Last fall we introduced our limited edition single origin (mono origine) coffee: the Sumatra Boru Batak from the southern shores of Lake Toba, Indonesia. It's our feature coffee for January, and if you haven't tried it yet, now is the time; our supply of this delightfully complex coffee is nearly gone. What makes mono origine coffee so special? In a word, traceability. Single origin beans generally come from one farm (or co-op) in a particular region. It's flavor is directly influenced by the environmental factors in that region: elevation, soil content, micro-climate, harvest and processing methods. The same coffee can...

Our best suggestions on how to stay warm this time of year. Bicerin A traditional beverage in Torino, the Bicerin is a luxurious afternoon indulgence. Known for its distinct layered presentation in a stemmed glass, this deliciously gorgeous drink is made with espresso, chocolate sauce from pure Pernigotti Cocoa, and a smooth whipped cream top. During the winter, you'd be hard pressed to find a lovelier way to pass an afternoon than with a Bicerin.   Mocha Piccante For those especially blustery days, the Mocha Piccante is a perfect combination of bold, smooth, and creamy with a spicy kick. This...

Cold Brew Coffee (Infusione a Freddo)Try Them All   As the late summer days take hold and our lives relax under the high sun, there is nothing quite so refreshing as Caffè Umbria’s  infusione a freddo. Available at all cafés, this is iced coffee reinvented.  Its perfectly balanced flavor and distinctively smooth texture are hallmark characteristics meant to be savored and enjoyed in the summer heat. Our handcrafted cold brew is prepared with care, slow and cold, resulting in a chilled, complex coffee that is full-bodied and naturally sweet. Recently rated as the best cold brew in Portland, we take...

If your dad enjoys coffee, here are our top picks for a Father's Day gift from his favorite kid (that's you!)  Coffee Subscription Make sure your dad doesn't run out of coffee, but on your terms.From one bag to as many as you want, you can have coffee delivered to your dad's doorstep automatically.   Coffee To-Go Busy, on-the-go dads will appreciate this stylish 16oz black and silver ceramic travel tumbler.With double wall construction, it keeps beverages hot or cold. Weekend Coffee Make sure your dad gets this Saturday and Sunday off to a good start with this Caffè Umbria...

Innovations in Coffee Growing at CoopePalmares R.L. 2015-2016 Crop By Pete Maskiell - The Caffè Umbria Farm Alliance Project was started in 2015 as a way for us to expand our support of the coffee cooperatives we work with. This year’s recipient of our contribution is CoopePalmares R.L. for the purchase of an innovative new coffee plant nursery.In a traditional coffee nursery, individual plants grow in recyclable plastic bags filled with about 4 pounds of soil.  In Costa Rica, common practice is to place two plants next to each other in the same bag, doubling their crop for a yield...