REVIEW : DRINK - Ueshima Coffee Review
I genuinely can’t start my day without a cup of coffee, and I’m forever in the pursuit of that tremendous cup of caffeine.
Japan is not a country I would associate with coffee, yet it is well established as a coffee drinking nation. Since coffee’s introduction to Japan in the 1600s by Dutch traders, coffee has been a rich part of the country’s culture. Ueshima Coffee Company (or UCC as it is commonly known in Japan) has played an instrumental role in Japanese coffee culture for almost 100 years, it’s a household name in Japan; with a 36% market share in retail and a network of coffee shops across the country.
REVIEW - UESHIMA COFFEE COMPANY
And now Ueshima are in the UK. It’s characteristically smooth, bold in flavour, and low in acidity, Ueshima coffee offers a different drinking experience. The new range includes beans, roast and ground coffee, Nespresso® compatible aluminium capsules and coffee bags in three inspirational blends - Tokyo Roast, House Blend and Fuji Mountain; created by its Japanese coffee masters (Q Graders) using original recipes and modern roasting profiles. The whole range is 100% Rainforest Alliance certified, with 100% recyclable packaging through local waste streams.
I tried out some of their coffee, and I have to say it was a cup after cup of captivating ‘ahhhh’ moments; moments of enjoyment and happiness.
COFFEE BAGS - HOUSE BLEND
The thought of using a coffee bag, just seems strange and unnatural and I felt like I was betraying my teabag! But you know what, I love a coffee bag! Each bag is wrapped individually, which means that you can use the pouch to discard the coffee bag in once you’ve steeped your bag and your coffee is at the right intensity.
Their house blend is their signature blend and its rich but balanced. Very smooth, quite earthy with a hint of sweetness coming in on the long finish. It has a lovely aftertaste and very enjoyable cup after cup.
GROUND COFFEE - HOUSE BLEND (250g bag £4.25)
The aroma when opening this large bag of ground coffee is insane and will fill the air with complete and utter coffee happiness. I pick up freshly ground coffee that’s bright and as you fill you lungs with the aroma, chocolate and sweetness linger in the air. On tasting there is caramel, cacao and nut. Again so easy to drink. It’s also low in acidity, allowing you to easily drink a few cups.
COFFEE BEANS - TOKYO ROAST (250g bag £4.25)
I love the names of their coffees - Toyko Roast and Fuji Mountain. Toyko Roast is the smooth one with some surprises! It’s big and bright as the name suggests; it’s all about Tokyo city so expect all singing and dancing, bright lights and contrasting flavours. Citrus and milk chocolate! How does that work?
Very well is the answer! and in coffee these are two classic flavours that you will find commonly put together. You’ll smell and taste both of these flavours - for me, there’s a slight hint of lemon but maybe more grapefruit and then the sweetness again but with a certain creaminess that coats your tongue urging you to take another sip. Delightful!
COFFEE PODS - FUJI MOUNTAIN (pack of 10 capsules £3.50)
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to try these yet as my coffee machines takes a different capsule. This is the one flavour I was really looking forward to trying but it’ll have to wait for another day.
This coffee is said to be bold and intense with a strength of 5! There’s flavours of cacao, roasted nuts and brown sugar - how can you not want to drink this!
An excellent range of coffee with such a variety in their flavour profiles. I love that the coffee is less acidic and it genuinely is a smooth coffee.
You can purchase Ueshima coffee for the first time in the UK at www.ueshimacoffeecompany.com - and receive 10% off their first order by signing up to the Ueshima newsletter.