Proud Mary Coffee, the pride of Collingwood.

Posted By admin, May 01,2015, in Featured roaster

Featured roaster – May 2015

May marks exactly a year since we began our coffee subscription offering, and what better way to ring in this milestone than with an iconic Melbourne roaster – Proud Mary.

Proud Mary is the brainchild of 2006 WA Barista Champion Nolan Hirte, who refined his craft in Christchurch and then Perth. His excitement of making coffee for people to enjoy led to him being one of the first to introduce specialty coffee to this great nation, and in doing so, made the realisation of Proud Mary a no-brainer decision – and my are we ever-thankful he chose Melbourne to base that dream.

Armed with a mission to showcase coffee in all it’s glory, their inherent belief is that great coffee comes down to the origins – the farm, farmers, region, conditions, and processing all play together to affect the fundamental flavours of the final cup, thus nurturing this is an optimal interest. They pride themselves on sourcing green beans direct from farming families and building close, lasting relationships, facilitating greater touch and visibility of the process and end product – all the while contributing to improving their standard of living.

Always keen to encourage people to try something different, they recently opened their dedicated black coffee bar at Aunty Pegs nestled in the heart of Collingwood just down the road from Proud Mary Cafe – the one that started it all. In addition to housing the roastery, green bean storage, and new cafe, this location also makes provisions for planned training facilities allowing coffee education to both the coffee enthusiastic and unacquainted alike, in keeping with their mission to educate and empower. Admirable aspirations if you ask us.

Now on to the coffee…

Espresso drinkers

Enjoy their Humbler blend, which showcases beans from various regional lots spanning Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. This combination collectively embodies rich chocolate and syrupy brown sugar flavours sure to deliver a delightful drink. Explorers will also enjoy the Brazil Sitio Sao Sebatio single origin, which hails from the south east region of Sao Paulo. The farm of which this microlot is situated has been run by the Riccetto family for nearly five decades, and continues to be a hands-on family operation with all generations on deck. This Red Catuai varietal boasts flavours of red berries with delicious smooth milk chocolate.

Filter drinkers

Get the pleasure of two single origin roasts this month. First up is the Rwanda, a bourbon varietal from the Ngoma microlot in the Rushashi region. This cup is characterised by juicy blackcurrant and jasmine notes, with a hint of earl grey to balance – yielding a clean and juicy cup. The Explorers also get to try the Brazil Sitio Sao Sebastio roasted for filter. The natural sun-dried process combined with lighter roast highlights the red berry brightness – but not without the milk chocolate undertone.

We’re sure you’ll agree that Proud Mary was well worth the wait.

Stay caffeinated
Team No-BS