Coffee Club June '25 Drop - Island Roots

Island Roots: Caribbean Coffees with a Conscience

Brewing flavor, history, and hope from the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

When we think of the Caribbean, we picture clear waters, sunlit hills, and island rhythms — but beyond the postcard lies something deeper: resilience, tradition, and connection to the land. In the heart of this region, two coffees stand out not just for their flavor, but for the stories they carry.

🌿 The Ramirez Estate – Dominican Republic

Perched 1,300 meters above sea level in the lush Jarabacoa region, the Ramirez Estate is more than a farm — it’s a model for what coffee can be when rooted in stewardship and social good. Family-owned and operated, this estate is a pioneer in sustainable practices. Here, even waste has purpose: fermented coffee cherries are transformed into natural gas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

But perhaps most compelling is their human impact. The Ramirez family donates books and computers to local schools and plays an active role in helping Haitian migrant workers gain legal residence in the Dominican Republic — ensuring access to fair wages, dignity, and safety.

Flavor Profile:
This Dominican coffee is a sensory nod to the island’s earthy soul.
☕ Tasting Notes: Sweet tobacco, warm brown sugar, and a grounded earthiness that lingers like a walk through a cedar grove.

Brewing Suggestion:
Try brewing with a French press to amplify the tobacco and sugar notes while preserving the coffee’s natural oils. Use a 1:15 ratio (e.g., 30g coffee to 450g water) and steep for 4 minutes. A coarser grind and slow plunge will highlight the depth and warmth.

🐓 Singing Rooster – Haiti

Across the water in Haiti, Singing Rooster has reimagined what coffee trade can look like. This nonprofit social enterprise works shoulder-to-shoulder with local cooperatives, returning up to 77% of proceeds to the farmers and their communities. Their model invests not just in crops, but in dignity — turning coffee into a vehicle for economic stability and pride.

Whether supplying green beans, roasted coffee, or even Haitian chocolate and art, Singing Rooster helps bring Haiti’s brilliance back into the global conversation.

Flavor Profile:
This is a coffee with bright character and a chocolaty backbone.
☕ Tasting Notes: Black currant tartness upfront, mellowing into roasted hazelnuts and finishing with smooth, rich chocolate.

Brewing Suggestion:
Brew this with a pour-over (like a V60 or Chemex) to highlight the fruit and acidity, allowing the currant notes to shine. Use a medium-fine grind, 1:16 ratio (25g coffee to 400g water), and bloom for 30 seconds before a slow spiral pour over 2½–3 minutes. Finish with a clean cup and layered complexity.

☀️ Sip the Islands. Support the Roots.

These coffees aren’t just from the Caribbean — they are the Caribbean. With every cup, you taste volcanic soil, high mountain air, and generations of care. But you also invest in local communities, sustainable farming, and a more equitable future for island growers.

Next time you brew, take a moment to appreciate the journey — from mountain soil to your morning ritual. These aren’t just coffees. They’re stories worth sharing.