Two Chimps Baba-Laba-Ding-Dong
A freshly roasted medium-dark single origin that sat outside my usual preference at first, then became smoother, rounder and far more convincing after a little patience.
- Arrived
- 20 August 2026
- Trial week
- From 1 September
- Editor score
- 7/10
Give it time. What initially felt darker than my normal choice settled into a smooth, chocolate-led morning coffee that worked especially well with a dash of milk.
A roast that rewarded patience.
I tried Baba-Laba-Ding-Dong from Two Chimps Coffee during the week beginning 1 September, having received the freshly roasted batch on 20 August. Initially, the medium-dark roast was a little darker than I would normally choose, so giving the beans extra time to rest was probably the best decision I could have made.
By early September, the flavour profile had opened up and become noticeably smoother and more rounded, with the rich chocolatey notes coming through beautifully. I particularly enjoyed it in the morning or mid-morning with a dash of milk, which complemented its sweetness and softened the darker roast.
The label points towards a chocolatey base, sweet caramel, red berries and light citrus. Chocolate and sweetness were the clearest part of my own experience; the extra rest made the cup feel calmer and better integrated rather than simply dark.
Independent, approachable and rooted in Rutland.
Two Chimps Coffee is an independent, carbon-neutral speciality roastery based in Oakham, Rutland. Founded by Andy and Laura in 2016, the small team hand-roasts ethically sourced, single-origin Arabica coffees in small batches several times a week. Its own explanation of the range is refreshingly straightforward: the colour-coded labels are intended to make changing seasonal origins easier to understand.
Although this particular roast sits slightly outside my usual preferences, it grew on me considerably after resting and proved to be a satisfying, dependable coffee. It is the sort of bag I would be pleased to see advertised at a good independent coffee shop. A solid 7/10.
Two Chimps Coffee
Browse the current coffee behind this test drive, read the roaster’s story or return to the Home Coffee Index bean guide.
How this feature was made: The bag used here arrived on 20 August and Ben brewed it at home from the week beginning 1 September. The photograph is original, the 7/10 score is Ben’s own verdict, and the links to Two Chimps are direct and untracked. Coffee origins and product details can change, so check the current bag and roaster page before ordering.