Marley Coffee, Jammin Java
Kingston, Jamaica and Los Angeles, CA

Try one of five delicious Marley Coffee roasts. Photo: Marley Coffee

Reviewed: November 2009
Overall Rating: 96 points

Aroma: 8
Acidity: 8
Body: 9
Flavor: 9
Aftertaste: 9
Roast: Dark

The 411: This roast is certified organic coffee and certified Fair Trade coffee. Rohan Marley (Bob Marley’s son) and friend Shane Whittle started Marley Coffee to fulfill Bob’s dream to “return to the farm one day.” Visit Marley Coffee for more information and don’t forget to follow them on Twitter.

The Setup: Like the package says “sultry, smoky and sweet…” and that is just what it is and much more. At first sniff, the aroma fills with earthy overtones and comes together with tastes of dark chocolate and berries at first sip. The finish is silky smooth.

The Delivery: Its complex flavors and deep roasty aromas sets off nicely for a smooth  complete finish leaving you wanting more. And more.

• Who grew it?
• Was it fair trade?
• Do the farmers take care of the surrounding environment?
• What’s the environmental impact of this coffee?
• What’s the economic impact of this coffee?

Rather than Google all the answers, simply look for the “certified organic” or “certified fair trade” on the label. This means that the coffee you are about to buy went through a  lengthy application process with the governing body that ensures that all the processes leading up to your putting it in your cart were environmentally friendly.

Meaning, the coffee beans were grown without pesticides that endanger the surrounding environments animals and crops. They were cultivated with low-impact techniques to keep the surrounding areas fertile and unharmed. They were packaged and shipping with low-impact procedures. And the coffee traders bought them from the growers at a reasonable price, ensuring more money goes into the local economy.

One extraordinary company taking this to heart is Longbottom Coffee & Tea. Longbottom buys fair trade coffees, estate coffees, co-op coffees, and organic coffees which are shade grown, bird friendly and sustainable. Longbottom has been a certified organic producer since January, 2003. Their Cafe Equitas brand of coffees is certified organic by Oregon Tilth in accordance with FDA and NOP standards.

In fact, they’ve been selected as a training location for organic inspectors.

Environmental Responsibility
Longbottom has taken it once step further. Not only do they take a stance on who and where they buy, they also practice what they preach, by:

• Packaging goods with recycled boxes
• Using biodegradable popcorn starch packing peanuts and recycled newspaper packing materials
• Use small and fuel efficient half-ton cargo vans to make local deliveries
• Use afterburner systems on all roasters to reduce emissions
• Use recycled paper for much of their for printing

Social Responsibility
Longbottom could have stopped there and went on its merry way feeling good all the way home, but it didn’t.

Believing it’s their responsibility “to help economically disadvantaged coffee producers,” they purchase and promote organic and Fair Trade coffees and are sponsors of Coffee Kids, an international non-profit organization established to improve the quality of life for children and families who live in coffee-growing communities around the world.

How can you help them help others? They’ve been so kind as to donate a little bit from every sale of Longbottom coffee to Coffee Kids on a monthly basis.

If you can’t stop by their show room located at 4893 NW 235th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124, visit them online. I hear their Equitas Black Gold is delicious!

Reviewed: October 2009
Overall Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Aroma: 9
Acidity: 8
Body: 9
Flavor: 9
Aftertaste: 8

Roast: Bold

Assessment: The package says “roasty aroma with deep, bold flavor” … and that is exactly how I felt about Seattle’s Best Twilight Decaf Organic Twilight . When I opened up the package, I was met with a very deep and rich aroma. After pouring into my cup, my first sniff was definitely much the same. It’s a sniff that will open your eyes and give you a perky outlook for the day… and that’s before the initial taste. When the coffee hits your tongue, you’re afraid the boldness will take over you mouth and be too much. It’s the contrary. I hits your mouth and leaves you with a smooth taste with a sweetness from the chocolate notes.

Who should drink it: If you enjoy a slightly bolder aroma with a smooth start and finish, then this is the coffee for you.
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Notes: This coffee is Fair Trade Certified by TransFair USA. Founded in 1970, Seattle’s Best Coffee opened it’s first shop on a front porch on Vashon Island… only accessible by ferry, pleasure bout or kayak. The original “Henry’s Blend” was named after a curious tabby cat that would come around every time they were roasting… his name, Henry.

With more than 30 whole bean and ground coffees, including flavored, organic and Fair Trade Certified, Seattle’s Best Coffee boasts more than 540 cafes in the U.S. There also in more than 3,900 foodservice locations. Check them out at www.seattlesbest.com or call them at 800-611-7793.

FYI – Seattle’s Best Coffee is owned by Starbucks.