Cross Roads

The Cross Roads blend brings two continents together in a single cup of coffee. This blend consists of Arabica beans from Brazil and Rwanda. The beans grow at altitudes of approximately 1,100 to 1,900 meters. In Brazil they come from sunny hills, while Rwanda offers mountainous regions with a milder climate. By combining these origins, one tastes the best of both worlds: South American fullness and African vibrancy. Local farmers cultivate the coffee with care under sun and rain on their plantations, which contributes to the quality and authenticity of this blend.

Blooss roasts the Cross Roads blend fresh every week in its own roastery in Raalte, using an artisanal slow-roast technique on a Giesen coffee roaster. This means the beans are roasted slowly and evenly so that all natural flavors can fully develop. The roast profile results in a full body and an intense aftertaste, characteristics that point to a medium to dark roast level. Thanks to the fresh roasting process, the coffee retains its aromas to the maximum; enthusiasts can therefore count on a freshly ground fragrance and a rich crema layer when brewing.

Cross Roads is characterized by a rich and spicy flavor profile. In the cup one finds notes of spices, mocha and nuts. Those spice-like nuances recall warm spices (for example a hint of cinnamon or spice cake), while "mocha" here stands for a chocolate-like note reminiscent of cacao. The nutty undertone (hazelnut or walnut) rounds everything off with a soft taste. The coffee has a full body, which provides a creamy mouthfeel, and every sip ends in a long, intense aftertaste. Despite the pronounced flavors, balance is maintained, so no single aroma dominates, instead coming together in harmony.

This blend combines two different processing methods for coffee beans. Part of the beans are naturally (unwashed) processed and the rest are washed. With the natural method, the coffee cherries dry in the sun with the fruit pulp still on, which creates sweeter, fuller flavors in the bean. The Brazilian beans were likely processed this way, Brazil is known for naturally processed coffee, which adds body and fruity undertones. The Rwandan beans, by contrast, are washed; in Rwanda, coffee cherries are usually depulped and fermented at washing stations, then dried. This washed process yields a clean taste and lively acidity. By blending natural and washed, Cross Roads offers the best of both worlds: rich, sweet depth alongside bright, fresh nuances.

Cross Roads is made entirely from arabica coffee beans, not a drop of robusta involved. Arabica is known for its refined taste, aromatic richness, and milder caffeine content compared to robusta. Specific varieties likely play a role in this blend as well. The Rwandan coffee will almost certainly be Bourbon, since about 95% of all coffee plants in Rwanda are of the Bourbon type. Brazil also has a long tradition with Bourbon (for example Yellow Bourbon) alongside other varieties such as Catuai and Mundo Novo. These heritage varieties shape the flavor profile, Bourbon is known for its sweet, balanced character and full body. The result is a high-quality arabica blend, carefully selected for its traits and harmony in the melange.

Blooss Coffee & Tea was founded in 2015 out of a passion for quality and purity, and the coffee beans are selected with care by the roaster. Although Cross Roads itself does not carry a specific label, sustainable and fair coffee is clearly part of the philosophy. This is evident in the Blooss range, for example another blend, Gordel van Smaragd, is Rainforest Alliance certified. Blooss also offers a Sumatra Mandheling that is Fairtrade, organic, and Rainforest Alliance certified. Such examples show a commitment to responsible sourcing and good conditions for farmers. The description of Cross Roads also highlights the “care of local farmers” in cultivation, suggesting attention to origin and the communities behind the coffee. In short, ethics and sustainability are quietly simmering in the background with this coffee.

This coffee is versatile across brewing methods and is especially well suited to fans of a full, powerful cup. A few recommendations to bring out the best in Cross Roads:

• Espresso or super-automatic machine: Thanks to its full body and mocha notes, Cross Roads is ideal for espresso. It produces a beautiful layer of crema and a punchy, creamy shot that can be enjoyed straight.
• Cappuccino or latte: The spicy and nutty flavor comes through well in milk drinks. A shot of Cross Roads in steamed milk yields a cappuccino with hints of speculaas and praline.
• French press (cafetière): For a rich, mocha-like filter coffee, a cafetière works well. Use a slightly coarser grind; this gives the coffee the chance to release its full flavor and weighty mouthfeel.
• Moka pot (percolator): In a stovetop espresso maker, Cross Roads yields an intense brew with a dark chocolate aroma. Be sure to take the pot off the heat as soon as the coffee begins to rise to prevent bitterness.
• Filter machine or pour-over: Although this blend is powerful, it can also be brewed as a filter. For hand pouring, use slightly less coffee than usual and a medium-fine grind, so the extraction stays balanced and the spicy notes do not dominate too much.

Cross Roads is a relatively new addition to the Blooss range and does not yet have any official awards to its name. That does not change the fact that the blend is in the spotlight with the roaster and customers. At its introduction it was named “coffee of the month” at Blooss, indicating high expectations. Blooss describes Cross Roads as “a meeting between continents” that brings together the best of two worlds, a clear sign of pride in this blend. Among customers Cross Roads seems to be well received, its versatile flavor and balance are appreciated in online comments (for example, the long aftertaste and full aroma are often mentioned, according to Blooss’s social media). In addition, Cross Roads is included in the sampler pack with house blends, which suggests it belongs among the house favorites. All in all, this coffee enjoys a positive reputation, even without medals.

The Cross Roads coffee beans come in the recognizable Blooss packaging. This is usually a sturdy, resealable bag with a one-way valve to preserve freshness, allowing the freshly roasted beans to breathe without letting oxygen in. The design is clean and clear; the label lists the name “Cross Roads” and key details such as the roast date and flavor profile. Blooss opts for a simple yet stylish look, often with their pink/orange Blooss logo prominently on the bag. For gift occasions, Blooss also offers a premium gift wrap. For a small surcharge of €5.95, the coffee can be sent in an elegant gift package, making it extra fun to give Cross Roads as a present. Whether choosing the standard bag or the gift packaging, the presentation is neat and the beans remain well protected.

Cross Roads is easy to buy via the Blooss Coffee & Tea webshop. Ordering is straightforward online, and you usually have the coffee at home the next day (within the Netherlands, “order before 15:00, delivered tomorrow” applies). The blend is available in various sizes: 250 grams, 500 grams, and 1 kg. The smallest 250 g bag costs €6.75, making it an accessible option to try. Larger quantities are relatively cheaper per kilo, ideal for frequent users. You can choose whole beans or ground coffee, depending on your brewing method (the grind can often be specified when ordering). Besides single bags, Cross Roads is also part of the Blooss sampler pack for blends, together with other house blends. This allows curious coffee lovers to try all the flavors. In short, at a fair price and with multiple options for size and grind, Cross Roads is widely available for anyone who wants to taste this distinctive blend.