It’s always good when our expertise as an artisan coffee roaster is recognised by industry peers. But to pick up not one but two prestigious award wins in the same year, now, that’s extra special.

First off, we entered a roasting competition hosted by DRWakefield, a second-generation family business that has been supplying regular and speciality grade coffees sourced from all over the world for over 50 years. 

We entered a single origin Costa Rican Tarrazu roasted for filter. The competition was organised so that the judging team did not know who roasted the coffee, but they were provided with the origin and coffee name so that similar coffees could be judged side by side. The coffee was then cupped blind and three rounds of scoring then followed. 

“As 50 roasters had entered the competition, we were particularly delighted to learn that our entry, Freehand which is hand roasted in Cornwall, had been awarded overall winner,” said Simon Speed-Andrews, Head of Roasting. “A great result for the Miko team.” 

Taste of the West Champion 

More recently, it was the turn of our signature Freehand Pink Label to achieve some recognition, scooping ‘Champion’ in the non-alcoholic hot drink category of the Taste of the West Awards 2019. 

The judges described Freehand Pink Label as “sweet, chocolatey, creamy and very drinkable. A delicious all-day coffee that sets you up for the day.”  

Although the coffee may have its origins in Ethiopia and Brazil, the beans are hand roasted in the West Country at the Miko roastery in Devon,”  said Simon.   

Using a time honoured, artisan method, less than 25kg of beans are roasted at a time which helps ensure the coffee is as fresh as possible when it arrives with the customer.

“We enjoy being part of an independent coffee culture and supplying local businesses  who appreciate a quality product from a supplier on the doorstep.  

“We offer Freehand as a ground coffee for cafetière and filter and also in whole and espresso formats so we can meet all customer needs however they choose to serve our award-winning Pink label blend.” 

It’s fair to say then it’s been a very good year for Freehand.