We haven’t done much coffee review content for a while. Largely because our process has traditionally been very intense. Brewing 8 different ways and finding the good and bad, likes and dislikes.
But change is no bad thing, and we want to get things going again on the coffee front!
What better way to start than with Rave Coffee, one of my favourite roasteries in the UK. When I saw their Tusk African Blend No.24 email, I was straight in. Largely out of intrigue, but I needed some beans any way, so I clicked “buy” (along with some other bits!).
Tusk Africa
Before we start on the coffee, let’s shine a bit of light on Tusk Africa!
“Tusk has been supporting forward-thinking and successful conservation work in Africa since 1990.
Together with project partners, they are tackling the evolving threats to Africa’s biodiversity and affected communities, supporting organisations to protect endangered species, promote human-wildlife coexistence, find sustainable solutions to maintain critical habitats, and provide engaging and impactful conservation education programmes.”
Rave coffee are giving £1 from the sale of each bag, to Tusk Africa to support their work and efforts. Which is pretty commendable, indeed!
The review
This one is a bit different to our old ways. Largely out of necessity, truth be told. But also, because why not?
We’ve exclusively brewed the Tusk African Blend using the Hario V60 and the Aeropress. Essentially going “drip only”. So no espresso, no moka pot , not even a cold brew (I have some Rave Cold Brew blend to try next!). There’s been no cafetiere or even Chemex (in hindsight, this would have been a wonderful, clean brew in the Chemex!).
We’ve been grinding the beans to our preference, and not lost loads to dialling in for different methods (big cost saver here!). Plus, we can always come back and try them again as an espresso-only drink, too. It’s needs to flex a little.
Tusk Africa Blend No.24
Listed as a medium-dark roast. Rave are delivering top-grade Rwandan and Burundian beans from a number of smallholders, and delivering a “bold, balanced cup with notes of cherry, honeycomb, and cocoa”.
Is that what we got?
Well…..I think we’d see more of these notes in an espresso, for sure. Something thicker with a more velvety mouthfeel. The roast is almost asking to be an espresso brew, isn’t it?!
Rave aren’t slouches, though. They know how to source, and roast a bean! And it’s a delicious blend as a drip coffee.
The fruity, cherry notes are really prominent and whilst I’m not personally getting that sweet honeycomb flavour, it’s a very bright cup of coffee.
When you consider a darker roast to be much more bitter, there’s a really nice balancing act performed here where the bitterness is kept at bay, and it’s a surprisingly mellow drink.
Granted, the drip process and the paper filters could brighten it all a little. Not so much that it would take any of the depth or darkness away. The Tusk African Blend is really pleasant and fruity, which is a massive surprise for a darker roast, indeed!
A warm, bright cup with none of the bitterness you’d expect. Some nutty/chocolate elements in the background. It’s been an absolute treat and a pleasure to drink.
Espresso
I feel like the Tusk African Blend will likely be an excellent espresso, so that’s my next move with these. Although with the Gaggia Classic out of action, it’ll be a while until we’re able to do that properly.
Hopefully Rave are still doing this blend by then!
I’ll try it in the Moka Pot, and see how it comes out there, too. But I wanted to get this out there because it’s been a real treat and it’s for a good cause, too!
Next up
I also got the Rave Cold Brew blend, which even comes pre-ground to meet their specification. So I’ll be popping that in the Hario Mizudashi over the next couple of weeks and we’ll report back on that.
Will be hoping to put some videos of that up over on TikTok, too!
Who doesn’t love a cold brew in Summer? Hopefully we haven’t already missed all the sun for the year.