Phil & Sebastian - Alter Ego

WHOLE BEAN

Tasting notes: Campfire, Burnt Sugar, Dark Chocolate

Alter Ego is Phil & Sebastian's dark roast. Now, don't expect to see black sweaty beans here. This is a well developed roast that still leaves the beans chocolate brown but brings out warm flavours of dark caramels, baker's chocolates and spices. It's syrupy and round.

The coffee in Alter Ego right now comes from a famous coffee producing family in Guatemala.

In 2024, Phil & Sebastian visited El Retiro for the first time and were blown away by its sheer beauty. Every detail of the farm is carefully managed, with a meticulous approach to cultivation that results in thriving coffee trees and, ultimately, an incredible cup.

El Retiro is part of a larger network of farms with a deep-rooted history in Guatemalan coffee production, spanning multiple regions from Antigua to Fraijanes. While it operates on a larger scale, the level of care and precision feels more like that of a small farm, with a quality-first approach guiding every decision.

Though the family behind El Retiro has been growing coffee since the late 1800s, this particular farm is a newer project in Fraijanes. Chosen for its ideal growing conditions, the land was completely renovated after being acquired in 2017. Traditional bourbon and caturra varieties were planted under the shade of grevillea, following time-honoured agronomic practices. The result? A farm that not only respects the legacy of coffee production but also continues to push for exceptional quality in every harvest.

Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, based in Calgary, is committed to elevating the coffee experience through precision, innovation and direct relationships with farmers. With an uncompromising approach to quality, they meticulously source their beans through ethical and sustainable partnerships, ensuring traceability and fairness at every stage. Their dedication to roasting science and flavour profiling results in a selection of coffees that showcase the distinct characteristics of each origin. From carefully crafted espresso blends to vibrant single-origin offerings, Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters caters to both coffee enthusiasts and those seeking an exceptional daily brew. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, they continue to redefine what great coffee can be.