Since Nestlé began selling Nespresso in the 1990s, its colorful capsules have revolutionized coffee consumption in the West, finding their way into 30 percent of Michelin-starred restaurants and generating an estimated $4 billion in sales by 2015. Amidst this transformative era in coffee culture, Amir Gehl’s journey from a tea and wine aficionado to a titan in the premium coffee industry encapsulates the impact and allure of capsule coffee. Initially skeptical, the convenience, novelty, and quality offered by Nespresso piqued Gehl’s interest, leading him down a path of exploration and ultimately to the foundation of Difference Coffee, a company now synonymous with luxury coffee experiences in London’s elite circles, including La Dame de Pic at the Four Seasons, Harry’s Bar, Mark’s Club in Mayfair, and 67 Pall Mall. Gehl’s story is a testament to the changing landscape of coffee consumption, from the kitchen counter to the most exclusive tables in the capital.
The turning point came with the acquisition of an espresso machine, a gift from his wife, which led Gehl to explore the world of coffee capsules. His experiments revealed a flavor superior to what he had experienced in upscale restaurants. This exploration reached its peak during a visit to Harrods, where he encountered Kona coffee from Hawaii, priced at £200 per kilo. This experience sparked the idea for Difference Coffee, a venture aimed at marrying the world’s finest coffees with the convenience of capsules, based on the principle that capsules preserve the freshness and flavor of coffee by protecting it from oxidation.
Gehl’s search for the finest coffee beans took him to international coffee competitions and auctions, where the best beans from major coffee-producing regions are graded and sold. These competitions, including the prestigious Cup of Excellence, not only celebrate the finest coffees but also support exceptional coffee farmers by bringing their products to an international audience. Only coffees scoring 86 or higher out of 100 are considered “specialty grade,” a distinction achieved by only 1% of coffee produced worldwide.
Difference Coffee has become the largest supplier of coffees awarded by the Cup of Excellence, sourcing top lots from Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Burundi, Guatemala, and more. The collection includes renowned varieties such as Kona, Blue Mountain, Geisha, and Kopi Luwak, each selected for its unique flavor profile and excellence.
Understanding Premium Coffee
In the world of premium coffee, each cup offers a unique narrative—a testament to its origin, processing, and preparation. Gehl emphasizes three key elements in choosing and appreciating coffee:
Temperature plays a pivotal role in the development of coffee cherries, significantly influencing their flavor profile. The climatic conditions at high elevations bring about cooler temperatures, leading to slower growth rates. This gradual maturation process allows the cherries to develop a more complex sugar composition and a richer acidity, contributing to the coffee’s nuanced flavor palette.
Roasting is the transformative phase where the inherent flavors of the coffee bean are developed and highlighted. This crucial step requires a meticulous approach to ensure that the unique characteristics of each bean are brought to the forefront, allowing for a fuller, more expressive cup of coffee.
Brewing method greatly affects the final taste of the coffee. Espresso, characterized by its strong, concentrated flavor, offers a less aromatic yet bold experience. On the other hand, filtered coffee employs a slower extraction process, enhancing the coffee’s inherent tastes and, contrary to popular belief, contains more caffeine due to its longer brewing time.
Exploring Varieties of Premium Coffee
- Yellow Bourbon (Brazil): This heirloom variety of Coffee Arabica is celebrated for its vibrant acidity and hint of citrus notes, rounded off with a rich dark chocolate finish. Yellow Bourbon is an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic everyday coffee, which pairs splendidly with milk to create indulgent cappuccinos and flat whites.
- Hawaii Kona (Hawaii): Among the rarest and most sought-after coffees, Kona coffee is grown in the unique microclimate of the Kona Coffee Belt on Hawaii’s Big Island. Its rich, smooth, and bold flavor profile, accentuated with dark chocolate notes and a delicate acidity, offers a quintessential coffee experience.
- Jamaica Blue Mountain (Jamaica): Grown in a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is famed for its mellow, chocolatey flavor. Its smooth and well-balanced nature makes it one of the most revered and luxurious coffees in the world.
- Wild Kopi Luwak (Indonesia): As the most expensive coffee globally, Wild Kopi Luwak boasts an extraordinary origin, having been partially digested by civet cats. This natural process results in a coffee that is delicate, complex, and richly flavorful, offering a taste that is as unique as its production method.
- Esmeralda Geisha Washed (Panama): This exceptional Arabica varietal stands out with its rich aromatics and perfect balance. Scoring 94 points by ‘Coffee Review’, Esmeralda Geisha is celebrated for its silky-smooth mouthfeel and unparalleled quality, making it a highly coveted choice among coffee enthusiasts.
- Swiss Water Decaf (Guatemala): For those seeking a decaffeinated option without compromising on taste, the Swiss Water Decaf is a specialty-grade Guatemalan coffee decaffeinated through a 100% chemical-free process. This method ensures that the coffee retains its delicious natural flavors and aromas, making it indistinguishable from its caffeinated counterparts.
Each of these premium coffees represents the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship, embodying the rich diversity and complexity of the coffee world. Through understanding the nuances of temperature, roasting, and brewing, alongside exploring these exquisite varieties, coffee enthusiasts can deepen their appreciation for the art and science of premium coffee.
Ethical Consumption and Support for Coffee Farmers
A core principle of Difference Coffee is ethical consumption. The company ensures that all proceeds from auctions go directly to the farmers, offering them a fair price for their exceptional products. This approach contrasts with traditional practices where farmers may receive only a fraction of the final retail price. By paying significantly more for their beans, Difference Coffee supports sustainable farming practices and helps improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers.
For coffee enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the world of premium coffee offers a rich tapestry of flavors, stories, and experiences. Through ventures like Difference Coffee, consumers have the opportunity to explore this world, one cup at a time, while supporting ethical and sustainable practices within the coffee industry.
Website: www.differencecoffee.com
