Notes from the roastery.
Coffee, Alicante, and the things we care about, written from behind the bar at Plaza del Carmen.
What Is Ombligón Coffee? The Rare Colombian Variety Behind Flight 001
Ombligón is a rare arabica variety from Huila, Colombia, with an unknown origin. What we know about it, what we do not, and the Ombligón ...
The Best Coffee in Alicante's Old Town: What to Know Before You Go
Looking for the best coffee in Alicante's old town? Swallow at Plaza del Carmen 13 was named one of Spain's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026.
Specialty Coffee in Alicante: A Local's Guide
Where to find specialty coffee in Alicante, what to look for in a good café, and why the old town suits it.
How to Choose Specialty Coffee Online: A Simple Guide
A simple guide to choosing specialty coffee online: what to look for on the page, and how we approach each part at Swallow.
How Swallow Roasts
Swallow roasts its own specialty coffee. Learn how we select, roast and release our coffee, from green bean to limited drop.
What Is Specialty Coffee? A Plain-Language Explanation
Specialty coffee is coffee scoring 80+ on a 100-point scale, verified by certified Q Graders and traceable to the farm of origin. Here is...