For a long time we have wanted to do something special with another coffee roaster.

I think there is lots to learn from working together, rather than apart. Theres a few special roasters we have approached and never been able to agree how it would work or how we can make sure we all get what we want from it. But it helps when you own 50% of a another roasting company to make it happen, as its easier to over come issues (and hopefully show the world that it can be done and we should do more of this). So when we approached Colin in Dublin he shared the vision.

So I am very pleased and very excited to announce our first time ever collaboration between 3FE (3rd floor espresso) of Dublin, Ireland and little old Has Bean.

So whats the plan ? Well Roland one of our roasters here will be going to Dublin to roast the El Salvador Finca La Ilusion honey that we had a couple of weeks ago (for just 7 days, that is no longer available on Has Bean) with Simon who is one of the 3FE roasting team.The rest of this honey La Ilusion is an exclusive from now on for 3FE.

Monica who is part of the 3FE roasting team is coming to spend the Day with Gary in Stafford, and they will roast the La ilusion Natural selection that has not been on the website. This will then be a Has Bean Exclusive going forwards.

All of this is all happening on the 24th of September. We hope that both roasters learn and enjoy working and collaborating with each other. Both will be bagged in each of the roasters bags and its a great chance to try 3FE coffee here in the UK where they do not normally supply.

To buy this You HAVE to pre order and can do so here . The orders will be posted out as soon as possible after the 25th and will be posted using royal mail postal service. You will receive 250g beans of each the natural and honey. 500g of one of the most delicious coffees, a previous cup of excellence winning farm and a coffee used by a previous world barista championship winner. Also a coffee we worked with for many years until 2012, and we are very pleased to welcome it back.

Just for your info the natural might be available on the site in the future but you will never get the chance this year to try them both together. I think this is something fun and exciting to do with these amazing coffees, and a great chance to try them both together, with two different roasters.

Farm:La Ilusión
Farmer:Juan Jose Ernesto Menéndez Argüello
City:Santa Ana, Santa Ana
Region:Apaneca-Ilamatepec Mountain Range
Country:El Salvador
Farm Size:3.5
Coffee growing area:3.5
Altitude:1750-1850
Variety:Bourbón
Processing System:Yellow honey & Sun-dried

Honey Process

In the cup I get a delicious fresh pink lemonade mixed with pineapple and an amazing honey like mouthfeel that dominates. Its a coffee to sit back and savour and enjoy.

Natural Process
In the cup there is the biggest hit of spicy liquorice I have ever tasted, but there is also an underlying sweetness. So, think in terms of those liquorice pipes with the sugar 100s and 1000s on them and you’re in the right place. The aftertaste is pure tinned strawberry This coffee is complex, deep, interesting, and super rare.

To get your hands on this little gem take a look here