In the year since we last saw Ethan and his family they have been very busy. As well as family life itself keeping them busy Ethan has started a podcast (with Paul from Derelict) and they have created new blends, one of which we are sampling this month. This new blend is roasted on the Toper in Napier, and goes by the name of Gatehouse. The intention behind Gatehouse is to create a Journey to the Origins Within the Blend.

Empire is built on two core philosophies:

Firstly, that coffee is not simply a fluid, but is fluid as it is ever changing. The vast volume of knowledge now available continues to grow, and it is important to grow with this knowledge to adapt in the coffee game.

Secondly, they believe it is their responsibility to be as environmentally friendly as possible. This ranges from waste levels, to packaging used, to freight companies chosen. It isn’t for us about being able to put the “green spin” on our marketing, but an actual obligation to be able to perform.

Further to this, circa 2021, Empire partnered with Tear Fund NZ. This partnership allows them to sponsor children in developing coffee growing nations, providing education, healthcare and community support. They currently have children in Nicaragua, Tanzania, Kenya and El Salvador. It isn't world changing, but its changing one life at a time, and that's pretty cool.

Gatehouse blend boasts origins of Colombia, Tanzania, India and Papua New Guinea, and you can expect to find notes of Chocolate, Dorris Plum, Black Berry & Cracked Pepper

Head to Empire to learn all there is to learn about Ethan and his family, the origins in Gatehoue, and Tear Fund NZ