Italian Roast - It's A Grind Coffee House - San Diego, California

Preparation:    Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:   8
Balance:  6
Flavor:   6
Smoothness: 8

Likes:
     Dark
     Mild
     Smooth

Dislikes:
     Flavor
     Smokey
     Ashy

Summary:  I really like this little coffee house located off Market Street in downtown San Diego. It had a fun atmosphere and friendly vibe.  I ordered their pre-brewed coffee called Octane and enjoyed its dark bold flavor.  After a few sips I added cream and sugar.  (It was strong!) The staff was friendly and helpful.  (I asked a lot of questions and while they didn't know much about the beans they sell, they eventually found some information and brought it over to me.  The young man smiled and told me that I had to give it back.)  Anyway, on to the Italian beans I bought and brewed......

The information I was given for the Italian Roast described the beans as ultimate in a dark roast and that they are a blend of Indonesian, Central and South American coffees.  They go on to say that the Italian Roast has a distinct Smokey overtone and deep ebony color.  I agree with that, but thought that although I tasted smokey and ashy tones, no other flavors popped out at me. At first taste there was promise, but then the coffee fell flat immediately on my palate.   It was a lackluster finish, and quite frankly, boring.  I then ate some lightly salted mixed nuts with the coffee and it greatly improved my tasting experience.  The nuts added some much needed punch and flavor to balance out the ending weakness this coffee exhibited.


Overall score:   6

Honolulu Coffee - 100 % Kona Coffee - Nothing Less

Aloha!  Greetings from Maui!  It is a beautiful day here in Wailea.  The sun is warm and the breeze is gentle.  We are staying at a resort up on a hill overlooking the ocean.  I am sitting out on the lanai gazing at the whales breaching in the distance and just plain loving life!  And, what better time than to plan on walking over to the Honolulu Coffee Company for a cuppa 100% Kona Coffee! 

This morning at the hotel breakfast a Kona Coffee Blend was served with just 25% Kona Coffee.  It definitely had the "Kona" taste, but it was mixed with other beans from Central and South America.  It had been made earlier in the morning and was kept warm/hot in a very large coffee type container.  I thought it was a little watery and found that I liked it much better with cream and sugar.  After a little investigating I learned it was a medium body and a medium roast.  My opinion is that when coffee is made for so many people in a very large container and sits for several hours, it is going to lose some of the distinctive flavors and qualities it would otherwise possess.

I arrived at the Honolulu Coffee Company eager and ready to order the 100% real stuff.  There were actually two different beans to choose from.  One was Pure Kona Peaberry and the other was Pure Kona Extra Fancy.  After a brief chat with the guy behind the counter I decided to go with the Extra Fancy.  Now, keep in mind that Kona coffee is some of the most expensive coffee in the world.  I think that may be why we see it blended so often with other beans.  (The Peaberry coffee was selling for about $39.00 a pound and the Extra Fancy about $35.00 a pound)

My cup of Extra Fancy was made in a french press and made to perfection.  They let it sit for exactly four minutes before pushing down the press.  For $6.95 I came away with two large cups of extremely hot coffee.  It was the hottest coffee I have ever had.  It took about five minutes before I could sample it without scorching my tongue.  (I couldn't purchase just one cup, by the way.  The french press made two cups.)

The Pure Kona Extra Fancy coffee was amazing to me because it was fresh, fragrant and distinctive.  If you like Kona Coffee than this is the one for you.  It had a somewhat sweet taste but, at the same time it tasted bitter and acidy to me ..... and maybe a bit harsh.  I know it was really great coffee.  You just have to like the qualities of a Kona coffee to really appreciate the uniqueness.

Okay, mission accomplished.  I am off to the beach with a good book.

Triple Dare.....Take My Mind Coffee Thinking Challenge

Are you in a non thinking coffee mode?  Do you get up in the morning and make a pot of coffee with preground beans from the closest grocery store? Or, beans that have been in a can on a store's shelf for years?  (just kidding) That first cup of the morning do you sometimes notice it tastes better (or worse) than usual, but mostly just don't think about it?  Well, my challenge to you is to think.

Do you know that you could most likely be drinking coffee made with rancid coffee beans?  Yummy!  Not really!  And, maybe that bit of a stomach ache isn't from the caffeine or acid of the coffee.  Hmmm!!!!  I challenge you to stop and smell the coffee and then do some thinking!

1.  Try buying some fresh beans from a coffee roster and if you don't have a grinder or don't want to grind, then ask them to do it for you.

2.  Make some coffee with the beans asap with all clean equipment (whatever that may be) and sit down and put some thought into what you taste and just plain try to enjoy. 

Now, a word to the wise:

Please, if you buy the other stuff called coffee in a grocery store, check for a date!!!! Don't buy preground grocery store coffee that has not been vacuum sealed!!! And, don't use the grinder in the grocery store or supermarket!!!!  Most likely, these machines have never been cleaned and are contaminated with rancid oils that will taint your coffees beans.

There is much more to know and learn on this topic, but I want to keep it short and keep your attention.   Stay tuned!!! But, think next time you gulp, swallow or guzzle that cup of coffee in the morning or anytime and realize that appreciating quality coffee beans may just spoil your taste buds forever.  I triple dare you to slow down and challenge your taste buds to an awesome cup of fresh "Joe" and then use your mind and think about the experience.

Next.....off to Hawaii in search of 100% Kona Coffee.   Mahalo!

What I Found Out About Yemen Coffee

 Oh my goodness!!!  There is a lot to know about Yemen coffee!  First of all, it is important to note that Yemen is in the Arab World located on the southern edges of the Arabian Peninsula and to the immediate east of the African continent. 

Yemen coffee has been described as "wild" by some because you never know what you may get. Coffee beans in one sack may not taste the same as in another sack because small farmers in remote mountain villages can get their beans mingled with various other beans from other places when they bring them to market. This can cause many distinctive flavors to get mixed together.  Some farmers even store sacks of beans on the floor of their stone huts for long periods of time and the beans ferment.  This flavor is something that some coffee connoisseurs actually like.  It is described as a thin and tart flavor.  Wow!  That is kind of what I thought!

Another interesting fact I learned today about Yemen coffee is that the coffee grown in their mountains is called Mocha. (Many different spellings)  It was originally shipped through the port of Mocha and that is probably how it got its name.  Also, there are tones of chocolate that caused someone to attach the name to chocolate mixed with coffee.  (My favorite!)

This coffee bean is probably one of the oldest types in the world and for some that makes it very special.

"I'll take one, extra hot, nonfat, tall mocha, with no whip, please." 

Yemen - Legare's - Portland, Oregon

Preparation:  Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma:  6
Balance:   5

Flavor:   4

Smoothness:  5

Likes:
     Fragrance
        

Dislikes:
      Flavor

      Bitter

      Sour Finish
      Pungent

 Summary:  I made this coffee as a mid afternoon treat.  The smell of the whole beans was unremarkable but after grinding the fragrance was interesting and surprising. The aroma was very earthy with a salty and savory flair.  My first tasting exposed pungent and wild flavors, but at the same time this coffee seemed bland.   There was a lingering sour/bitter taste in my mouth.  I definitely felt the acid turning in my stomach. This coffee is different and unique.  I appreciate the history behind it, but didn't really enjoy it all that much. 

Overall score:  4

Prince of Darkness - Ideal Coffee - Toronto, Ontario

Preparation:   Mr. Coffee Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  10+
Balance:   8
Flavor:   9
Smoothness:   8

Likes:
    -Fragrance
     Dark
     Mild
     Blackberry
     Extremely smooth

Dislikes:


Summary:  Danny arrived straight from Toronto (well, after brief stops in Chicago, Las Vegas and San Francisco) and presented me with two different kinds of coffee beans from a coffee shop called Ideal Coffee located in Toronto, Ontario.   When I opened the bag of Prince of Darkness whole beans,  I was overcome by a strong and unbelievably fresh smell.  It was potent, intense and decadent.  The fragrance (the smell after grinding and before adding water) was even more dynamic and enticing.  These beans definitely get a 10 in fragrance and 10 + in aroma (after adding water).

This coffee is from Central America and is dark, smooth and easy to drink.  It is not long on the palate and does not bite.  A clean finish.  It is flavorful with notes of blackberry and floral accents.  A nice coffee for the first cup of the morning.


Overall score:  9

Awakening - Moonbean Coffee Company - Toronto, Ontario

Preparation:  French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  7

Balance:  8

Flavor: 8

Smoothness:  8

Likes:
-Mellow
  Nutmeg

  Peppery
  Cloves

Dislikes:


Summary:   I like this coffee.  It is mellow and easy to sip.  I would say it has a medium body with hints of spice as described above.  A nice middle of the road flavor that is very comforting.  I do not detect much acidity.  This coffee would be great over ice on a hot day. 

Overall score:  8

* I just had this coffee on ice and found it delicious and refreshing!

What I Found Out About Galapagos Coffee

I did a little research on Galapagos coffee.  This is a very brief summary just intended to educate you and not bore you.  I was interested in finding out more about this coffee because of my tasting this week.  The Galapagos coffee was very, very unusual and an unexpected tasting experience. 

French explorers planted Arabica coffee trees in 1869 on the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador.  They were soon abandoned for almost one hundred years.  Then in 1990 harvesting this Arabica coffee was resumed.  These coffee trees are now protected in a national park where the trees are grown free of pesticides and fertilizers.  They are also grown at a lower elevation than most coffees and this makes the beans softer and less acidic than those grown at higher altitudes.

This coffee is light roasted and various websites boast that the flavor is a "true taste experience with an intense and impressive aftertaste".  Hmmmm.......my taste buds weren't kidding me!!!

In summary,  I am really glad to have sampled true Galapagos coffee beans (thank you, Danny)  and  I really enjoyed learning how unique they are.  The truth is that I didn't really like them that much.  Maybe as time goes on I will acquire a more sophisticated palate.   Until then.......Danny -  the next cup is for you!

Ether - Philz - San Francisco, California

Preparation:  French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  9

Balance:  8

Flavor:  9

Smoothness:  8

Likes:
- Robust
  Dark

  Flavorful
  Sweet

Dislikes:


Summary: This coffee did not disappoint me as it was pleasant from start to finish.  My first whiff of the beans was intoxicating and wonderful.  Philz certainly does find the perfect descriptive name for its coffee beans!  Ether!  I made a cup for my afternoon pick-me-up and it succeeded in every way.  It is intense with lots of dark robust flavors.  There are tones of maple and nuts.  A fun and flavorful coffee!

Overall score:  9

Galapagos - Legare's - Portland, Oregon

Preparation: French Press  

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma:   8
Balance:   5

Flavor:  5

Smoothness:  5

Likes:

       Aroma

       Fragrance

       Lemon Flavors

       Bold

Dislikes:

      Acidic

      Sour

      Winey

      Tart

 Summary:  This coffee was a new tasting experience for me.  The fragrance of the beans after grinding was very pleasant.   I smelled undertones of chocolate.  Even the aroma after pouring the hot water over the ground beans was full and smokey and inviting.  What a surprise when I took the first sip!!!  Very lemony and tart!  Even now after having a half cup and waiting a few minutes, my mouth is still puckering with a sourness.   OK, I take another sip and.......lemons!  I can feel some of the acid in my stomach churning, but not too bad.  Interesting coffee; chocolate aroma and lemon flavor. This will be a good one to try next time in a drip coffee maker.  Also, I plan to do some research on Galapagos coffee and learn more about the region.

Overall score: 5

Devil's Brew - Moonbean Coffee Company - Toronto, Ontario

Preparation: French Press  (second tasting)

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma: 8
Balance:   7
Flavor: 8
Smoothness:  7

Likes:
- Flavorful
  Rich
  Dark
  Smokey
  Spicey
  Strong
  Hazelnut Flavors

Dislikes:


Summary: After a week of incredible activities,  I really wanted to sit down and have a great cup of coffee and relax this afternoon.  Since I still had enough beans left of my favorite coffee tasting so far, I decided to try the "Devil's Brew" again.  Only this time I made it using a french press.  As you can see I downgraded it a bit.  It still was awesome, but the aroma not as intense and the flavor was also less intense as I remember.  This could be due to the fact that the beans are older now and have not been kept properly and that the method of brewing is also different.  There was enough change from the first tasting that I experienced a significant variation in flavor and aroma.  I definitely will go out and get the ceramic coffee storage containers!!!!

Overall score: 8

Properly Storing Your Special Coffee

Since I have a bit of a cold and sore throat I am going to forgo my coffee tasting today.  Instead, I am educating myself on how to best store coffee so that it will retain as much flavor as possible and stay fresh longer. 

The first part is actually obvious to me.  It is better to buy coffee in whole bean form and store it in whole bean form.  (Grinding your own beans is easy and worth the effort)

The second part is a bit of a surprise to me.  Roasted whole beans should last 1 to 2 weeks, when stored at room temperature.   And, they need to be kept in an airtight container that blocks out all light.  No plastic or metal containers as they can contaminate the taste.  Ceramic is best.

I never really knew what to do with with my coffee beans.  One friend always puts hers in the refrigerator while another always puts hers in the freezer.   So, this is the deal.......the refrigerator is not an option.  It is not cold enough and the coffee will act like baking soda and absorb and deodorize the odors.  Yucko!  Freezing is an option, though.  If you know that you will not be using your awesome coffee beans in the near future or you have a large quantity then you can freeze them!  Ok, but there is more to it than just tossing them in the freezer to chill.  They should be in their original package airtight then put into a zip lock bag that has the air squeezed out.  Finally, the beans should be put into yet another bag that blocks out all light......say a brown paper bag.  Easy!  When you are ready to use your coffee, take out just how much you need and let it thaw before grinding.  Please note:  coffee should only be frozen and thawed once. 

So, freezing is an option, but not the first option to store coffee beans.  (Freezing may alter the taste)

In conclusion, keep your coffee away from the following:

* Air
* Moisture
* Excessive Heat
* Direct Sunlight



And use a special ceramic container or special vacuum coffee container to store it if you want to use it right away.

That's it for now.  I learned something and the only other thing I have to say is  "GO DUCKS!!!!"









 

Silken Splendor - Philz - San Francisco, California

Preparation: Cuisinart drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma: 8
Balance: 7
Flavor: 6
Smoothness: 7

Likes:
- Smooth
  Mild
  Flowery
  Citrus

Dislikes:
- not enough flavor
  unremarkable

Summary: This is a pleasantly smooth coffee.  I think it is named appropriately as it does seem splendidly silky.   It is light to medium bodied and easy on the palate.  There are tones of flowers with a tart and citrus finish.  The aroma from the freshly ground beans was wonderful!  I was expecting to experience a more intense flavor because the aroma was full and robust.  This is not a coffee to add cream and sugar to because you would lose the coffee in the mix.  It is best alone.

Overall score: 7

****  I plan to use the french press next time to compare the flavor experience/intensity.

Bali - Legare's - Portland, Oregon

Preparation: French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma: 6
Balance: 4
Flavor: 4
Smoothness: 4

Likes:
- Flavorful

Dislikes:
-Tart
 Acidy
  Fruity
 Nippy
  Sour
 Tangy
  Sharp

Summary:  The more sips I take of this coffee the less I like it.  It has a strong sharp flavor that is not disagreeable, but also not intensely pleasant either.  My stomach is aching right now from the acid and I feel some heartburn brewing in the middle of my chest.  This coffee is sour on my palate and causes a lasting tangy sensation in the front of my mouth and tongue.  I will give it another chance on a different occasion because Danny remembers liking it,  but for now this is not my coffee of choice.

Overall score: 4

Giant Steps - Blue Bottle Company - San Francisco, California

Preparation: French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma: 8
Balance:  8
Flavor: 9
Smoothness: 8

Likes:
- Flavorful
  Mellow
  Nutty
  Malty
  Savory

Dislikes:


Summary: I obviously liked this coffee a lot.  It is pleasing and well balanced.  It tastes like a medium roast as it is not light or dark, but has flavors of both.  It is not acidy,  and it is pleasantly long on the palate.  I would drink this coffee anytime of the day or evening and especially would enjoy drinking it by itself without anything to distract from the enjoyment of the wonderful flavor.

Overall score: 8

Midnight Darkness - Moonbean Coffee Company - Toronto, Ontario

Preparation: Cuisinart drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma: 7
Balance: 3
Flavor:  2
Smoothness:  3

Likes:


Dislikes:
Ashy
Tobacco
Sour Finish
Acidy
Harsh

Summary:  This is a dark roast that doesn't have the robust flavor that I like.  It reminds me of a coffee that someone drinks while smoking.  The aftertaste stays in my mouth a long time -  minutes after my last sip.  My stomach also feels acidy.  My palate tastes like cigarettes smell.  I am disappointed as I was looking forward to a more pleasing experience.

Overall score: 3

What Exactly Is "Aroma"?

To me the aroma of coffee occurs at different stages of making an awesome cup of joe.  It is the smell that swirls upward when I first open a sealed bag of fresh beans. Then it is the wiff I get after I remove the top of the grinder.  Finally, it is the fragrance of hot freshly brewed coffee permeating the room as I pour myself a cup. It is one of the principal categories used by professionals to evaluate coffee.

After a little research I found that there is much more to aroma....... it is a science.  There are over 800 coffee compounds found in aroma. Over 800 coffee elements interact with the olfactory epithelium.  Okay, not going any further.  Enough!  I want to have fun with coffee as an average "JOE".  Tomorrow I will be tasting something very special.  Tune in folks.........

World of Coffee

In my quest to learn more about the world of coffee I have been doing some very informative reading.  I have learned that "cuppers" have trained palates and extremely developed nerve endings in their nostrils.  Unfortunately,  I have allergies that cause a somewhat constant stuffy nose.  Nevertheless, I can smell aromas good enough to offer my most humble opinion.  Join me on a journey (thanks to Danny) to experience coffee from around the world.  Comments are welcome and encouraged.  Here is to my dream of one day being a "cupper"!

Devil's Brew - Moonbean Coffee Company - Toronto, Ontario

Preparation: Mr. Coffee drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma:  9
Balance:   7
Flavor: 9
Smoothness:  7

Likes:
- Flavorful
  Rich
  Dark
  Smokey
  Spicey
  Strong

Dislikes:
 

Summary: This coffee is a "wow"!  Definitely holds its own with a strong lasting taste on the palate. There are tones of smoke and spice.  The room is filled with the aroma.  It is decadent.  I would serve this with any kind of dessert or just as an after dinner coffee.  Also, would use this coffee when looking to make a specialty coffee drink such as Baileys and coffee.

Overall score: 9

House Blend - Legare's - Portland, Oregon

Preparation: French press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent
Aroma:   5
Balance:   8
Flavor:  8
Smoothness:  7

Likes:
- Flavorful
  Rich
  Nutty
  Smooth

Dislikes:
  Slight bitterness

Summary: This is a great morning coffee.  It is very flavorful and rich with a nutty aftertaste.  Even though the coffee looks like a dark roast it doesn't have the smokey dark roast flavor.  I wouldn't serve this coffee with dessert, but would serve it with meals or alone.  It is long on the palate.  

Overall score:  7