ZenDim Coffee Labs — Café Tour Series
Second visit to Voyager Coffee Shop. First time, I didn't have the courage to ask for a taste test. This time, I did.
The first visit, I was a customer. This time, I came back as a brand.
Their Espresso
Voyager currently offers two espresso options. The barista's favorite — an Ethiopia single origin, light-medium roast. They dose 20 grams and pull 40 grams out at a 1:2 ratio.
Tasting Notes
- Color notes: Red for strawberry, green for apple, light earthy brown
- Profile: Brightness stronger than sweetness
- Body: Light
- Bag notes: Apricot, berry, clove, dark chocolate
My Shot
Their grind was very fine. I loaded 15 grams instead of my usual 16 to avoid choking, targeting 33 grams out.
Brew Parameters
- Dose: 15 g → Yield: 33 g
- Ratio: ~1:2.2
- Basket: Non-pressurized
- Bean: Ethiopia single origin (Voyager Coffee)
I brought the shot to the barista. Their reaction:
"So good. A little more sweeter. A lot of the fruity notes really pop out."
Sweeter and fruitier than their own machine. For a light-medium Ethiopia where brightness and fruit are the intention, that's exactly the right direction.
Why It Matched
Voyager uses the same temperature — around 200°F — for all their espresso. The ZenithShot Elite heats to a similar level. For this Ethiopia, our machines were on the same page. When the temperature matches and the grind is dialed in, the machine size stops mattering.
The Business Side
Voyager sells accessories on their shelves — Hario, kettles, drippers. They buy wholesale, sell at retail. I got the co-founder's business card and handed them mine.
Since the barista already tasted the espresso and liked it, there's a real foundation for a wholesale conversation. That's the advantage of these visits — by the time I talk to the owner, someone on their team has already experienced the product.
Next time, I need to remember the barista's name. That's what turns a café visit into a business relationship.
Featured Products
ZenDim Coffee Labs — Real espresso anywhere. Barista approved.