Tiny Arms

As someone who typically avoids Robusta beans, I approached Pleiku with skepticism. But the folks at Nibbana Cafe here in Lowell were quite confident. I believe this is a special roast for Nibbana. They were right. In this case, Tiny Arms has managed to highlight the positive characteristics of Robusta while minimizing its traditionally negative aspects. Despite the limited information on the Tiny Arms packaging, the coffee speaks for itself in terms of flavor and complexity. And caffeine content!!!!!!!!!! Ha ha so much caffeine in Robusta!

A rich and decadent dark 80% chocolate is the first flavor note that stands out. It envelops the palate, creating a luxurious and indulgent experience. Remarkably, Tiny Arms has somehow transformed the typical bitterness and stringency associated with Robusta into an unexpected twist of grapefruit zest character. This unexpected combination adds a refreshing and vibrant element to the cup, providing a unique and memorable drinking experience.

One of the standout features of this coffee is its clean finish. While Robusta beans often leave a lingering aftertaste, Tiny Arms has achieved a clean finish that showcases a herbaceous character. This herbaceous quality adds a layer of complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile, elevating the coffee beyond the expectations typically associated with Robusta beans.

This Tiny Arms' Pleiku Robusta roast is truly a feat of coffee roasting. Despite Robusta's reputation for being less desirable in pourover brewing, this particular roast defies expectations and showcases the potential of Robusta beans when in the hands of skilled roasters. The combination of the rich 80% chocolate notes, the unexpected grapefruit zest character, and the clean, herbaceous finish make this coffee truly remarkable. For those who typically shy away from Robusta, I highly recommend giving Tiny Arms' Robusta roast a try. It might just change your perception of this often-misunderstood coffee variety.

Cupping Method:At Nibbana Cafe in Lowell, MA

I wrote a longer form review of the Pleiku non-peaberry robusta from Tiny Arms (I had a bit more time) here

https://coffeeroast.com/roaster/tiny-arms/vietnam-pleiku

The Pleiku peaberry has some similar characteristics but might be even better.

The chocolate is smoother here and I think there’s a touch more natural sweetness (distinctly molasses), and the grapefruit zest perhaps a little bit more pronounced. The finish is very clean. And the caffeine content is still very high!

Very unique and delicious.

Cupping Method:Pourover, hot at Nibbana Cafe in Lowell, MA

This roast made a throughly enjoyable latte, nice and smooth and clean. I’ll try it as a pour over next time so I can catch some of the tasting notes better.

Cupping Method:Latte

Amazing as latte, cortado, and Americano. Smooth and light for espresso.

Published from the LIttle Cat list of best coffees of 2023 with permission. Follow @littlecat.boba on Instagram for more recommendations.

What I thought was most notable for this Tiny Arms Kenyan is how full-bodied it was. That hasn't been the case for many Kenyans I've had, good as they may be. This one was super fruity, with hints of Ocean Spray cranberry cocktail, sweet grapefruit, and bright red berries. It's on a platform of strongly brewed black tea. Good when hot but extremely tasty once it's cooled off a bit.

Cupping Method:At Nibbana Cafe in Lowell, MA (Western/arts loft location)

I recently purchased a bag of Tiny Arms Colombia Juanambu from Nibbana Cafe in Lowell, MA, conveniently located near the Tiny Arms roasting facility.

The aroma of this coffee is remarkable, boasting a unique combination of sweetness, floral tones, and fruity fragrances.

Upon brewing and tasting, I was impressed. The platform is like a strongly-brewed black tea. It also carries delightful fruity undertones throughout the palate. I detected hints of green apple at the forefront, followed by a touch of sour cherry in the middle, and a final tropical note reminiscent of pineapple. The aftertaste is both refreshing and enjoyable.

Overall, this coffee offers a clean and pleasing finish, leaving a lasting positive impression. This is on the very light side in my opinion, and not necessarily characteristic of Colombian many people like. A specialty coffee roaster who appreciates fruitiness and acidity will enjoy this a lot.

Cupping Method:Chemex and Hario v60

A clean, clear flavor that is light and fruity. There is a bit of a citrus burst at the finish. The interesting, layered flavors indicate a high quality and unique light roast. The flavor profile consistently holds up throughout the entire cup.

Tasty, earthy espresso that is quite unique. I think the first single-origin Ecuadorian espresso I'e ever seen.

Out of this world in milk drink preps. Makes a great cortado and my wife loved her lattes.

As a doppio sipper, I want just a touch more complexity and finish, which I tend to find more in blends than single-origins. This is a great balance though. Very smooth and easy to drink. Earthy chocolate with just a touch of blackberry. The blackberry is very enticing and personally, I'd like a bit more of it.

This would make an outstanding cafe blend.

Cupping Method:In my espresso machine

Very good Ethiopian. Zippy and bright Ethiopian with enough body and acidity to hold in an iced coffee. Very smooth with almost no bitterness. Natural sweetness and bright fruity acidity (I got berry and peach).

Another excellent roast from the talented team at Tiny Arms.

Cupping Method:Sampled hot, then finished iced at Nibbana Cafe in Lowell, MA, the same city as the Tiny Arms roasting facility.