El Oso is a specialty-grade coffee from the Tinganga region in Kiambu County, Kenya. This washed coffee is a mixed variety lot produced with an organic approach. It offers a sweet and juicy cup profile characterized by notes of cane sugar, tangerine brightness, and a pineapple finish. The coffee is sourced through direct relationships and importers, ensuring fair compensation for producers.
Old Spike Roastery was founded in 2014 by Richard Robinson and Cemel Ezel in Peckham, South London, as what they describe as the first specialty coffee roaster to operate as a social enterprise. Sixty five percent of profits fund their mission to reduce homelessness through training, employment, and ongoing support. The roastery runs a barista training academy at its Loughborough Junction site, and their first employee, Lucy, was hired from a Big Issue position. They roast on a traditional machine named Torberg, working with direct trade, specialty grade Arabica. The operation is carbon neutral, with recyclable or compostable packaging and a partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects that plants a tree for every bag sold.
