Stumptown Coffee Holler Mountain: Organic Medium Roast with Citrus & Caramel Notes

We’ve all been there. Staring at a wall of coffee options, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety. Light roast, dark roast, single-origin, blends… the choices can seem endless. But what if choosing a truly exceptional coffee could be less about guesswork and more about understanding the story behind the beans? Let’s embark on a journey to explore Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ Holler Mountain, an organic medium roast that exemplifies the best of specialty coffee.

Beyond the Buzzword: “Specialty Coffee” Explained

The term “specialty coffee” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? It’s not just a marketing gimmick. Specialty coffee represents a commitment to quality at every stage, from the farm to your cup. It encompasses factors like the coffee’s origin, the varietal of the bean, the processing method, the roasting profile, and even the brewing technique. It’s about appreciating coffee as an artisanal product, much like fine wine or craft beer.

Stumptown: A Pioneer in the Third Wave

Stumptown Coffee Roasters, based in Portland, Oregon, has been a leading force in what’s known as the “Third Wave” of coffee. This movement emphasizes quality, transparency, and sustainability, moving beyond the mass-produced, often stale coffee of the past. Stumptown focuses on sourcing exceptional beans, roasting them with precision, and building direct relationships with coffee producers.

Holler Mountain: More Than Just a Name

Holler Mountain, one of Stumptown’s signature blends, is a testament to this commitment. The name itself evokes a sense of place, hinting at the mountainous regions where high-quality coffee thrives. But it’s more than just a catchy name; it represents a carefully crafted blend of organic Arabica beans.

Did You Know? The name “Holler Mountain” might refer to a specific location, or it could be a metaphorical representation of the coffee’s vibrant and resonant flavor profile.

The Journey of the Bean: From Farm to Cup

The beans that make up Holler Mountain are sourced from Latin America and East Africa, two regions renowned for producing some of the world’s finest coffee. But the journey doesn’t end there. Stumptown’s commitment to Direct Trade is crucial to understanding the quality of this coffee.

Direct Trade: A Deeper Connection

Direct Trade goes beyond the more familiar concept of Fair Trade. While Fair Trade certification sets minimum price standards and promotes community development, Direct Trade involves building direct, long-term relationships with coffee producers. Stumptown works closely with farmers, often visiting their farms, collaborating on quality improvements, and paying prices that are significantly higher than Fair Trade minimums. This ensures that farmers are fairly compensated for their hard work and incentivizes them to produce the highest quality beans. It is a partnership, not just a transaction.

Behind the Scenes: Stumptown’s coffee buyers travel extensively, building personal relationships with farmers and their families. This fosters trust and allows for open communication about best practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

The Magic of Arabica

Holler Mountain is crafted exclusively from Arabica coffee beans. Arabica is prized for its delicate flavors, bright acidity, and smooth body. It’s generally considered superior to Robusta, the other major coffee species, which tends to be more bitter and have a higher caffeine content. The specific microclimates and altitudes where Arabica thrives contribute to the development of complex sugars and organic acids, resulting in a more nuanced and flavorful cup.

Did You Know? Arabica coffee plants are more susceptible to diseases and pests than Robusta, making their cultivation more challenging and demanding.

Decoding “Medium Roast”: The Science of Flavor

The “medium roast” designation of Holler Mountain is key to unlocking its flavor potential. During roasting, coffee beans undergo a series of complex chemical reactions, most notably the Maillard reaction. This reaction, which occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars, is responsible for creating hundreds of different aroma and flavor compounds. Caramelization, another crucial process, involves the breakdown of sugars, contributing to the coffee’s sweetness and body. A medium roast strikes a delicate balance, preserving the bright acidity of the beans while developing caramel and nutty notes. It avoids the darker, more bitter flavors associated with darker roasts.

The Flavor Symphony: Unpacking Holler Mountain’s Profile

So, what does Holler Mountain actually taste like? The flavor profile is a delightful interplay of citrus zest, caramel, and hazelnut. The citrus notes, often described as “bright” or “zesty,” come from the organic acids present in the beans. The caramel notes are a product of the Maillard reaction and caramelization, while the hazelnut undertones add a layer of complexity and richness. This combination creates a balanced and approachable cup that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Did You Know? Professional coffee tasters, known as “cuppers,” use a standardized protocol and a specialized vocabulary to evaluate coffee. They assess attributes like aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste.

Brewing Brilliance: Getting the Most Out of Your Holler Mountain

Because Holler Mountain comes pre-ground, it’s incredibly convenient for drip coffee makers. However, to truly elevate your brewing experience, consider these tips:

• Water Quality Matters: Use filtered water to avoid any off-flavors that might interfere with the coffee’s delicate nuances.
• The Golden Ratio: A good starting point is two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water. Adjust this ratio to suit your personal preference.
• Temperature is Key: The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Bloom, baby, bloom: Some users, like Jack, have found success with the pour-over method. To do this, pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds and letting them sit for 30-45 seconds. This “bloom” allows the coffee to degas, releasing trapped carbon dioxide and enhancing the flavor.

Behind the Scenes: Stumptown’s baristas undergo rigorous training to master the art of coffee brewing. They learn to control variables like water temperature, grind size, and brewing time to extract the optimal flavor from each coffee.

Organic Matters: Why Choose Certified Coffee?

The “USDA Organic” certification on the Holler Mountain bag signifies that the coffee beans were grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Organic farming practices promote biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. While the direct impact on flavor is debated, many coffee lovers believe that organic coffee has a cleaner, purer taste.

Beyond the Cup: Stumptown’s Commitment to Sustainability

Stumptown’s commitment to ethical sourcing goes beyond Direct Trade and organic certification. As a Certified B Corporation, they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This means they consider the impact of their business on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

A Final Sip: The Enduring Appeal of Holler Mountain

Stumptown Holler Mountain offers more than just a caffeine fix; it’s an invitation to explore the world of specialty coffee. It’s a testament to the dedication of coffee farmers, the artistry of roasters, and the simple pleasure of a well-crafted cup. By understanding the story behind the beans – from the sustainable sourcing to the carefully calibrated roast – you can appreciate the nuances of flavor and the positive impact your choice can have. So, go ahead, brew a cup, and savor the experience.

One user, Carol, raved about this coffee being the only one not causing her sinus problems, stating: “I have tried so many coffees, but they all made me sick sooner or later with heavy sinus inflammation and congestion…due to being overly bitter. I have never had a problem with Stumptown coffee.” While individual reactions can vary, this suggests a level of quality and roasting care that minimizes potential irritants. It must be stated, however, that any statement regarding health issues should be verified by the FDA, and Stumptown Coffee and this article do not claim to treat or prevent any disease.

Another user, John Hawkins, found a coffee similar to Dunkin coffee, of which he has nostalgic memories of: “Been searching for a coffee similar to what Dunkin’ was like back in the 70’s. Gave this a try and will say I am very impressed”.