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.
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Meet this Month's Coffee: Dreamer Decaf by Alma
This month I decided to switch things up! I haven't had a solid decaf in quite some time so I decided to let Trade Coffee take me on a journey. The artwork on this bag initially caught my eye when viewing my queue. Then, I was sold seconds later after seeing the tasting notes.
Originating from Nicaragua, Dreamer Decaf by Alma is described as having hints of almond, chocolate, and graham cracker. This sounded perfect for a cup of coffee in the late afternoon or early evening with dinner or dessert. Alma shared "We roast this coffee to be a dark yet smooth cup that will satisfy even the non-decaf crowd."
Its roaster, Alma Coffee, is located in Canton, Georgia. However, its roots go all the way back to fourth and fifth-generation coffee farmers in Honduras. The founders wanted to extend their family legacy to others by delivering fresh coffee straight from their farms to your cup. Just like the company's name implies, the team pours their soul into extraordinary coffee.
Let's Get to Brewing...
If you've read my prior Trade Coffee reviews, you'll remember that I started using a pour-over maker at the start of this series. Well, I still haven't gone back to the percolator, save the handful of times my husband needed a bunch of coffee for longer drives at work.
Like last time, the brewing process took less than ten minutes. This included heating the water, measuring out the coffee, pouring in the water slowly, and then allowing the coffee to brew.
As you can see in the third image, the coffee didn't come out super dark like the last one I tried. In contrast, it displayed a beautiful deep brown hue.
Time for a Taste Test!
Upon pouring my first cup I could tell this would be a smooth cup of coffee. I mean, just look at that color! I added some grass-fed creamer to top it off and it really brought out each of the described flavors, especially the graham cracker. My mom happened to be in town and we shared this coffee over a breakfast-style dinner. We were both amazed at just how well it paired with pancakes and eggs and would happily repeat the experience.
The Verdict
I wasn't sure what to expect when deciding to venture into the decaf world for this review. However, I should've known that I'd be blown away once again by Trade Coffee. This was hands-down the best decaf coffee I have ever had, and I enjoyed pairing it with a breakfast-style meal. I'm definitely going to order this again soon and should probably stay stocked for my nighttime coffee needs.
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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