SOL Summer Coffee by Gringo Nordic is exactly the kind of coffee you almost automatically associate with summer. It’s neither heavy nor overly complicated, but rather light and somehow naturally pleasant. The flavor is quite lively, but not overly acidic. There’s fruit present from start to finish, but it’s not overpowering. There are light citrus notes, a hint of the tropics, and a soft sweetness that holds the whole profile together. It’s rounded out by a light caramel sweetness that gives it a pleasant depth. As you drink it, the profile changes only slightly, but enough to keep it from feeling flat. Sometimes the citrus comes to the forefront, other times the sweeter notes take center stage.
The foundation of this blend is no accident—every component has its place. Rwanda Nyamurinda forms a calm, clean base. It is a washed coffee from sisters Francine and Immaculate, with whom the roasters have a long-standing partnership. It brings lightness, a clear structure, and a purity to the cup that allows the other flavors to stand out more. Kenya Muranga AA with the SL28 variety takes it a step further. It adds juicy acidity and more life with that typical “Kenyan energy,” which is refreshing. It isn’t aggressive; rather, it makes the flavor more interesting and playful. Thanks to it, the coffee has a spark that brings it to life. The Colombia from Finca La Tierra adds body and a sweeter, fruitier note. This is a more experimental lot from Heber Sarriá, where they work with the Pink Bourbon and Geisha varieties and use closed fermentation. The result is a fuller mouthfeel and a delicate fruitiness. And finally, a small detail—a bit of Caturra from La Luisa, fermented with peaches, which adds a light, sweetly tropical twist to it all.
Most of the lots are washed, so they provide a clarity and structure you can build on. But more experimental processes also come into play, adding more sweetness and a gentle aftertaste. In the cup, it feels balanced and quite natural. Nothing overpowers, yet at the same time, it doesn’t all blend together. Each element retains its own character, but it’s not forced. The flavor has a good flow; the beginning, middle, and finish all connect seamlessly, and nothing gets lost.