Not so serious, but still professional and quirky - the kind of branding that will attract interest. I imagine the bean speaking with an English accent. Derbies and monocles are always good for a chuckle.
On a deeper level (are we discussing English coffee beans with hats and eye wear?) the logo playfully hints at the refined/higher class of beans that are used. By not including a face, the qualities are given to the bean, rather than the bean having a personality of it's own (and becoming too "cartoony") I also think that the bean icon has MANY marketing extension potentials - hats, mugs, pins, stickers, shirts, etc. It has enough "quirkiness" to create character, but not so much that it overshadows the brand.
Thanks for your consideration
josh
(This comment references Entry #21)