If it weren’t for Aussies and Kiwis, Europe’s specialty coffee scene probably would have taken a lot longer to take off. I still recall how many of the people who got Amsterdam’s third wave coffee culture moving had either come from Downunder or had spent time there working as baristas and roasters before heading back to Europe with a vision in mind. The same can be said of many leading Parisian roasters like Lomi, Belleville, Coutume, KB Coffee and our latest partner Cayo Coffee.
To its Aussie founder Fox Mcinerney, who moved to Paris in 2010 and immediately lamented the lack of ‘Melbourne style’ specialty coffee shops in the French capital, it was clear that something had to be done. His first venture, Good News Coffee – not to be confused with the brand by the same name with the smiley logo that recently popped up in Amsterdam – was one of the first in the city to offer perfectly prepared flat whites in the 15th arrondisment.
After a few years, Fox felt the itch and started contemplating the idea of roasting his own coffee as well. Following the end of all Covid restrictions, he started searching for a home for his new venture and soon found a bright and airy space in the 13th arrondisment, which turned out to be just a tad too big for his needs. Queue Fox’s long-time friend and pub owner Daniel Aguirre who was looking to set up a new natural wine bar and food concept. The two budding entrepreneurs soon joined forces and created Cayo Coffee Roasters, which offers much more than just great coffee and wine. You can go there for delicious and creative dishes, outstanding pastries and vibey electronic music in the evenings as well.
As someone who has been a huge fan of the French specialty coffee scene for a while, I was immediately intrigued when Fox first reached out to me a few weeks ago to propose a partnership. Though I have worked with most of Paris’s big roasters, there are always exciting new names popping up that I am keen to shine the spotlight on and Cayo Coffee is a great example of that. I really like its colourful packaging and small but excellent selection of seasonal coffees.
For the most recent cupping in early October, Fox sent over a two of his most delicious coffees for us to sample. The winner, in the end, was a really sweet and satisfying washed Peruvian coffee from producer Cirilo Andarapino who farmed potatoes and alpacas before moving his family down from the highlands towards the coffee growing region of Cusco to start growing specialty coffee. Cirilo is part of the Incahuasi Coop that has been doing outstanding work in the Cusco, Ayacucho and Apurimac regions of Peru where they work with small-holder farmers help bring prosperity and economic development.
This is a washed, 23h dry honey fermentation Bourbon lot that has a lovely mouthfeel and pleasing mellow after taste. Order yours.
To receive this excellent coffee or to order any of our other offerings, just visit our shop now.
Pre-orders close on 15.11.2024 / Ships globally on 20.11.2024
