RISE coffee box May 2025 coffee box reveal

A Journey Through Peru and Colombia

This month, our RISE coffee box members are in for a treat, as we take you on a flavour-packed journey from the lush valleys of Peru to the bold hills of Colombia. The May box celebrates two incredible roasters. Big Dog Coffee from Wales and Oddkin Coffee from Bristol, each delivering standout specialty coffees with rich stories, ethical sourcing, and unforgettable flavours!

🐾 Big Dog Coffee – La Lacuma Microlot, Peru

Roaster: Big Dog Coffee, Wales
Origin: Santa Teresa, Callyuc, Peru
Producer: Ismeria Leon
Process: Washed with 48-hour anaerobic fermentation
Roast: Medium
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, blackcurrant, and vanilla

Nestled in the South Wales Valleys, Big Dog Coffee was founded in 2020 by siblings Huw and his sister, aiming to create a warm, welcoming coffee space that feels like home. The roastery in Ebbw Vale and coffee shop in Blackwood are rooted in community, quality, and sustainability. With a deep commitment to ethical sourcing, Big Dog pays farmers an impressive 137% above market price through direct trade relationships, ensuring transparency and lasting impact.

This month’s featured coffee was specially picked by long-time RISE subscribers Arianna and Luke during a recent trip to Wales, and wow, did they deliver! Sourced from the inspiring female producer Ismeria Leon, La Lacuma is a washed microlot grown on her two-hectare farm in Santa Teresa at 2,250 MASL. This elevation, paired with sunshine and cool temperatures, creates the perfect terroir for standout coffee. A meticulous 48-hour anaerobic fermentation process highlights the coffee's chocolatey sweetness and juicy blackcurrant notes, with a soft hint of vanilla rounding it out beautifully.

We are super lucky to have this microlot in the box this month!

Sustainability & Community:

Big Dog Coffee's commitment to sustainability is evident in their operations. They prioritise ethical partnerships, working with farms globally to ensure fair practices and sustainable cultivation methods. Additionally, they engage with the local community through initiatives like community coffee-fueled dog walks starting from their coffee shop on the high street in Blackwood.

Customer Praise:

Customers rave about Big Dog Coffee's offerings. One reviewer said, "Best coffee I've ever had. Oat milk latte 10/10!"

Brew Tips from Huw – Big Dog Coffee Founder:

• Espresso (Black): 18g in, 36–37g out in 27 sec – juicy blackcurrant and smooth vanilla.

• Espresso (With Milk): 18.5g in, 36–38g out in 30 sec – silky, fruity, and milk-friendly.

• Filter Brew (V60): 15g coffee, 225g water at 93°C, 2.5–3 min brew – clean, light, and juicy.

This month's coffee was picked by Luke and Arianna, meet them below...

📍 Location: Crystal Palace, London

📸 Setup Style: Moka pot and filter

💬 How We Brew: Moka in the morning, mid-morning filter

❤️ Fave RISE Coffee So Far: April’s Tamp coffee was really special, best Colombian we’ve ever had! 

Quick Q&A with Luke & Arianna:

Q: What’s your go-to brew method and why?

A: V60 forever! It’s calming, kinda meditative and we weirdly love the ritual of the slow pour. But, we do usually kick off the day with an espresso shot first thing which we make with our moka pot.

Q: Why did you pick Big Dog Coffee for the RISE box?

A: We visited Big Dog Coffee recently on a trip to Wales and loved their coffee! Then, Alice and Ben sent us some of their samples to try. We found the Peru really smooth, with bold chocolate notes and a juicy burst of blackcurrant. Really indulgent and tasted like spring!

Q: What’s your dream coffee setup?

A: I want one of those Japanese-style wooden brew stations. And maybe a grinder that doesn’t sound like a jet engine!

Q: Most unexpected place you’ve ever made a coffee?

A: On a camping stove during a storm in Wales. 10/10 would weirdly recommend…felt like a mix of Bear Grylls and James Hoffman!

Q: One thing RISE subscribers need to try?

A: Try blooming your coffee with sparkling water instead of still! It’s a fun experiment we tried and gave our coffee an unexpected brightness!

🎨 Oddkin Coffee – Planadas, Tolima, Colombia

Roaster: Oddkin Coffee, Bristol
Origin: Planadas, Tolima, Colombia
Producer: Waylan Origin Project
Process: Washed with 72-hour anaerobic fermentation
Roast: Medium
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, strawberry, and cherries

From the creative heart of Bristol, Oddkin Coffee brings big flavour and bold personality to every roast. Founded by a team of seasoned coffee pros with a rebellious edge, Oddkin is about more than great beans, it’s about pushing boundaries and telling stories through coffee. With a strong focus on sustainability and transparency, they source coffees that not only taste incredible but also reflect the heart and heritage of their origins.

This month, we’re thrilled to feature coffee from the Waylan Origin project, a visionary community initiative led by Edinson Vaquiro in Planadas, Tolima. Waylan is all about empowering young farmers, preserving coffee traditions, and creating sustainable livelihoods. Their high-altitude beans (1,600–1,800m) are carefully processed using a 72-hour anaerobic fermentation that results in a layered, sweet, and vibrant cup bursting with chocolate, strawberry, and cherry.

Sustainability & Initiatives:

Oddkin Coffee's commitment to sustainability is evident in their sourcing philosophy, which is built on strong ethical principles. They work exclusively with green coffee importers who maintain direct relationships with farmers, ensuring fair compensation for specialty coffee beans.

Customer Praise:

Customers have shared glowing reviews about Oddkin Coffee. One customer mentioned, "Amazing coffee and fantastic staff. Always had incredible service, love the little personal touch with every order!"

Brew Tips from Christina – Head of Coffee at Oddkin:

• Espresso (Black or Milk): 18g in, 32g out, 28–32 sec @ 9 bar – smooth and balanced.

• Filter Brew (V60): 19g coffee, 250g water, ~3 min – great via pour over or immersion!

🌟 The RISE Coffee Experience

Each coffee in our May box is more than just a drink it’s a story, a relationship, and a step toward a more ethical, exciting coffee culture. From Ismeria Leon’s microlot in Peru to the Waylan community project in Colombia, this box celebrates craftsmanship, community, and connection.

Whether you’re pulling espresso or brewing pour-over, we hope these coffees inspire you to pause, sip, and appreciate the hands and hearts behind every cup. Enjoy the journey!