A Smooth, Heavy-Bodied Coffee with a Unique Story
Creating Artessa’s Lounge Blend wasn’t just about making coffee; it was about crafting an experience people could savor. I remember those early days before Café Lounge opened—filled with excitement, nerves, and endless coffee tastings. My goal was simple: to find a blend that felt like a warm welcome, perfect for both a smooth cappuccino and a bold espresso. What followed was a journey of trial, discovery, and plenty of input from our very first customers.
The Story Behind the Lounge Blend
The Lounge Blend’s story starts with my quest to find the right coffee for our future customers at Café Lounge. Coming from Central Europe, I was used to drinking strong, black coffee. But opening a café in Ireland meant adjusting to local tastes, where cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites are everyday favorites. I needed a blend that would hold up beautifully with milk yet still impress if enjoyed on its own.
At first, I looked into the typical solutions—dark roasts and robusta-heavy blends, which are common for espresso. But robusta’s harsh flavors and the burnt bitterness of dark roasting? Not for me. I wanted something with depth, smoothness, and flavor complexity that didn’t rely on a heavy roast.
That’s when I discovered Indian Monsoon Malabar. It was a revelation: a coffee with zero acidity, a thick, velvety body, and unique notes of tobacco and almond. It checked nearly all the boxes, but it wasn’t quite perfect yet. It needed a partner to add an extra layer of flavor and make the blend truly shine.
How We Made It Perfect
Once the café opened, I spent those early months doing more than making coffee—I listened. I talked to our customers, got their thoughts, and explored ways to improve the blend together. It was easy to gather opinions because I was always there, behind the bar, pouring shots and learning from every cup served. We kept experimenting, tasting, and tweaking until we found the missing piece: Indonesia Toraja Kalossi.
Adding this Indonesian coffee gave the blend a syrupy smoothness and a touch of brightness, enhancing the already rich body of the Monsoon Malabar. It was a true community effort, and when we finally landed on the perfect combination, we named it Lounge Blend, a nod to our café’s origin and the people who helped shape it.
Even after more than 15 years, the Lounge Blend is still a favorite. To this day, one of my personal joys is enjoying a double espresso made from it, paired with our café’s warm chocolate brownie and whipped cream—a treat that still feels like pure bliss.
What Makes Lounge Blend Special?
Lounge Blend is all about smoothness, depth, and character. Here’s why it stands out:
- Smooth and Low-Acidity: A gentle, mellow flavor that’s easy on the palate, perfect for anyone who prefers less tang.
- Heavy-Bodied: Rich and satisfying, this coffee is made to shine in milk-based drinks, cutting through with flavor and depth.
- Tobacco and Almond Notes: Subtle yet memorable, these add a touch of sophistication without overpowering the blend.
Brewing Tips for Lounge Blend
We designed Lounge Blend with espresso in mind, making it a standout choice for cappuccinos, flat whites, and lattes. Here’s how to get the best out of it:
- Espresso Machine: This is where Lounge Blend shines, bringing out its rich, layered flavors.
- Moka Pot: The higher temperature emphasizes the coffee’s full body, giving you a robust and flavorful brew.
- Aeropress or Pour-Over: Works well if you fine-tune your grind size and temperature to highlight the smooth, syrupy texture.
- French Press or Filter: While it makes a mellow cup, the very low acidity can make it feel a bit flat. But hey, some people love it for just that reason.
A Blend with a Story
Lounge Blend isn’t just coffee; it’s a piece of our history, crafted with care and shaped by our customers. It’s designed to please seasoned coffee drinkers and newcomers alike, whether you enjoy it as a bold shot of espresso or a velvety latte.
More than a decade later, this blend still brings joy to our café and beyond. It’s a reminder of how something as simple as coffee can bring people together, sparking conversation, collaboration, and moments worth savoring.
There is also a post on all our coffees and our recommendations. Check it out here >>>> Crafting Your Perfect Cup Of Artessa Coffee
