Northwesterly is Olympia Coffee Roasting Company's love letter to the Pacific Northwest specialty coffee tradition—the kind of bold, comforting dark roast that defined the region's cafes before lighter roasts took center stage. This blend marries Indonesian body with Latin American brightness, roasted to an Agtron 58 for rich chocolate depth without crossing into carbon. It's nostalgia you can taste, whether you're pulling shots or brewing a full pot on a gray morning.
Tasting Notes
Expect dark chocolate, toasted almond, and a whisper of molasses sweetness. The Indonesian component brings syrupy body and earthy undertones, while Latin American coffees contribute a balancing brightness that keeps this roast from feeling one-dimensional. Medium-low acidity. Clean finish with lingering cocoa. This is comfort in a cup—bold without bitterness, deep without being flat.
Brew Methods
Northwesterly shines as espresso: pull it at traditional ratios (1:2 in 25-30 seconds) for a shot with crema thick enough to hold sugar, or stretch it into a latte where chocolate notes bloom through milk. It's equally strong in drip machines, French press, or Chemex when you want body and warmth over delicate florals. Moka pot enthusiasts will find a reliable companion here. This isn't a coffee that demands precise brew temperatures—it forgives and delivers.
About the Roaster
Olympia Coffee Roasting Company has anchored the Northwest coffee scene since 2005, sourcing meticulously and roasting with intention. Northwesterly represents their willingness to honor the region's darker-roast roots while maintaining the quality standards that define modern specialty coffee.
Not sure which grinder setting to start with, or whether your machine can handle this roast profile? Clive's team knows these beans inside out—we can recommend equipment pairings and dial-in guidance that turns good coffee into your new daily ritual.