Introducing Swordfish Espresso Blend
We’re really excited to announce that we’re bringing Swordfish production back to Sherburn in Elmet.
For a while now we’ve wanted to produce something that was a little different; something that would expand our current coffee portfolio; something that would straddle contemporary and traditional approaches to blending. We wanted to conjure up a fantastic, multipurpose espresso blend that had a modern kick; a blend that created great-tasting drinks, but also explored origin unlike anything else that we offered.
And so, after plenty of experimentation and becoming slightly accustomed to the continued sight of our roasting team running around the place like the bunch of mad scientists that they are, we’re happy to say that our Swordfish blend is ready to go out of the door.
But why Swordfish?
We’re glad you asked!
Our headquarters and roasting facilities are located a stone’s throw away from Sherburn’s Airfield, which used to be an active RAF base during World War II.
Many aircraft flew from, and were stationed here during the war, but our local airfield is perhaps most well-known for housing a Ministry of Aircraft Production facility which built the Fairey Swordfish.
Despite being in the shadow of its more illustrious counterparts such as the Hawker Hurricane and the Supermarine Spitfire, the Fairey Swordfish became quite popular, with pilots commending the aircraft for its outstanding versatility and manoeuvrability in combat.
Instrumental in many a mission, the Swordfish’s most notable honours include their longstanding and vital presence in the Battle of the Atlantic (1939-45), the integral role they played in the Battle of Taranto (1940), and, most famously, for their active role in the crippling of the Bismarck (1941).
Without a doubt, the Fairey Swordfish is Sherburn’s most famous son and our blend is named in tribute to that great aircraft.
In the Cup
This blend works best through a machine and creates a bright and zesty espresso with plenty of substance. Expect a smoky aroma, one of nut and spice, and an initial note of chestnut that lingers before the signature tangerine flavours cut through.
With milk, you get a well-rounded cup with plenty going on to explore. The smack of orange is muted, but you still get a zing of tangerine whilst the nuttier notes of the Indian and Indonesian worm their way to the fore. And yes, that smoky aroma remains.
Though don’t be perturbed by trying it as a filter blend as we’ve found out that the fruity notes from the Colombian still work their way to the fore.
Origin
Swordfish is comprised of three high-quality single-estate coffees and as always, we’re upfront with where they’ve come from!
There’s no point keeping secrets between friends is there?
- Badra Estate Mysore
The Mysore used in Swordfish comes from an area near Bangalore and is particularly noted for its nuttiness and smooth body.
- COSURCA Medellin Excelso
Farmed by the COSURCA cooperative (one of our favourite Colombian partners), this high grown arabica brings the blend its signature fruity flavour by the bucket load!
- Java Semeru Robusta
This is a premium robusta that was actually sold as a stand-alone product by one London coffee roaster a few years ago, such is its quality. Full-bodied and with an interesting, nutty taste profile and wonderful aroma, this certainly isn’t your average robusta.
So there you have it. Sherburn in Elmet is once again producing Swordfish.
The Swordfish espresso blend is available to buy, with prices starting from £2.75 (200g). It also forms part of our in-house Café Range.
photo: UK Ministry of Defence (Creative Commons)