Coffee Origin: Savan Zombi, Haiti
Roaster Location: Tula, Oklahoma
Roast Level: Medium-Light
Info: https://topecacoffee.com/products/haiti-savan-zombi
Topeca Coffee Roasters’ Haiti Savan Zombi is the pinnacle of mediocrity — and that’s a good thing. When you don’t need a stand-out but also don’t want a failure, this coffee is a safe bet.
The notes in Haiti Savan Zombi aren’t anything that’ll win the coffee awards (or even make it one of Topeca’s best-sellers). With mellow woody, nutty and sweet flavors, though, the coffee has a profile that’ll hold wide appeal. The cashew, almond and brown sugar notes will evoke reminisces ranging from roasted nuts to baked sugar cookies, depending on one’s preferred fresh-made treat.
The closest comparison for Haiti Savan Zombi is likely diner coffee, but without any of the bitterness that a diner’s stale brew is known for. Even an initial tasting that was forgotten and long oversteeped didn’t produce any bitter flavors from over- extraction. The coffee simply has a well-liked, if basic, profile, and is virtually impossible to make taste bad.
As a basic-profile coffee, this selection is well-suited for the most basic of brewing methods. Brew via an automatic drip or manual pour-over, and you’ll have a fine cup.
The mediocre are often overlooked, but it’s in Haiti Savan Zombi’s commonness that perfection lies. This is a perfect daily brew and a perfect coffee to share at a gathering. While you and others may not notice any especially unique notes, everyone will enjoy it. If you do need a conversation starter, simply mention the coffee’s Haitian origins and ask if anyone’s ever had a coffee from Haiti before.
Aroma: Woody, Earthy, Spring in a forest
Taste: Mellow, Woody, Cashew, Almond, Brown sugar
Body: Medium
Finish: Clean
Rating: 6/10
Recommendation: Perfectly mediocre, as there’s little noteworthy but the coffee is also nearly impossible to mess up. Definitely worth a try if you simply want a good cup o’ joe.
Scott M. Brodie has over 20 years of professional experience working in coffee shops and writing about coffee (including selling superautomatic machines). When not writing, he can usually be found roasting a new African single origin or composing a fictional work.