In 1964, when the family owned Rombouts Coffee Company introduced ready-to-use individual coffee filters to the market, the company was thrown into the international spotlight. Now after more than a century of doing business, the company processes more than 11 million kilograms of coffee, and sells over 150 million individual coffee filters annually.

I am willing to admit that perhaps my deep love for espresso got in my way, but I was personally never overly impressed by the company's filter coffee. Not that long ago, however, I met Emmanuel Rombouts and with him sampled four varietal and a series of flavored coffees that the company now sells primarily in Europe.As is the case with the standard Rombouts blend, each of the new flavored coffees are offered in the shiny, dark brown individual coffee filters that are already well known. Frankly, not being a great fan of flavored coffees, these did not overly impress me. What did, however, supply me with a great deal of drinking pleasure were the varietal coffees.

The varietal coffees being introduced are:

- Kenyan Tikka, a lightly roasted coffee meant to appeal primarily to those who like their coffee mild and with practically no bitterness.

- Brazillian Bahia is a mild to medium roasted coffee, medium in strength and somewhat fuller in body.

- Columbian Medellin is a darker roasted, medium-strong and far richer coffee, with good balance and a fragrant aroma.

- Javan Blue Sumatran coffee is a strong, dark roasted, fully aromatic, full bodied coffee with a powerful flavor.

These new coffees are currently being introduced to cafes, restaurants and hotels. Later, after market analysis of demand and popularity, several of these coffees may be introduced to supermarkets and other retail stores. My advice - give them a try, especially in home espresso machines.

© Daniel Rogov