Last week I was invited to Merlo Coffee for the christening of a new coffee roaster. This might sound like being invited to the opening of an envelope, but I am in love with Merlo Coffee and wouldn't miss it for the world. The Merlo family don't do things by halves. Besides Coffee, they have an obsession with authenticity and quality, traits that are reflected in the coffee they sell and the very thing that made Rosa the Roaster's christening such a wonderful experience.
If you would like to hear this piano accordion player at his finest, head over to my instagram account.
Espresso Martinis, prosecco, Italian beer, traditional antipasto....did I mention 'authentic'?
Talk about attention to detail.
As well as Rosa the Roaster's christening, there was also the unveiling of a beautiful new custom designed cupping room, with knowledgeable staff on hand to explain what cupping was and why it was important. Mr BC loved it.
Last year, Merlo roasters traveled to the tiny town of Codevilla, near Milan in Italy. Codevilla has a population of only 950 people, and it is famous for making the best coffee roasters in the world - The Brambati.
The Merlo roasters spent time in Codevilla learning the secrets of the Brambati roaster, before accompanying their very own Brambati, Rosa, back to Australia, under the supervision of several Codevilla artisans.
Once they arrived in Brisbane, the Codevilla artisans ensured that Rosa was carefully installed in the Bowen Hills Torrefazione (roasting house) and then stayed on for several weeks to ensure the Brambati roasted beans to the famous Merlo flavour profile and level of excellence.
The new dedicated cupping room seats twelve, and is where Merlo Coffee Appreciation Sessions will be held. I attended one last year and absolutely loved it - you can read about it here. It would make an excellent gift!
Lots of friends, family and Merlo staff filled the floor of the Torrefazione, all part of the Merlo Family.
Under the watchful eye of his mum, Dean Merlo, third generation Godfather of Coffee welcomes the crowd.
Father Coote, the parish priest, told a very entertaining story of being threatened with a bowl of ravioli over the head.
And then things got serious when he read from the bible, and anointed Rosa with holy water.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; Amen.
Did I mention attention to detail?
That lovely shiny Brambati machine in the background? That is Rosa the roaster!
Rosa has the very latest design features that enable Merlo to control variables in each roast, such as heat distribution, drum speed, air flow, and temperature control through the entire roasting cycle. This means that the uniquely slow, deep roasted profile that Merlo has delivered for 21 years can continue to be delivered with ease of control which results in complete consistency. Attention to detail..
This Tiramisu bought out every ounce of Italian-ness in Mr BC's blood. I was expecting him to sing some Dean Martin on the way home, but thankfully he only sang Merlo's praises.
So there you have it. A very Merlo Christening. Welcome to Brisbane, Rosa.
xx
linking to Wordless Wednesday today!
(Sorry about all the words)