to association of farmers and producers of specialty coffee of montalvo at planadas. The cooperative was founded to help improve the quality of the coffee produced in the region and to get better prices for their coffee through collective negotiation. Currently the association is involved in training programs to promote better farming practices, conservation of water resources and environmental protection. This special "reserve" lot represents the highest grade the group produces.

12oz $15.95

2lb $36.20

Ecuador El Batan Organic

Origin - country: ecuador; altitude: 6,100 feet; varietals: typica; production method: washed; profile - the village of el batan is located high in the mountains of southern ecuador, where twenty two small holder farmers (each farming just a couple of acres of land) live and grow coffee. We have been working with this community for the last nine years to bring you the certified organic el batan. Equator continues to provide a rolling micro-credit loan fund to farmers for their short-term credit needs. Last year we extended the reach of the fund beyond the growers who live in el batan; now farmers in four neighboring communities have access to credit. The funds are used to help facilitate harvest or invest in other farm, domestic or income-diversification projects. Among other projects, members have used the funds to invest in irrigation for their farms to help safeguard the harvest during unpredictable weather. Once again this year we have purchased the entire production from this quality-minded group of farmers. On a historical note, a community organization founded in el batan was established in 1986 by a group of women who came together to find ways to earn income for their families. They started with just three women, which quickly grew to thirty. The group was able to take out small loans to start small enterprises such as growing and selling yucca in the local market. Years later, men also joined the group and it became the foundation for the coffee farmer cooperative.

12oz $15.95

2lb $36.20

Ethiopia Harrar Natural

Origin - country: ethiopia; altitude: 5,900 feet; varietals: heirloom; profile - harrar has a long history as a coffee producing region in ethiopia. Within the coffee industry, the name harrar used to be synonymous with natural (or dry) processed ethiopian coffee and, in many ways still is. This association is due to the long tradition of producing natural processed coffee, which is partially the result of the dry climatic conditions and limited water resources. Over the last couple of decades this identification has become muddied as regions in southern ethiopia, like yigracheffe, once identified only with washed processed coffee, are now producing export-quality naturals as well. This increased competition has been felt in harrar and we were delighted to learn action is being taken to elevate quality. Traditional processing practices in the region have historically lead to inconsistencies in quality; harrar coffees are sometimes termed "wild" for the variation in flavor that can be found from cup-to-cup. Typically, natural processed coffees are classified as grade 3 or 4, with grade 1 and 2 reserved for washed coffees. This year, through the hard work of our suppliers, the quality of this lot of harrar has been upgraded from grade 4 to grade 1. This upgrade is the result of a rigorous sorting protocol usually reserved only for washed lots. The resulting coffee is much cleaner and more consistent in taste, while still retaining the distinctive flavor characteristics of harrar coffee. For those interested in comparing two natural processed coffees from different parts of ethiopia, we recommend tasting this harrar along with our ethiopia ardi from the sidama growing region.

12oz $16.95

2lb $38.45

Ethiopia Sidama Ardi

Origin - country: ethiopia; altitude: 5,800 feet; varietals: sidama heirloom; production method: sun-dried natural; profile - presenting our beloved ardi which hails from southern ethiopia in the guji area. For the approximately 2-3,000 people living in this area, coffee farming is the main source of income. We had the privilege of visiting the farmers who produce ardi and see first hand the high quality, oversight and care that goes into this natural sun dried coffee. Our visit resulted in strengthening a wonderful relationship that has lead to our procurement of this clean and fruity coffee for the third year in a row.

12oz $15.95

2lb $36.20

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere

Origin - country: ethiopia; altitude: 6,000 - 7,000 feet; varietals: local heirloom varieties; production method: washed; profile - our first new crop arrival of the year from ethiopia! Kochere is an area southwest of the town of yirga cheffe, which is located in southern ethiopia's gedeo zone. This coffee is meticulously sorted three different ways. The methods include screen sizing, color sorting and hand sorting. Called "yirgz" by our supplier, this refers to its grading as a "zero" defect coffee. A group of women are paid three times the average wage as an incentive for the attention to detail needed for hand sorting of this coffee. The soil in this region is heavy in volcanic nutrients and clay minerals. It is fertilized in part through recycling of organic material, including fallen or pruned leaves, sticks and branches as well as root residue from ensete trees. Similar to a banana tree, the ensete tree not only provides shade but, it is also the primary root crop of ethiopia. The rich soils of this growing region paired with the intense sorting process, produce vibrant aromatics and clean floral and fruit flavors in the cup.

12oz $16.95

2lb $38.45

Rwanda Buremera

Origin - country: rwanda; altitude: 5,900 feet; varietals: bourbon; production method: washed; profile - presenting the new crop of a coffee we have come to know well over the years. Produced in the town of buremera by the mig cooperative, an organization established in 2004 to help farmers improve coffee quality and increase income. With members living throughout southern rwanda's nayamagabe district, the mig farmer group boasts the 1st place win in rwanda's first ever cup of excellence competition. Most of the 1,700 growers in the cooperative farm their own land and, in addition to coffee, grow crops such as soy bean, sweet potato, cassava and bananas. We are happy to continue the ongoing relationship we established with this cooperative group, each year we look forward to the arrival of this consistently lush fruit-toned coffee.

12oz $15.95

2lb $36.20

Sumatra Gayo Mountain Organic

Origin - country: sumatra; profile - this triple-picked sumatra has a bit of bright, fruit-like acidity that shines through the heavy-toned, earthy base. Notes of teak, cedar and cherry fruit emerge from the cup.

12oz $14.75

2lb $33.45

Sumatra Ulos Batak

Origin - country: sumatra; altitude: 5,000 - 6,000 feet; varietals: ateng, bergendal, jember, typica; production method: wet hulled; profile - we are excited to present, sumatra ulos batak. This coffee comes to us from the forward thinking, klasik beans cooperative in the lintong region of sumatra. Ulos batak is a premium mark (grade) coffee from this cooperative. The name ulos comes from the traditional cloth of the batak people of northern sumatra. It is made from cotton and colored with bark, grass, roots, and leaves. According to batak people, there are three sources of warmth; sun, fire, and ulos. Worn in traditional ceremonies, ulos is believed to have a magical power to protect its user. Klasik beans cooperative continually strives to improve quality of the coffees they offer and the environment in which their coffees are grown. Their mission is focused on improving the lives of farmers as well as the environment. Kalsik works with hundreds of smallholder farmers and provides its members with training in sustainable growing techniques. It teaches farmers not to rely on chemical pesticides, shows them which trees are best for shading coffee, how to make organic compost and, how to prune and care for their trees. Klasik works by example, taking new members into the forest to show them what a model coffee garden in the forest looks like. Klasik beans cooperative continues to raise their standards; from the wages earned by the farmers to the quality of the coffees they produce.

12oz $17.25

2lb $39.10

Espresso

Brazil 45

Origin - country: brazil; production method: washed and natural; profile - brazil 45 is one of our longest running year-round blends, and it's one of the coffees we're most proud of. While we love exploring the world with single- origin coffees that offer us a wide range of flavors and textures, a shot of brazil 45 will always feel like coming home. We crafted this blend with comfort in mind: always recreating the classic, easy-going flavors that helped us fall in love with espresso. In brazil 45, you'll find notes of milk chocolate & hazelnut, with a smooth, rich finish that lingers on your palate. When used to make a cappuccino or latte, those flavors melt away into creamy, sweet caramel flavors. Brazil 45 creates an easy-going drinking experience that both aficionados and newbies will love. When first creating this blend, we tasting many coffees to find the perfect coffees for it. What we found brought us back to that classic espresso experience where a collection of coffees from brazil, that were all grown along the w. 45 degree longitude that bisects brazils coffee growing regions (hence the name). To really emphasize the deep flavors coffees from brazil have to offer, we primarily use natural processed coffees, with a small percentage of washed coffees to provide balance and a bit of brightness. We pay homage to that first iteration by constantly looking for new coffees along that same line. We change the components of brazil 45 a few times throughout the year, to make sure we're always keeping the coffees fresh, and to know that we're always creating a experience we always want to come back to.

12oz $13.25

2lb $30.05

Brazil Fazenda Kaquend Single-Origin Espresso

Origin - country: brazil; farm: fazenda kaquend; altitude: 3,750 - 4,750 feet; varietals: yellow bourbon; production method: natural; profile - last summer we traveled to carmo de minas to visit the janqueira family and fazenda kaquend. We offered coffee from this farm a couple of years ago and it has lingered in our memory ever since. This time we are presenting this natural processed lot as a single-origin espresso. The smooth character of the coffee coupled with the low-toned fruit and sweet nut flavors makes it a perfect match for this rigorous brewing method. The janqueira family has been involved in coffee production for eight generations, starting in 1811, when patriarch custódio ribeiro pereira guimarães immigrated from portugal to carmo de minas, in the southern part of the state minas gerais. Today, josé junqueira, his wife margarida and their sons kleber, ralph and herbert, keep the family's 200-year tradition alive. With just over 110 acres in production, fazenda kaquend is considered a small farm for brazil. This yellow bourbon variety coffee was processed by the natural or dry method where the beans are allowed to dry inside the fruit rather than after the fruit has been removed.

12oz $18.50

2lb $41.95

Ecuador Single Origin Espresso Organic

Origin - country: ecuador; altitude: 6,100 feet; varietals: typica; production method: washed; profile - this year we are carrying on a three year tradition of offering our beloved ecuador el batan as a single origin espresso. The delicate nature of this coffee makes it ideal for the rigors of espresso extraction. Last year we parked a coffee cart in front of our soon-to-open cafe in downtown mill valley, california, while the location underwent a lengthy remodel. For a couple of months we featured this coffee as the sole espresso offering. Now that the beautiful cafe is up and running we will repeat the tradition by providing our customers the option of this single-origin offering in their espresso beverages. For brewed coffee applications this coffee is also available under the name ecuador el batan organic. In order to highlight more of the fruit and floral flavor characteristics, our approach to the roast is very different. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to taste the same coffee roasted two different ways.

12oz $15.95

2lb $36.20

Eye of the Tiger Espresso

Origin - country: burundi, ecuador; varietals: bourbon, typica; production method: washed; profile - presenting the ninth version of eye of the tiger espresso. This time our seasonally changing espresso is a blend that features a trio of coffees we have been enjoying as single-origin offerings. Unlike our year-round espresso blends, we do not attempt to maintain a fixed flavor profile for eye of the tiger. Instead we work with in-season coffees to develop a blend that shows off the flavors of the components. This recipe is very loosely based on devorah's competition espresso, a blend used by our barista trainer in the regional and national barista competitions a few years ago. The foundation of this blend combines two coffees from northern burundi's kayanza growing region. These coffees originate from the communities of nyangwe and bubezi and provide flavors of hazelnut, chocolate and low-acid fruit. The kayanza region is known for producing some of the best coffee in burundi and the mpanga washing station, where these coffees were processed, is one of the best. In fact, coffee from the mpanga washing station took first and third place in the most recent burundi cup of excellence competition. We combined these two coffees with with the balanced floral and spice-toned el batan, an old favorite from ecuador. Together these coffees, along with a decisive roast profile, produce a sweet-toned espresso that tastes great in milk and on its own. We will roast this version of eye of the tiger as long as the blend components last.

12oz $16.75

2lb $38.00

Jaguar Espresso Fair Trade Organic

Origin - country: latin america, sumatra, ethiopia; profile - jaguar is a complex espresso blend that combines organic and fair trade certified coffees from the world's major growing regions: latin america, east africa and indonesia. With this blend we take a new world approach to a traditional-style espresso. Our goal is to develop dark chocolate-toned, fruit and spice inflected flavors that results in an espresso that is sweet enough to taste great on its own, while maintaining enough richness and intensity to stand up to milk. We start with fully washed coffee from latin america as the foundation of the blend. The origin country changes throughout the crop year but, we always use coffees that provide clarity and sweetness. For balance and complexity we add dry processed coffee from the sidama region of ethiopia and wet hulled coffee from the gayo mountain region, located in sumatra's aceh province. Together these coffees provide the rich, full flavors that we have come to expect in jaguar espresso.

12oz $13.95

2lb $31.65

Tigerwalk Espresso

Origin - country: colombia, kenya, mexico; profile - reinvented as our flagship espresso in 2011, when we took the roast degree lighter and highlighted sweet fruit forward coffees. Tigerwalk espresso features three fully washed coffees from latin america and east africa. The foundation of the blend is a sweet, silky and balanced coffee from la cristalina, a cooperative in colombia located near the town of guática, in the risaralda department. For flavors of citrus and dried berry fruit we include a bright-toned coffee from east africa. Currently this component is from kenya; for consistency and volume this coffee combines several small auction lots. Finally for richness, body and chocolate-tones, we include a coffee from nayarit, mexico. Together these coffees work together to create a well-balanced, creamy espresso with a broad range of delicate fruit flavors.

12oz $13.95

2lb $31.65

Thomas Keller Espresso

Origin - country: java, rwanda, ethiopia, brazil; profile - tk espresso resulted from a collaboration between equator and chef thomas keller to design a namesake espresso blend to be served in all of his restaurants and bakeries. The goal was to satisfy chef keller's desire for an espresso that is not only rich and complex but, one that could stand on its own (as he takes his espresso) or in milk as many coffee drinkers prefer. The pursuit of the perfect ratio of elements seemed, at moments, like chasing an elusive quarry that revealed promising fragments at first, then, finally rewarded us with an artfully integrated cup.

12oz $14.95

2lb $33.90

Blends

Equator Blend

Origin - country: brazil, east africa, sumatra; profile - our namesake blend features coffees from some of the world's best known growing regions. This crowd-pleasing blend is rich and smooth, highlighting a deep-toned lintong coffee from the lake toba region of sumatra, which offers nuances of sweet grapefruit and aromatic wood. Complimented by two east african coffees, one berry-toned natural processed coffee and a fully washed coffee that adds elements of brightness and helps bring out flavor of other coffees in the blend. Finally, a natural processed coffee from brazil that contributes silky hints of nut, milk chocolate and spice. The combination of smoothness and complexity means that this blend will go well with milk but also taste great on its own.

12oz $13.50

2lb $30.60

Mocha Java

Origin - country: ethiopia, indonesia; profile - this exceptional coffee combines rare heirloom coffees from the arabian peninsula, africa and indonesia, resulting in a layering of complex flavors of aged wood, fruit, bittersweet chocolate and spice. It scored 92 points in a cupping by coffee review.

12oz $13.95

2lb $31.65

Mocha Java Fair Trade Organic

Origin - country: ethiopia, sumatra, latin america; profile - for many years we have offered this certified organic and fair trade version of our classic mocha-java blend to wholesale and grocery accounts. We are now presenting this blend to our retail customers as well. Although there are some similarities between the regular and certified versions of mocha-java, the blends are slightly different in terms of component coffees and flavor profile. This version includes all certified coffees from sumatra and ethiopia combined with a bright-toned latin american coffee that helps provide balance and smoothness with just the right amount of fruit presence. Mocha-java is an historic blend name with a tradition of interpretation based on the taste of the purveyor. These blends typically have fruit-forward flavors that result from the combination of natural processed coffee from yemen or ethiopia with one from indonesia, usually from java but sometimes from other islands such as sumatra. Often other coffees are added to increase complexity.

12oz $13.95

2lb $31.65

French Roast Fair Trade Organic

Origin - country: latin america, sumatra, ethiopia; profile - a non-traditional take on a classic dark roast concept. The goal with this blend is to develop delicate smoky nuances while retaining sweetness, richness and fruit-toned chocolate flavors. The blend highlights a coffee from latin america that is bright-toned with chocolaty and spicy flavors. We add a smooth coffee from sumatra to provide balance and richness to the blend. A sweet fruit-toned coffee from ethiopia is included to contribute aromatic nuance. All of the component coffees are certified organic and fair trade. Our french roast blend has been known as alligator french for many years. Although we are retiring the alligator moniker, the blend remains virtually unchanged under this updated blend name.

12oz $14.25

2lb $32.30

Chido's Blend

Origin - country: east africa, sumatra, brazil; profile - chido's blend is named for chido govero, a dynamic young zimbabwean woman who has dedicated her life to working for social change. Chido empowers orphan girls and women in coffee gorwing communities to transform agricultural surplus into nutritious food the food in this case in the protein-rich shiitake mushroom and the agricultural surplus coffee fruit pulp. Chido is a standard bearer at zeri (zero emissions research & initiatives), an organization focused on sustainability that strives to convert local resources into opportunities. In 20009 chido and zeri received the "sustainability award" of the specialty coffee association of america; the same year equator introduced this blend. A woman-owned coffee company, equator has been passionate about sustainability since 1995. For every bag sold, equator contributes $2.00 Toward chido's work with orphan girls, food security, and social change projects in africa, and around the world. Thank you for supporting chido's work.

12oz $15.95

2lb $36.20

Jardiniére

Origin - country: nicaragua, indonesia; profile - reveals a sweet, crisp, clean acidity typical of the best latin high-grown coffees. Nut tones with semi-sweet chocolate and cedar accents. When in san francisco, be sure to visit jardiniére for the award-winning french-california cuisine of chef traci des jardins.

12oz $14.95

2lb $33.90

Panther

Origin - country: latin america; profile - attention dark roast fans, this is our darkest roast. Our panther blend features high grown, extremely dense coffees from some of our favorite latin american origins. We take these coffees to the smoky edge, developing rich flavors that highlight bittersweet chocolate. Long time equator coffee drinkers may remember the names panther-zulu or simply zulu blend. Over the past few years we consolidated these blend names into one powerful dark roast. We think panther is fitting considering our practice of naming some of our blends after big cats.

12oz $14.95

2lb $33.90

Bouchon Blend

Origin - country: sumatra, latin americas, east africas; profile - this blend is served in all of chef thomas keller's bouchon bistros and bakeries. From manhattan to beverly hills and back to yountville where it all started, the bouchon blend is designed to satisfy a variety of tastes. For those that seek rich, smooth and layered flavors, this blend will consistently and effortlessly please. Incidentally, we find that this coffee compliments the bakery's signature macaron quite well.

12oz $14.95

2lb $33.90

The French Laundry Blend

Origin - country: indonesia, east africas; profile - located in the town of yountville, in a beautiful bucolic setting, the french laundry is chef thomas keller's flagship restaurant. Equator created a special blend to compliment the environment and the outstanding food. The french laundry blend combines flavors of sweet fruit and chocolate that produce perfect balance of flavor in the cup.

12oz $14.95

2lb $33.90

Per Se Blend

Origin - country: ethiopia, latin america, indonesia; profile - this blend is featured at per se, chef thomas keller's urban response to the french laundry. With flagship locations in new york, the elegance of the restaurant's surroundings is personified in the per se blend. Highlighting coffees from ethiopia, the blend features flavors of cherry and dark chocolate. The perfect conclusion to a fine meal at one of the best restaurants around.

12oz $14.95

2lb $33.90

Ad Hoc Blend

Origin - country: ethiopia, java, latin americas; profile - this blend was designed to be served in chef thomas keller's ad hoc restaurant. The community inspired restaurant is casual, serving family-style comfort food. Ad hoc blend was meant to complement the restaurant's minimalist elegance. The blend is well-balanced and fruit-forward with deep-toned chocolaty sweetness.

12oz $14.95

2lb $33.90

Decaf

Decaf Ethiopia Cilinga

Origin - country: ethiopia; altitude: 5,570 - 6,230 feet; varietals: heirloom; production method: washed; profile - grown in the fertile soils of southern ethiopia's oromia region and processed at the cilinga washing station. In the eleven years that this station has operated, the owners and workers have made continual quality improvements. Approximately 500 smallholder farmers bring their cherries to this washing station. Each farmer owns 1 to 2 hectares of land and grows coffee as a supplemental cash crop. After harvesting, the coffee is brought to the washing station where it is pulped immediately and distributed to one of eighteen fermentation tanks. The coffee is washed with clean water that comes directly from the mountain streams. Finally the coffee is dried on raised beds. This coffee is decaffeinated by swiss water using the water process method.

12oz $16.95

2lb $38.45

Decaf Equator Blend

Origin - country: central america, ethiopia

12oz $14.25

2lb $32.30

Decaf Espresso

Origin - country: central & south america

12oz $13.95

2lb $31.65

Decaf Eye of the Tiger

Origin - country: costa rica, ethiopia; profile - decaf eye of the tiger is a seasonally evolving espresso that features in-season coffees in a blend or single-origin format. We are pleased to offer this latest iteration, which is a blend of coffees from costa rica and ethiopia. We combined three coffees from costa rica, one from tarrazu and two from the west valley growing region, to provide balance, richness and spicy chocolate characteristics. These coffees are complimented by an intensely sweet and fruit-forward natural processed coffee from ethiopia. Together the espresso is smooth and nuanced with just the right balance of cherry-toned fruit to accent the rich, sweet chocolate flavor. We continue to offer this seasonally changing espresso at all of our coffee bars. This is a delicious espresso that just happens to be decaffeinated. Enjoy in your latte, macchiato or on its own cause it's just that good. Decaffeinated by swiss water using the water process method.

12oz $16.50

2lb $37.40

Decaf Organic Blend

Origin - country: latin america, indonesia

12oz $14.25

2lb $32.30