This coffee is a Mariana F1 hybrid from the Aquiares Estate in the Turrialba region of Costa Rica, grown at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,400 meters. It is a washed process coffee produced by Diego Robelo. The flavor profile features notes of caramel, vanilla, and candied lemon. The coffee is grown under a native shade canopy on a carbon-negative estate.
Kiss the Hippo launched in 2018 as London's first carbon negative coffee roastery. Every coffee they sell is certified organic by the Soil Association and certified carbon negative, with reforestation projects in Colombia, Madagascar, Zambia, and Nepal through a partnership with Swiss nonprofit On A Mission. They pay farmers at least 50% above Fair Trade prices, often double. The roastery has won the UK Barista Championships three times, with victories by Joshua Tarlo in 2018, Paul Ross in 2019, and Paul Ross again in 2020 and now supplies seven London café locations. Sustainability extends to fully compostable pods, recyclable packaging, a Living Wage commitment, and a partnership with bio bean that turns used grounds into biofuels.
