good blend with columbian beans

[lovethatcoffee]

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on a good blend using Colombian beans ( and anything else). Are there some definite "don'ts"? I know this is a random question but I am looking to try blending for the first time.

 

[dstrand]

A general rule when blending, is to combine beans with different characteristics. For example, take something with a bright acidity, and try combining it with a full-bodied coffee. No matter what, test it out before you sell it. Test small batches, and experiment.
Try different blends / roasts... play. That's the only way you can really learn, and it's fun besides.

In regard to your question; I've blended Colombian Excelsio with a nice brazil and had terrific results.

What are you blending it for? Drip coffee? Espresso? Be sure to try it in the application for which you're blending it.

 

[peterjschmidt]

Another thought would be to use it as a melange, two or more roasts of the same coffee taken to varying roast levels.

 

[slurp]

Peter has a lot of great suggestions. I use Colombian in a lot of blends. Try it with some Guat. Most

 

[peterjschmidt]

For my customers that prefer a dark roast, I sell The Alley Cat Blend; "stands up to a piece of chocolate cake and laughs!" It's Colombian and Sumatra, 60/40, taken to a strong Vienna.

 

[lovethatcoffee]

Ok, thats helpful. Do many people blend africans with any south/central american beans? I am blending for drip coffee. I have a couple espresso blends that are reasonable, but that is a mother animal. I have had so many different drip blends that I'm trying to grasp some of the common ones to see which I like best.

 

[peterjschmidt]

I guess the question would be, "Why are you trying to come up with a blend?" Is the Colombian not able to stand on its own merit?

 

[eldub]

Take the colombian to the dark side of medium and blend with a central american roasted just a tad lighter. Sample @2 parts colombian and 1 part central american and then reverse amounts to see which you like best.

Or take the colombian to french and blend w/ sidamo roasted to the light side of medium. (2 parts sidamo, 1 part colombian.)

 

[Mhippo]

there are templates and guidelines on creating a blend at Sweet Maria's I started from one of theirs to make my own blend.

 

[flphotog]

I've been using Colombian and Brazilian at about 3 to 1 and am very happy with the results.