Verve Coffee Roasters out of Santa Cruz, California has a distinct brand identity that’s unafraid to go in far-out directions—just check out their Grateful Dead collaboration. Now we’re taking a closer look at Verve’s latest swerve outside the box in our ongoing Coffee Design feature series, and learning more about how the distinctly California company plays with typography, colors, and design with limited and seasonal releases like the new Wilder Blend, an offering with packaging as vibrant as the coffee itself.
“Wilder Blend’s packaging is a direct reflection of what’s happening in the cup,” says Senior Coffee Buyer Kylee Clancy, “with explosive notes of watermelon gummy, pineapple guava and orange sherbet, the coffee delivers a candy-like sweetness layered with tropical acidity and electric aromatics that linger long after each sip. That unapologetically loud, boundary-pushing profile inspired a visual identity that feels just as vibrant and unexpected. Bold, playful colors and high-impact design elements mirror the blend’s layered character, capturing its sense of experimentation, energy and joyful intensity before the bag is even opened.”
Verve works with noissue for all their packaging needs, and they point to the company’s ability to print with low minimums as critical to their experimental special releases. “We love working with noissue,” says Katie Kelso, Verve’s Director of Brand Marketing and Creative Operations. “They’ve been trusted packaging partners to Verve for many years, thanks to their collaborative approach, clear communication, reasonable minimums, and fair pricing. Together, we’re able to create distinctive seasonal packaging to thoughtfully complement our blends,”
We spoke with Kylee Clancy to learn more.
Tell us about the inspiration behind the Wilder Blend’s name.
The blend takes its name from Wilder Ranch State Park on California’s Central Coast, where rugged cliffs meet open fields and the land feels both raw and expansive. It reflects moving through the world with openness and intention: stepping off the beaten path, embracing unpredictability, and finding beauty in landscapes that feel alive and untamed. The blend name is an homage to those spaces—and those moments—that invite exploration, reflection, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Verve’s Wilder Blend continues to push boundaries. It is bold, bright, and electric by design—yet balanced enough to keep you coming back. Inspired by Nestor Lasso’s fearless approach to fermentation, this yeast-inoculated blend unites experimental Colombian coffees with a washed Ethiopian heirloom for a cup that’s loud, juicy, and alive. With a candy-like sweetness, tropical fruit, and heady aromatics to hit fast and linger, it leaves a playful, rule-breaking impression in every sip.
The flavor components are featured prominently on the bag—tell us how the coffees from Ethiopia complement the yeast-inoculated coffees from Colombia. Wilder consists of three magical coffees: one from Mustefa Abakeno in Ethiopia and two from Nestor Lasso in Colombia. What resulted from Mustefa Abakeno was a gorgeous, washed heirloom Ethiopian coffee. Mustefa Abakeno’s washed coffees are carefully dried under partial shade, with shade nets used during peak sun to protect delicate flavors. This precision preserves aromatic clarity and balance, producing a clean, electric cup that offers the perfect foundation to Wilder. Nestor Lasso contributes Ombligon and Sidra, which are both yeast-inoculated. Nestor Lasso is known for designing fermentations with a clear sensory goal—creating coffees that can taste wildly expressive, sometimes even shocking to first-time drinkers. The combination of these coffees delivered a tropical fruit, candy-like sweetness, florals, and jammy intensity.
What has been the reaction from regulars and staff about the coffee?
Wilder was an instant favorite for our staff. Our team enjoys the sweet, juicy, fruit-forward profile. Our retail team especially prefers it as an iced pour-over due to its bright, refreshing character. It’s adventurous yet sippable—expressive without veering into funk or anything polarizing. It’s been consistently described as “a pretty coffee.” Customer reactions are very warm, and we’re starting to see repeat purchases. We’ve shared a couple of standout online customer reviews:
“Wowww!! This coffee is spectacular. Loud and aromatic are the right words! Incredible work, Verve!”
“Just received my Wilder blend and brewed it with the recommended ratio. Wow! This is indeed a punchy, and flavorful blend. It’s everything it claims to be on the packaging. Powerful, candied flavors with a scent that is loud and proud. A bold memorable cup for sure. Glad I took the chance on this blend.”
Thank you!
Coffee Design is a feature series on Sprudge curated by co-founder Zachary Carlsen. Read more Coffee Design on Sprudge.
The Coffee Design feature series in 2026 is presented in partnership with noissue.
