The Passage Blend delivers a smooth, rich chocolatey flavor that’s both deep and satisfying. There’s a subtle layer of toasted sweetness that complements the boldness, adding complexity without taking away from the coffee’s balance. The overall experience is clean and full-bodied, with just a hint of brightness to keep it refreshing.
About The Coffee
This blend is a journey through the volcanic landscapes of Indonesia and the lush hills of Papua New Guinea, with each region bringing its own depth and complexity. The name "Passage" evokes a transition—taking you from the ordinary to the extraordinary. This blend captures the essence of crossing boundaries—moving from the routine to the remarkable.
There are two coffees in this blend. The first is from the Bajawa region of Indonesia, where the rich volcanic soil fosters the growth of Typica, Tim Tim, and S 795 varieties. These beans are carefully harvested and dried to about 30-40% moisture before undergoing the wet-hulling process, known locally as "Giliing Basah." The S 795 variety, known for its resistance to coffee leaf rust, offers durability to the production process. This coffee presents a bold, earthy profile with an underlying brightness, enhanced by the semi-washed processing method.
The second coffee comes from the Nebilyer Valley in Papua New Guinea, where beans are grown at 1350 meters above sea level in volcanic soil. After harvesting, the cherries are fully washed, then sun-dried at the Kuta mill, which has been in operation for over 40 years. This coffee benefits from the high-altitude conditions, resulting in a clean, smooth cup with nuanced fruit characteristics. The careful processing and elevated growing environment create a coffee that is crisp and vibrant, with a touch of sweetness.
Together, these two coffees combine technical expertise and regional terroir, offering a rich and balanced blend that showcases the complexity of both regions.
Origins
Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
Producers
Bajawa smallholders and Kuta smallholders
Process
Semi Washed, Fully Wasted
Altitude
1,200 - 1,700 m
Varietals
Bourbon, Typica, Tim Tim, Linie S 795
About The Roaster
Sacred Acre is a brand under Canterbury Coffee, a Canadian coffee roaster, with locations in both British Columbia and Alberta. The name "Sacred Acre" reflects the company's reverence for the land and the meticulous care involved in coffee cultivation. By collaborating with farmers who manage small, cherished plots, Sacred Acre emphasizes sustainable practices that maintain the health of both the plants and the environment. Though less widely known, they have earned a reputation as one of the most respected coffee brands, particularly in western Canada's coffee market, where they primarily serve restaurants, cafes, and the hospitality sector.
Year Founded
1981
Location
Edmonton
COFFEE DETAILS
Have a question?
We offer local pickup for online orders. Simply select \Pick-up at our location\ at checkout, and we’ll notify you as soon as your order is ready—typically within 2 to 4 business hours. As a perk, enjoy a complimentary coffee on us when you come to pick up your order!
Since 2021, we’ve shipped coffee across Alberta and throughout Canada. As of 2024, our focus is on serving rural Alberta, including the counties surrounding our café—Westlock, Barrhead, Woodlands, and Athabasca—while still shipping wherever our customers need us.
Orders are typically shipped within 24 to 48 business hours. Once processed, you’ll receive a confirmation with tracking details to follow your shipment. If there are any delays, we notify customers promptly after the order is placed.
We supply only whole beans because coffee begins to oxidize and lose flavor within 15 minutes of being ground. Grinding your coffee fresh ensures its full aroma and taste are preserved.
Every coffee is unique—light roasts, dark roasts, different origins, or brewing methods all bring distinct flavors. We’re often used to brewing every coffee the same, and while that might work sometimes, it rarely brings out the best in your cup—even with something as forgiving as drip coffee. At Gems, we add value by including tailored brewing guidelines with every coffee and taking the time to understand your setup to help you fine-tune your brew for the perfect experience.
To maintain optimal freshness, store coffee in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
We cannot accept returns or offer refunds for opened bags. However, we’re happy to provide a full refund for any quality concerns or defects. Customer satisfaction is a priority.
Specialty coffee stands apart from the commercial coffee often found in supermarkets. While commercial coffee is typically mass-produced using mechanized harvesting and lower-grade beans, specialty coffee begins with meticulous care. Farmers handpick only the ripest cherries, focusing on quality over quantity. Unlike large-scale operations, specialty coffee is small-batch roasted, allowing for greater precision and flavor development. Alberta is home to over 100 nano and micro-roasters, each crafting less than 1,000 lbs annually. This approach ensures a coffee experience that is rich, nuanced, and rooted in craftsmanship—something commercial coffee simply can’t replicate.
Specialty coffee often comes from small-scale farms that can’t afford certifications like Organic or Fair Trade. These farms grow high-quality beans without pesticides, relying on sustainable methods out of necessity. Direct trade, a common practice among Alberta’s roasters, often provides farmers with higher earnings compared to Fair Trade certification standards. This practice also fosters closer relationships between farmers and roasters, ensuring higher-quality coffee for consumers.
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