First Impressions is a series that (re)introduces and reviews new brands to My Subscription Addiction, drawing from readers' requests for an insider's first look. Interested in seeing more reviews from this brand, or have another box in mind that you'd like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.
Trade Coffee is the ultimate matchmaker for coffee lovers. You'll meet some of the most amazing coffee the U.S. has to offer. Each delivery includes small-batch coffee based on your tastes and preferences. After trying out your new coffee you can provide feedback and rate your order. Trade's in-house experts will then use this information to fine-tune all future deliveries. If your first bag isn't up to par, Trade will deliver a replacement for free.
What I love the most about Trade Coffee is its level of customization. You'll take an initial quiz that collects information on your preferences and brewing methods. Choose normal coffee or decaf, select your roast level and grind type, and add your preferred tasting notes. And don't worry, if you struggle with decision fatigue you can sign up for a preset subscription instead.
This review is of the Custom Subscription by Trade Coffee. I was matched with Extra-Roasty Dark Roasts based on my taste profile. Alternatively, you can subscribe to their Best Sellers Subscription.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
Backstory
If you're a regular reader of MSA, then you're no stranger to Trade Coffee. It's the reigning champ of several of our Readers' Choice lists including the best coffee subscriptions and cold brew subscriptions.
What's most impressive is Trade Coffee just launched back in 2018 while its major competitors have been around for decades. That fact alone made me want to try Trade Coffee, so I finally put it to the test!
I decided it would be fun to create a customized coffee subscription. I completed my taste profile letting them know that I prefer classic and straightforward coffee. I also indicated that I drink my coffee hot, but add in milk—I've grown weak since my café noir nights in college.
Trade Coffee matched me with its "Extra-Roasty Dark Roasts." Up first from this line was Juggernaut by PERC!
Meet this Month's Coffee: Juggernaut by Perc
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Trade Coffee matched me this month with Juggernaut by PERC Coffee. Known for being comforting and rich, this flagship espresso tastes great black, but shines brightest with milk.
Trade Coffee describes it as "featuring a rich body and deep sweetness." It tastes like "dark chocolate and toasted nuts with a kiss of roast." It originates from Brazil, specifically the Minas Gerais region.
PERC Coffee (originally Panther's Eye Roasting Company) is located in Savannah, Georgia. They've been in the business of sharing good times and amazing coffee with everyone they meet for over a decade.
Using a Pour-Over Maker
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Prior to this review, I had never used a pour-over maker. However, after reading Trade Coffee's pour-over guide I decided it was finally time to give it a try.
I typically use a percolator but have an awful habit of making too much coffee and forgetting about it. By the team I realize it (hours later) the coffee is scorched beyond recognition and comes out like tar.
The whole process took 10 minutes at most. This includes heating the water, measuring out the coffee, pouring in the water slowly, and then allowing the coffee to brew.
The coffee looked beautiful, but how would it taste?
Time for a Taste Test
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Simply put, Juggernaut by PERC was the purest dark roast I've had to date. This "dark-ish" roast was incredibly easy to savor. The hints of cocoa and brown sugar created the rich and comforting taste Trade Coffee had initially described.
My husband and I went through the six cups I made by noon. While I promise we're not caffeine addicts, we very well may become addicted to this brand.
Well done, Trade Coffee!
The Verdict
I remember reading Christen's Trade Coffee review a few years back. She shared that Trade Coffee nailed it from the get-go and converted her to a pour-over lover. "I literally made the most delicious cup of coffee my own two hands have ever made, and I took photos of myself drinking it to send to my friends. It was that good."
And guess what? She wasn't lying. I felt the same way about my first experience with Trade Coffee.
Not only was the coffee bold and beautiful, but I also converted to using a pour-over maker from a standard percolator. Oh, and I spent well over an hour documenting the experience...the things we do to capture new experiences.
Anyway, I'm really excited to see what my next shipment delivers. Will the next bag of coffee be just as delicious? Stay tuned!
Side Note—Is Trade Coffee Good for the Price?
The average price for a standard bag of freshly roasted coffee in the United States is roughly $17. While Trade Coffee costs $19.95 per bag, when you pay for a month-to-month subscription the price drops to $15.75(+shipping) per bag. If you prepay for three bags of coffee, it's like getting a bag for free. This brings down the price to $13.30 per bag, and you'll unlock free shipping.
If you're just trying out Trade Coffee on a one-time basis, the price is slightly higher than average. However, if you're willing to commit to a few months at a time, you'll save quite a bit of money in the long run. In my opinion, Trade Coffee is absolutely worth committing to! Especially considering you're gaining access to the best independent roasters throughout the country.
Writer's Note: You can also purchase coffee equipment from Trade Coffee as add-ons. They offer equipment like a Chemex, goose-neck kettle, and filters to help make pour-over coffee.
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