Category: Reviews / Coffee Beans
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The Accidental Discovery
We didn’t find this coffee, Berkshire Sky, because an influencer told us to buy it. We found it while aimlessly browsing for beans online.
I have a personal rule when buying coffee: I try not to be tempted by fancy bags and loud labels. I often feel that flashy packaging is there to distract you from average beans. I look for the quiet bags—the ones that suggest the roaster is focusing entirely on the quality of the coffee inside.
However, sticking to this rule doesn’t always guarantee a win. I’ve bought plenty of “honest-looking” bags that turned out disappointing. It wasn’t that the beans were bad, but often felt like the roasting skill just wasn’t there.
So, when I saw the simple kraft paper bag from No. Six Depot, I was cautiously optimistic. It didn’t look like it was trying to attract anyone with gimmicks. It just looked like they cared about the coffee.
Curiosity won. We ordered a bag to test it out. That was six months ago, and we haven’t stopped ordering it since.
The Setup
This is a blend, which means they mix beans from different places to create a specific taste.
- Roaster: No. Six Depot Coffee Roasters (based in the Berkshires, Massachusetts)
- The Blend: A mix of Sumatra Ketiara (deep and bold) and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (bright and fruity).
- Roast Level: Medium
- Brew Method: Jura E6 Espresso Machine
The Taste Test: Clean, Bright, and… Hope?
No. Six Depot describes this blend as “Clean, Bright, and Hope.” It’s a poetic description, but does the flavor actually back it up?
In short: Yes.
While “Hope” is hard to taste, the specific notes of Meyer Lemon, Cacao, and Molasses work together beautifully. I was initially worried the “Lemon” would make it taste like sour juice, but it doesn’t.
My Verdict: The acidity here isn’t sharp or biting. Instead, that lemon note provides a brightness that creates a smooth harmony with the deeper cacao flavors. It feels fresh rather than sour, making it a perfectly balanced cup.
The “Wife Test” (Milk vs. Black)
We drink our coffee differently, so this bean had to pass two tests:
- My Test (Black Coffee): I drink it straight from the Jura. I prefer black coffee, and this one is easy to drink. It doesn’t have that harsh bitterness you get from cheaper dark roasts.
- The Wife Test (Latte): My wife loves to make a latte with a shot of espresso from this blend. Because the coffee has a solid “backbone” (probably from those Sumatra beans), it stands up well to the milk. It doesn’t disappear; it just tastes creamy and rich.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This For?
If you are looking for a reliable, “daily driver” coffee that is interesting enough to enjoy black but strong enough to handle milk, this is it.
We have purchased the Berkshire Sky blend every two weeks for the last six months. It has become our morning wake-up ritual and our afternoon treat.
Rating: Highly Recommended (A BeanTheres Staple)