Borealis is inspired by the Northern Lights, whose dazzling colors cut through the darkness of winter. This year's edition of Borealis features coffees from Intelligentsia Direct Trade partners in Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Rwanda.

  • Type Seasonal Blend
  • Country Ethiopia, Guatemala, Rwanda
  • Flavor Profile Caramel + Stone Fruit
  • Variety Ethiopian heirlooms, Bourbon, Caturra, San Ramón, Bourbon

The details

  • Country Ethiopia
  • Producer smallholder growers
  • Region Oromia, Guji Zone
  • Elevation Range 1900-2250 m
  • Processing Method Washed
  • Drying Method Raised Bed
  • Harvest Nov 2021 - Feb 2022
  • Direct Trade Partner Since 2014
  • Country Guatemala
  • Producer Mauricio Rosales
  • Region La Libertad, Huehuetenango
  • Elevation Range 1700 m
  • Processing Method Washed
  • Drying Method Raised Bed
  • Harvest January - April 2022
  • Direct Trade Partner Since 2002
  • Country Rwanda
  • Producer smallholder growers
  • Region Western Province
  • Elevation Range 1800 m
  • Processing Method Washed
  • Drying Method Raised Bed
  • Harvest February-June 2022
  • Direct Trade Partner Since 2015
    • Image of two growers hugging in field
      Image of two growers hugging in field
    • Image of the sky and mountains landscape
      Image of the sky and mountains landscape
    • Image of growers sorting coffee beans
      Image of growers sorting coffee beans

    Why We're Different

    • Intelligentsia coffee buyers travel year-round working with a network of farmers. From the farm, coffee arrives at the roasting works in Chicago and Los Angeles, where coffee professionals cup, grade, and release over 50 single-origins and blends annually.

    • Intelligentsia Direct Trade means partnering with people who obsess about quality as much as we do, and building meaningful relationships with farmers. Today, the Intelligentsia Direct Trade community includes more than 50 partners in 14 countries.

    • A quarter-century of obsession with quality, more than 15 years of sourcing great coffee the right way, and an authoritative point of view on how to elevate coffee make Intelligentsia a trusted partner on your coffee journey.