The Stubborn Sumatran Trade 20 x 250g

Honest Independent Coffee Review

The Stubborn Sumatran Blend

Roast Level: Dark/ Medium

Flavour notes: A smooth and silky blend. Rich tastes of fruit and chocolate with hints of liquorice.

Brew method: 18g used for a 1:2 ratio in a double shot. Grind size 12 was used to yield a stunning espresso in 25-30 seconds.

Overall opinion:

This was exactly my kind of blend with taste notes I would usually go for  Deep, earthy, rich, and beautifully chocolatey from the first sip.
For me, it opens with bold dark chocolate notes, followed by a smooth, full-bodied, comforting finish. The low acidity lets those roasted flavours shine, leaving a comforting warmth after each sip.

I paired this espresso with oat milk, and it worked perfectly — adding an extra velvety texture while still letting the richness of the coffee come through. If you love a strong, grounding cup with a smooth finish, this blend is definitely worth trying.

Reviewed by Louise Taylor Independent Coffee Reviewer – 16th June 2026

️ Overall, I’d rate this blend an 8/10

A touch more balance between bitterness and sweetness would make it even more memorable.