Total Pageviews

Saturday, January 17, 2026

COFFEE BEANS & BEINGS / CLASSY BERLIN LOCATION


Five Elephant is a dependable stop for well-made coffee in Berlin, the kind of place locals return to without much discussion. The company began roasting in 2010 and now operates a small group of cafés across the city, along with a bakery. The spaces are straightforward and functional, and the focus stays where it should: on the coffee. 

Pictured above, is one of the best-known locations.  It sits in Berlin-Mitte at Alte Schönhauser Straße 14, 10119 Berlin, a short walk from Rosenthaler Platz. The narrow storefront opens directly onto the street, with a few stools outside and just enough room inside to order, drink, and move on.  Berlin’s coffee culture favors substance over show, and Five Elephant reflects that sensibility. The roastery works closely with producers, emphasizes traceability, and avoids unnecessary embellishment in its roasting style. 

The goal is clarity in the cup rather than novelty. The current featured coffee comes from Tadese Teko, a producer in Ethiopia’s Yirgacheffe region. This washed lot is sourced from Tadese’s eight-hectare farm, which is larger than most in the area and allows for full single-producer traceability. 

Unlike many coffees processed at regional washing stations that blend cherries from hundreds of farms, this release remains distinct and consistent from harvest to roast. Brewed simply, the coffee shows a clean, balanced profile. Apricot leads, followed by light floral notes and a tea-like character reminiscent of Earl Grey. 

There is a restrained citrus acidity that adds brightness without sharpness, and a soft, lightly sweet finish that varies slightly depending on the brewing method. The overall impression is precise and well structured. Five Elephant succeeds by staying out of the way of the coffee itself. The roasting highlights origin and process without exaggeration. This Tadese Teko lot is bright and floral, but above all it is clear and well defined, a solid example of careful sourcing and thoughtful roasting done without pretense. 




No comments:

Post a Comment