Case Coffee Roasters' Hi-Five Blend is the answer to a question many coffee drinkers ask: can a medium roast deliver the body and richness of a darker coffee without the bitterness? The answer is a resounding yes. Anchored by a Kenya Gachatha (33%) and Colombia Tunja blend (67%), this is the coffee you reach for when you want something unmistakably bold but still nuanced enough to taste the origin.
Think of it as the coffee your dad used to brew—full-bodied, earthy, satisfying—but without any harsh edges. The Hi-Five walks the line between approachable and complex, making it a rare blend that works equally well in a mug with cream or sipped black on a quiet morning.
Tasting Notes
The first thing you'll notice is the body: rich, almost velvety, with a weight that coats your palate. Cocoa and roasted nut form the backbone, while subtle baking spice—cinnamon, clove—adds warmth without sweetness. The Kenyan component contributes a gentle brightness that lifts the cup, preventing it from feeling heavy. The finish is clean and long, with lingering notes of dark chocolate and a whisper of black tea.
This is not a fruit-forward coffee. It's earthy in the best sense—grounded, comforting, with a natural sweetness that emerges as the cup cools. The acidity is low and smooth, making it exceptionally forgiving across brew methods.
Brew Methods
The Hi-Five shines as espresso, where its body and chocolate notes create a dense, syrupy shot that stands up beautifully in milk drinks. It's equally at home in a pour over (V60 or Chemex), where a slightly coarser grind reveals more of the Kenyan brightness and spice complexity. French press drinkers will love the full immersion extraction, which amplifies the blend's natural richness. Even in a drip machine, this coffee delivers consistent flavor and body—it's designed to be versatile.
About Case Coffee Roasters
Portland-based Case Coffee Roasters is known for approachable, seasonally rotating blends built on fully traceable, high-quality green coffee. Their roasting style emphasizes balance and drinkability without sacrificing origin character.
If you're dialing this in at home, Clive's team is here to help with grinder recommendations, brew ratios, and equipment pairings to make sure every cup hits just right.