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By
Bryan Huynh
We are taking a destination trip to Ecuador, a country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast. Its diverse geography comprises the Amazon rainforest, the Andean mountains, and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. Enjoy these amazing scenery with a hot, bold cup of joe. To do so in Ecuador itself is on the bucket list for sure but for now, I’ll settle for having the next best thing – having the coffee beans shipped straight to me!
I have tried a lot of coffee before, but nothing compares to this, especially if you like the flavor of medium-dark roasts. Each brew reveals the amount of effort that went into each package. Continue reading to learn more about the Atlas Coffee Club Ecuador! Check out our Coffee Club page to compare and read more reviews of our favorite coffee clubs
I want you to picture this the next time you sip Ecuadorian coffee. Spiked iguanas navigate the rocky Sierras, tropical penguins swim in the blue seas of the Galapagos, and spotted jaguars relax in the thick Amazonian forest. Welcome to multifaceted Ecuador, one of the world's most ecologically varied countries. This small country is a magnificent world in itself, with white sand beaches scattered with seals, expansive cloud forests and arching canopies, vibrant textiles, and breathtaking cliff sides of Andean communities.
On Isla Santa Cruz, take a playful swing over the foggy Casa del Arbol canyon and a meandering, surreal swim down the tiny, jagged crevasse. Explore Quito's historical Calle Garcia Moreno, which follows the route of a sacred Incan procession. Turn away from the elegant, pointed Neo-Gothic cathedrals and look toward the capital's snow-capped Pichincha volcano. Ecuador is a study in priceless contrast and diversity. Only 6% of the country's rich tropical rainforests remain today. Your purchase of the Atlas Coffee Club Ecuador coffee will further support sustainable specialty coffee farmers preserve and protect what they have left.
Coffee was first grown along Ecuador’s coast in 1860, but only became a major commercial focus after cacao crops were threatened by disease in the 1920s. Ecuador was soon well-known for low quality beans used in instant coffee. But as global coffee prices plummeted in the 1980s, so did coffee coffee cultivation. Most Ecuadorian coffee is grown on very small farms, and small farmers could no longer earn back the money spent to grow and cultivate coffee. In recent years, however, a newfound interest in specialty coffee has led to exciting developments in certain pockets of the industry. These quality-focused farmers hand-pick each coffee cherry only when ripe, and adopt sustainable practices like shade-growing to ensure that Ecuador’s one of a kind biodiversity is preserved and protected. Ecuador’s ability to produce some of the top 1% of the world’s best coffee is due to the cool winds and the rich volcanic soil, resulting in a well balanced and rounded brew.
A great part about Atlas Coffee Club is their variety. Ecuador is one of only 15 countries in the world that grows and exports both Arabica and Robusta coffee. Coffee from Zamora, Ecuador might be a top 10 contender for me. This one-of-a-kind product features a subtle lemony aroma, a silky body, and a clean finish. You can definitely taste notes of key lime pie with chocolate, sea salt, and raspberries. This coffee is both balanced and vibrant.
Region: Zumba
Altitude: 1800-2000 Meters
Processing: Fully washed
Body: Full-Body
Tasting Notes: Orange Zest, Dark Chocolate, Raisin
Flavor Profile: Key lime pie with chocolate, sea salt, and raspberries
Atlas Coffee Club's delivery package had a strong, fragrant odor when it arrived! It offers a selection of the world's best single origin coffees, a monthly coffee and postcard from a new location, and tasting notes for each batch. This shipment box contained whole beans so you will need to blend it yourself but it is so worth it! The ordering and shipping process was quick and simple, and you should have it within 3-6 business days.
To begin, simply sign up for the subscription to Atlas Coffee Club:
You should try the dark roasts, it is well balanced, not too dark or chalky but full of great flavor. I recommend purchasing freshly roasted coffee beans if it is readily available for you. Avoid the ones that have been sitting on shelves. Consider how long they have been sitting on the shelves or in warehouses. A great part about purchasing coffee from Atlas Coffee Club is that everything is roasted fresh to order. And once you select your preferred coffee type, you can then specify what exactly you want it ground for (ex. Drip Machine, French Press, Pour over, etc.).
Learn more about Atlas Coffee Club here.
I could tell they spent a great deal of time and effort into the packaging from the moment I opened it. It appeared that I had traveled across the country to bring this one-of-a-kind coffee blend back with me. Because I didn't know much about Ecuador, the facts and post card were a nice touch. It compels me to consider the origins of the goods I consume. The first sip took me by surprise. Despite my preference for light to medium roast coffee, this was a game changer for me. It may have even transformed my taste buds! This medium to dark roast brings out the body of the cup.
Personally, I would give the Atlas Coffee Club Ecuador a cupping score of 87/100. Based on the Total Score Quality Classification, it would be considered excellent, also known as a specialty coffee.
The Cupping Form allows you to note the following coffee flavor qualities: Fragrance/Aroma, Flavor, Aftertaste, Acidity, Body, Balance, Uniformity, Clean Cup, Sweetness, Defects, and Overall. These are evaluated on a 16-point scale indicating quality levels in quarter-point increments ranging from 6 to 9. To score your coffee, go through each specific flavor attribute and mark the points based on your own personal appraisal.
The Final Score is calculated by adding the individual scores for each of the key criteria in the "Total Score" box. Defects are then subtracted from the “Total Score” to arrive at a “Final Score.” The Scoring Key below has shown to be an effective technique to represent the range of coffee quality for the Final Score.
Coffee lovers out there, this is your sign to ditch your old brews. Overall, Atlas Coffee Club was such a great experience. If you aren’t scared of a little adventure, I would 100% recommend their service! With each shipment, you will learn a new story by exploring and curating coffees from countries around the world. Ecuador cultivates some of the best, specialty coffee beans in the world due to its rich biodiversity. This is best suited for those who enjoy a cup of medium to dark roasts. You will receive your hand picked and hand crafted box including an Ecuador postcard, info card, and your selection of grind type in 3 to 6 days. The Atlas Coffee Club Ecuador brewed a great tasting AND smelling cup of coffee. Grown at an altitude of 1,800- 2,000 meters, this dark roast develops taste notes of Orange Zest, Dark Chocolate, Raisin and clean finish of key lime pie with chocolate, sea salt, and raspberries.
If you don’t believe me, try it out for yourself and really try to taste each flavor with your sips. And if you’re still not interested in a bean from Ecuador, head back to our list of coffee reviews! We’ve taste-tested a ton of coffee. Check these out:
Atlas Coffee Tanzania Blend Review
Atlas Coffee Kenya AA Nyeri Blend Review
Bryan Huynh
Product Tester & Writer
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Edited by:
Bryan Huynh
•
Product Tester & Writer
