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Review of Trade Coffee Co.

Some of us on the team tested Trade's coffee, others tried equipment. Below is a short roundup of what each of us tested along with our findings and tasting notes.

Petunias Espresso by Revelator Coffee Co.

Petunias House Blend (button)

I went for the "surprising and unconventional" choice because you only live once, as they say. I'm rarely able to place undertones within things like coffee, wine, or beer. "Enjoyable" and "not enjoyable" are my usual descriptors, and to each our own, I always believe, but this was something I could savor, and did I ever.

A bitter, velvety dark chocolate tone was punctuated by hints of red stonefruit (cherry, I suppose) as vividly as any beverage ever delivered flavor to my palate. Okay, maybe it wasn't all that distinct (at least not for me), but it was different, and each and every morning, while the bag lasted, the thought of that thick crema greeting my tongue was enough for me to peel off the sheets and (almost) make it to work on time. Now that's something.

I'd be happy to wake with this sensation every morning for the rest of my life, and therein am seriously considering one of these subscriptions for myself. My benevolent overlords might appreciate this motion, too, should it continue to deliver me to work on time. — Owen Burke, senior reporter

Leftist Espresso by Gimme!

Leftist Espresso (button)

I rarely go a day without coffee but typically settle for the brew in our office. The Gimme! Leftist Espresso was a nice change to my routine and provided a strong and sweet batch of coffee. I received the whole bean bag and decided to grind it into medium grounds to use with my French press.

Since it's a light-medium roast, it was smooth and had a higher level of caffeine — meaning that I only had to have one cup to get through my morning to-do list. The actual coffee was a treat, plus I felt like it was made especially for me after using the "Get Matched" quiz on the Trade website. — Megan Foster, former editorial fellow

Cold Brew Coffee Bags by Trade Coffee Co.

Cold Brew Bags (button)

Typically, I use this cheap, utility-first plastic cold brew bottle to make a quart of cold brew at home, so I decided to try this on-the-go option. One reusable Trade Cold Brew Bag can make up to five batches per 12-ounce bag of coffee (and $9.50 gets you 20 bags).

Pretty much all you need is the Trade cold brew bag, some coffee, and a glass on hand (the company notes that mason jars work well, and I'd agree). You'll still have to wait 12 to 18 hours for your cold brew, but it's easy, mobile, and the bags are made from corn-based fiber and blessedly compostable. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

The bottom line

If you're already spending $10 to $15 on a 12-ounce bag of coffee and you want to learn how to pull a better shot of espresso, make cold brew, or just learn a bit (or a lot) more about making coffee in general, then Trade Coffee might be for you.

It also makes an excellent gift for the coffee lover in your life (or soon-to-be coffee lover, once they get matched by Trade to their ideal roast). 

Subscribe to Trade Coffee Co. or explore single matches, starting at $12.50 per 12-ounce bag