A Passion for Coffee and Connection
Before we dive into the espresso experience, a huge thank you to the team at Wild Gift Coffee for sending me samples of their Rude Boy and El Téjo blends. Their passion for coffee, ethical sourcing, and supporting producers is evident in every cup.
As Wild Gift Coffee co-founder Clancy Rose shared:
“Rude Boy comes from old school reggae. We’re all musicians, so many of our names are taken from music in one way or another, but not all. Buying coffee and traveling to coffee origin is what has always kept me in coffee; it’s always been my dream job. My favorite thing in coffee travel is just connecting with farmers, being able to tell their story firsthand, and doing everything we can to have an impact in the lives of the producers we work with. On our current offering list, I’ve been to everywhere except Ethiopia.”
The Unboxing Experience: A Coffee Lover’s Dream
There’s something special about receiving a package of freshly roasted coffee. As soon as I opened the box, I was greeted by the incredible aroma of fresh beans—a sign of quality and freshness. The packaging itself is well-designed, keeping the coffee fresh while also showcasing Wild Gift Coffee’s aesthetic and branding. It’s always an amazing moment when the rich scents of roasted coffee fill the air before you even brew your first cup.
Rude Boy Espresso: A Heavy-Hitting Classic
Wild Gift Coffee describes Rude Boy as having “muted acidity, chocolate, and lots of bass notes.” This blend, composed of Brazil and Colombia offerings, delivers a deep, rich experience, perfect for espresso lovers who favor bold flavors with a heavy body.
Tasting Notes:
- Low acidity
- Deep chocolate tones
- Heavy, syrupy body
This blend truly shines in espresso. Pulling a shot with Rude Boy brings out deep chocolate and subtle nutty notes, making it fantastic for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. If you’re someone who enjoys a bold, traditional espresso, this one is for you.
El Téjo Espresso: A Bright, Fruity Experience
In contrast, El Téjo features a blend of Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala coffees, delivering a brighter, fruitier profile. Wild Gift Coffee highlights notes of mango, stone fruit, citrus, and caramel, making it a lively and complex espresso.
Tasting Notes:
- Bright citrus and tropical fruit
- Smooth caramel sweetness
- Clean, balanced finish
Dialing in El Téjo took a little longer, but once I found the right settings, the result was incredibly smooth and vibrant. If you enjoy light-roast espresso with fruity complexity, this is a must-try. While I loved the complexity of El Téjo, it took me a few tries to get the shot just right. It’s a bit more sensitive to grind size and temperature, but once dialed in, it offers a clean and delicious espresso. As someone whose go-to coffee drink is a latte, the slightly higher acidity of El Téjo wasn’t an issue—it actually complemented the milk beautifully.
Final Thoughts: Two Fantastic Espresso Options
Both Rude Boy and El Téjo showcase Wild Gift Coffee’s commitment to quality, sourcing, and roasting expertise. Whether you prefer a deep, chocolate-heavy espresso or a bright, fruity shot, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re in the market for high-quality whole bean coffee, Wild Gift Coffee is a fantastic choice.
And once again, a huge thank you to Clancy and the Wild Gift Coffee team for their generosity and for sharing their passion for coffee!
Want to try it yourself? You can find Wild Gift Coffee here.