“It took a couple of goes to get the grind and brew right, but when I hit the sweet spot I was very pleased with this. I enjoyed it most black or with a touch of single cream. And as I type this, I realise I will have to make a note of what I did - I've become one of those people... :D”
“Rave’s Colombia El Carmen No. 5 is the kind of coffee that reminds you why single-origin beans deserve so much respect. It’s vibrant, expressive, and beautifully layered—everything you want from a specialty Colombian roast, but with an elegance that sets it apart.
From the moment you open the bag, the aroma is inviting and uplifting. There’s a fresh burst of citrusy sweetness mixed with a honeyed warmth that feels almost floral. It has that clean, lively fragrance you only get from well-sourced beans, and it carries straight into the cup.
The first sip is genuinely memorable. This isn’t a heavy coffee—it’s bright and confident, with a juicy acidity that feels refreshing rather than sharp. The flavor moves through subtle fruit notes (think stone fruit and sweet berries) into a smooth caramel finish that lingers and rounds everything out. There’s a clarity to the profile that’s exceptional: crisp, clean, and beautifully balanced.
What I love most is the versatility. Brew it as a pour-over and you get an incredibly delicate, tea-like sweetness. Make it as espresso and the character becomes deeper and richer, with a silky mouthfeel and a surprisingly bold hit of flavor. No matter how you prepare it, the complexity and craftsmanship shine through.
This is a coffee that feels purposeful. You can taste the care in the roast and the quality of the beans—it’s lively without chaos, sweet without being sugary, bright without losing body. Each cup feels like a small reminder that coffee can be as layered and expressive as wine when it’s done right.
Colombia El Carmen No. 5 is a beautiful showcase of origin, flavor, and roasting skill. Lighthearted yet refined, smooth yet complex—an absolute standout.”
“Since discovering it, I buy it every month. I’ve just subscribed which saves time and also money. Great tasting coffee. I wake up to it in the morning”
“One thing that always makes me bounce out of bed in the morning is the thought of my first cup of Rave Coffee to start the day.
From the aroma of the ground beans, to the flavour explosion of the brewed coffee, I absolutely love it!”
“This is our favourite coffee bean to buy from rave, we aren’t huge coffee connoisseurs but Colombia El Carmen provides us with a really nice roast, perfect for our morning black coffee. It’s not too light, nor too dark, it smells great before grinding and tastes lovely after brewing.”
