Celebrating American poet, activist and playwright, Amiri Baraka, and his Tanzanian roots, Bellyrub is rich with blues and jazz and poetry and theater. The flavor profile of this single origin is distinct to this region of Tanzania, producing a super clean cup with prominent caramel and citrus notes. Fundamentally a traditional and approachable bourbon coffee with a surprising fruity punch, Bellyrub makes a perfect pour over/drip or an uncommon espresso.

Profile

Flavor notes: Blueberry, caramel, and tangerine
Roast: Light roast

Region

Grown in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania at 1300 meters above sea level at the Lyamungo APK Estate in Tanzania by Huehuetenango Smallholder Farmers.

Story

Amiri Baraka wrote the play Dutchman in 1964 under his previous name, LeRoi Jones. Prompted by Malcolm X’s Imam, Hajj Heshaam Jaaber, to convert to Islam and change his name to Ameer Barakat, which means “Blessed Prince” in Arabic. Jones chose Amiri Baraka instead, a Swahili variation to summon his Tanzanian heritage.

The last work Baraka published under his previous name, Dutchman represents a turning point for the artist. The play addresses race, sex, and the trenchant power dynamics of colonialism. Clay says to Lula, “You don't know anything except what's there for you to see. An act. Lies. Device. Not the pure heart, the pumping black heart.” He concludes “Belly rub hates you.”

With Bellyrub, we celebrate the Black hands that grew this coffee, the Black poet that inspired it, and all of the multitudes contained in every person, we celebrate the “pumping black heart.” We developed the flavor profile to highlight the nuance of this particular bean imbued by its origin a contrast of sweet and bright, by roasting it a little lighter to bring forward the bright citrus and dark chocolate notes with a natural sweetness. We hope that Bellyrub loves you.

Dutchman (the 1967 movie)