Monteverde- Grille' 000 - Harfleur, France

Coffea BP 39, 76600 Harfleur, France, www.coffea.fr

Preparation:   Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  8
Balance:   9
Flavor:   9
Smoothness:   8

Likes:
     Bold
     Complex
     Full Bodied
     Sweet 
     Dark
     Lemony

Dislikes:
   

Summary:

Bonnie and Jim brought these 100% Arabica coffee beans back from France for me! (and some more that I have yet to try)  Awesome!  I asked Jim to tell me a little about where they found this wonderful coffee:
 

"Both were bought in Vence, France, an old walled village dating to the 4th century, about 30 minutes north of Nice.  The one in the vacuum pack was bought in the grocery store among an array of others packed like that.  Don't know much more than that, except that we picked it out for whatever consumer reasons people have ... red package, eye level, it looked like we would like it and probably you would too. 

The other, we spent 20 minutes sampling various coffees in the heart of the old village in a modern shop that was nicer than any Starbucks or Tully's or Peet's.  A patient and friendly sames woman spent lots of time making certain that we bought what we would like.  We got our own pound of the same as you got.  We tasted several bitter coffees and this stood out for its more mellow and smooth, yet strong flavor.  You will taste it differently, probably."

Now this sounds like a coffee shop that I would like to stop and visit.  The only problem is that I don't have plans to be in France anytime soon.  So, for now I will just have to close my eyes and take a sip and let my imagination soar!

This is a very complex and unique coffee!  The beans are dark and slightly shiny, but they still have retained the flavorful qualities of a lighter roast.  It nips and bites in a teasing way.  It is heavy and sweet but, packs a citrus punch finale.  The ground beans frothed and foamed when the hot water dripped slowly on them.  (As you know this is a very good sign of freshness!)  In summary, Monteverde coffee is bright, sweet and bold.  Serve this extroverted coffee in the late afternoon and immerse your senses and your palate with delight! Thank you Bonnie and Jim!!!!

***High in the mountains of Costa Rica, some of the world’s best coffee is grown.  It is called the Monteverde region. There are 75 small coffee producers there who grow their beans in an environmentally  friendly manner as they voluntarily restrict their use of pesticides.  The volcanic soil is very fertile and when combined with the climate of rain and the shade from the Monteverde Cloud Forrest, a truly wonderful coffee bean is created.

Don't Let Rancid/Stale Coffee Beans Spoil Your Beautiful Sunday Brunch!

Photo Courtesy of Danny Tarlow

A good Sunday morning to you!  What is better than freshly baked blueberry muffins, pancakes from scratch, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice from you own orchard and a cuppa Joe with freshly roasted coffee beans?  I will let you answer that!

 How do you know if your coffee beans are truly fresh?  You wouldn't want to spoil this whole ambiance with stale and/or rancid coffee beans, would you?  Then keep in mind the following:

1.  Do the nose test.  Fresh coffee beans have a wonderful aroma.  When the UPS man delivered coffee to my house I could smell the beans through the cardboard box as soon as I opened the front door.  Also, I am sure the UPS man's truck was thoroughly engulfed with the fragrance.  You should have the same experience.  There have been times where I couldn't smell much of anything even after opening the bag itself.  This is a sign of staleness!

2.  The beans should be somewhat shiny as they will still have some oil on them.

3.  Your coffee will froth when you pour on the hot water.  (French Press, Pour Over or Aeropress)  This is also known as the bloom.  It is the coffee gasses being released which only happens with freshly roasted beans.

4.  The flavor should be full and interesting.  If it lacks flavor or some kind of interest then it is not fresh!

5.  Beware of vacuum packed bricks of coffee.  The coffee has been degassed and is already stale!

6.  Grocery stores have great sales to unload inventory.  This may be coffee that is three months old or older!

7.  Ground coffee goes rancid very quickly.  It will deteriorate within a few hours of being exposed to oxygen, moisture and light.  Best to grind and then brew immediately. 

8.  Taste test......if it tastes like rubber, cigarette ashes or like some kind of chemical then it is bad.

9.  Stomach ache.......it may not be the acidity, but rather rancid oils.

I think you must get the picture by now.  For info. on coffee storage please go to my coffee storage post.

Make your coffee drinking experience a great one and enjoy every sip.  Now it is time to sit down and enjoy this delicious Sunday!!!!

Crazy Goat Blend - klatch Coffee - California

 Mural In Boulder City, NV

Preparation:   Mr. Coffee Maker

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  2
Balance:  3
Flavor:   2
Smoothness:  3

Likes:

Dislikes:
    Bland
    Sour aftertaste
    No Flavor
    Watery

Summary:  Ok..... I tried this medium dark roasted coffee twice and both times I really didn't like it.  It lacked flavor, in fact there was no flavor!  I would even choose a light roast over this if it was flavorful!  I am being generous with a 3 for the overall score.  The name of the coffee was the only thing unique and exciting.  I detected no aroma and or fragrance that was noteworthy.  There was a long sourness on my palate that definitely was not a pleasant experience.  Then, I tried adding cream and sugar.  This helped in the fact that I at least had the flavor of cream and sugar.  Not my cuppa coffee!!!  Blah, or should I say Baa....Baa....Baa!!!!!!
 
Overall score:   3

Columbia, San Agustin - Sight Glass Coffee - San Francisco, California

Preparation:   Mr. Coffee Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  9
Balance:   8
Flavor:   9
Smoothness:   8

Likes:
     Aroma
     Intense Flavor
     Freshness
     Sweet and Spicy
     Fruity

Dislikes:
   

Summary: Douglas brought me these freshly roasted coffee beans direct from Sight Glass Coffee in San Francisco.  The roasting date is May 12th and that brings a big smile to my face!

This coffee is comforting and spicy with mild notes of grapefruit at the end.  The flavor is outstanding.  Now this is a great coffee!  It is a light to medium roast and it bites.  It is intense and very bold.  The citrus finish gets my salivary glands working overtime as it is long on palate.  A  great Latin American coffee to have in the afternoon to pick you up and see you off. 

Keep your eyes open if you are looking for this small vintage coffee bar and roastery.  It is nestled in at 270 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA.  I think the coffee and beans are on the expensive side, but worth the trip if you have a true coffee affection! 

Very enjoyable and highly recommended!  Thanks Doug!

Overall score:  9

*** Do you know that the sight glass is the viewing window into the drum where the coffee is roasted? 

The Intrigue of Coffee Acidity

It doesn't take much to get my old stomach churning and a high acidic coffee will do the trick quicker than anything.  So, I equate a high level of acidic coffee with a burning unpleasant feeling in my gut.  I don't think I am alone, but there are many coffee lovers that find coffee acidity a highly valued quality.  There is a fine line, though.  Sourness is an extreme acidity and is considered a coffee defect.

Without acid, coffee will fall flat on your palate and taste dull.  The acid gives coffee a dry and bright flavor and usually is the first sensation on your palate when tasting.  A little acid really is a good thing!

Coffees high in acidity are generally from Central America and East Africa.  Some high acidic coffees that come to mind are from Guatemala, Costa Rica and Kenya. There seems to be a correlation between acidity and coffee grown at very high altitudes and in mineral rich volcanic soils.  Coffee from Brazil, Sumatra and India generally have a naturally low acid content.  They are from lower grown regions and when they are moderately roasted they will be very pleasant and flavorful.  (As long as the beans are not burned this is usually a great cup of Joe)

The acid content of a coffee also depends on the roasting degree.  A darker roast will generally have less acid.  Dark roasting is the most efficient way to kill the acidity and also mask it.

There are many ways to reduce acid by adding chemicals and compounds.  I personally am not interested in drinking coffee that is not natural. 

In summary, for those of you that can tolerate a high acid content I applaud you because you can enjoy some awesome coffees from around the world and keep an open mind on their quality.  I am intrigued by coffee acidity and the complexity it adds to the whole cupping experience.

Diesel Dark Roast - Atomic Cafe - Salem, Massachusetts

 

Preparation:  Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:
    Dark
    Pleasantly Smokey
    Full Bodied
    Spicy
    Low acidity

Dislikes:
    Weak Fragrance and Aroma

Summary:   Good Day!  Yes, it is a good day.  I started off mine with Diesel Dark Roast and now I am ready to rev up my engine.  I purchased these dark beans online (free shipping) from GoCoffeeGo.com.  They arrived in a timely fashion and freshly roasted.  Awesome!  When I opened the bag of beans for the first whiff I was disappointed.  I really had to stick my nose in the bag to get a good take on the fragrance.  I admit I was hoping the beans would fill the room with an intoxicating coffee bean smell.  But, the coffee itself after brewing was bold, dark and rich which more than made up what was lacking at the start. I noted delicate smokey undertones and a long zingy finish on the palate.  This coffee would be wonderful served at a late morning meeting, book group gathering or in my case, with my Realtor that has yet to sell my house!

The low acidity will keep you coming back for a refill and that will ensure you won't run out of fuel (gas) all day!



Overall score:  7+

Sumatra - Colorado River Coffee Roasters - Boulder City, Nevada

www.crcoffeeroasters.com

Preparation:  Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:
    Savory
    Dark
    Bold
    Nutty
    Sweet
    Crisp

Dislikes:

 

Summary:  What a gem of a find!  If you plan to drive to Las Vegas or visit Hoover Dam you will be very close to Boulder City.  It is a quaint friendly little town with lots of history and worth the stop.  I stumbled upon a little coffee roaster shop while walking down Nevada Street.  It is nestled in next to Milo's Cellar and Inn and if you walk too fast you might miss it.  I also ran into this guy:

Okay, back to the coffee.  I bought the Sumatra:  Aceh Pantan Lues whole bean coffee.  It had a fabulous roast date of April 25th!!!  Yeah!!  You know how important roast dates are! The description on the bag says this coffee has under-tones of wildness and earthiness and the beans are prepared by a small-volume group of farmers in the Pantan Lues area.  (?)  It is 100% Aceh coffee and on the bag it says that it is cleaner and less gamey than most Sumatras.  They also describe this coffee as having a "wonderful sweetness with hints of cedar and vanilla."

This coffee was a true treat and nice surprise.  The beans are dark and have one of the top ten aromas I have experienced so far.  There is a sweetness that is full

Friendly Staff

and decadent, but the salty savory nutty flavor shines through at the same time.  There are no smokey or ashy tones and it has a wonderful crisp finish.  This coffee is one to serve to anyone you want to impress.

Overall score:   9

* Note:  The coffee I was served by the fellow up above was this same coffee, but it did not taste as good from his coffee pot compared to the cup I made at home.  Who knows why?

Boulder City Sidewalk View

This place was two doors down and featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Vista Hermosa - Barefoot Coffee - San Jose, California

Preparation:  French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:   8
Balance:  6
Flavor:   7
Smoothness:  8

Likes:
    Tangerine
    Chocolate
    Tea like
    Spice

Dislikes:
    Acidy
    Too Sour


Summary:  These coffee beans are from Guatemala and are a medium roast.  They are not only Fair Trade, but also Direct Trade and are organic, pesticide-free and a sustainable coffee. The aroma smells like sweet spicy chocolate, but the flavor has very strong tones of tangerine and citrus with a lasting tangy bite.  The coffee is not bitter, but it is sour on the palate.  It is acidy, but not overwhelmingly so.  The flavor is unique and reminds me a little of Kona coffee.  If you want a change of pace and want to try something that will definitely get your taste buds perking, than give this coffee a try.  It came to my door from GoCoffeeGo within a couple days of roasting.  
 
Overall score:  7

Alligator French - Equator Coffees - San Rafael, California

Preparation:  French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:   9
Balance:  8
Flavor:   9
Smoothness:   8

Likes:
    Nutty
    Intense
    Dark
    Sweet
    Toffee

Dislikes:
   

Summary:  Finally, the coffee beans I have been waiting for arrived via UPS to my front door.  I was extremely excited to see the two packages.  I swear that when I opened the door the aroma of the freshly roasted beans caught an air current and swirled up to my nostrils.  Seriously, I could smell the beans through the brown cardboard boxes.  I bet the UPS man was salivating as the smell engulfed his truck.

I ordered these coffee beans online from the site GoCoffeeGo.  The bag is stamped clearly with the roasting date April 11, 2011.  Awesome!  Today is April 14 (the beans came yesterday) and that is super fresh!  I am very impressed.  Now lets hope the beans themselves will reach my expectations.

Alligator French is a fair trade organic coffee that is dark roasted with Ecuador, Ethiopia and Sumatra beans.  The profile on the bag says "robust earth tones, smoky tropical wood, prunes and walnuts".  Now I don't know what smoky tropical wood tastes like, but I do know about prunes and this is not my first thought as I swirl the coffee in my mouth.  There is definitely a smoky flavor that is not overwhelming.  It is pleasant and unique on my palate.  I note almonds with a toffee like sweetness in the aroma and in the flavor.  This coffee is well balanced robust and ends with a bite of blueberries.  I like it a lot.  Since I made three cups I am going to save the rest for iced coffee.  See ya later _______?



Overall score:   9

Mind The Gap - Online Coffee Orders

I am dreaming of waking up and finding myself with some fresh roasted coffee beans.  I don't mean Peet's Coffee that promises freshness guaranteed within 90 days (that will be a future post).  I  mean right out of the roaster fresh.  Bold, beautiful and fragrant whole beans.  Scrumptiously aromatic and intensely bursting with exotic flavors.  I can see them now shining in the bright morning sun.   And then the doorbell rings.  A barista appears with beans that were roasted yesterday and......

Yes, I am all out of coffee.  But, never fear, I found a website that I like a lot.  It is called GoCoffeeGo and is web based out of San Francisco.  It is an online one stop shop that features micro roasters sourced from all over the world.  They directly contract with the roasters who ship fresh roasted beans to your door.  The shipping is a little spendy, but I am intrigued and as I said before........I am all out of coffee!

So, I just placed my order and I can't wait for the beans to come knocking.  It was fun to read about the different roasters.  Let me tell you what I decided to buy.

Barefoot Coffee
Vista Hermosa - Guatemala  and Equator Alligator French

 I have not heard of either of these coffees, but that is why GoCoffeeGo is such a great site.  It helps a person like me get coffee from little known awesome roasters.  I should receive the coffee shortly as each order is roasted just for the buyer.  Yeah!  My dreams are about to come true!  STAY POSTED!  And.....don't let the bed bugs bite!

P.S. Danny and Doug, I think you should visit your mom and bring her some beans.

GULP! Flavored Coffee Beans?

Warning!  After reading this post you may never want to drink coffee made with flavored coffee beans again.  I know I am biased, but after my research I have decided that a flavored coffee bean will never touch my discriminating lips!  Or make its way into my grocery buggy!

There are very few flavored coffee beans that are flavored with natural flavors.  Alert!  Yes, that means that a lot of chemicals are a part of the flavoring process.  To be exact, have you heard of...... 2, 4-Dimethyl-5-acetylthiazole or  2,5-Dimethylpyrazine?  These particular chemicals are used to add an earthy, peanut flavor to your coffee bean.  Have you heard of  Ethyl Alcohol, Dimethylamine-D1, Formamidiniumacetate, Propylene Glycol, alpha Methyl Benzyl Alcohol, and Heliotropin?  That is one yummy concoction to flavor a coffee bean to taste like Irish Creme!  If that doesn't get your salivary glands working overtime then maybe realizing that coffee flavors may require up to 80 different compounds to achieve a certain flavor, will.  It is thought that flavoring beans will also extend the shelf life by disquising oxidation and the aging process. I learned that any taste can be reproduced. One site boasts that the ideal flavor should mask some of the harsh notes of the coffee.  My question is......where did that coffee bean your masking come from??  (Hmmm........I just read that some manufacturers will use the cheapest beans possible. The worst case scenario I read about said floor sweepings and blown roasts were used)  Alright, lets move on.  It's time for a real cuppa Joe!

---

What's Your Roast?

Will you order that big juicy steak - rare, medium rare, medium or (gasp) well done?  Well, the roast of your coffee beans offers you the very same choices.  Sometimes, we prefer our steaks and our coffee beans one particular way every time.  It is just a matter of taste!  Nothing affects the taste of the coffee bean more than the roast.

Coffee roasters will start with green coffee beans. The more they are roasted the darker they will become.  The lightest roast will reveal the origin of the coffee bean.  The darker you roast a coffee bean the more it loses its origin flavor and takes on the roasting quality.   I think you should find a balance between the two. 

The very lightest coffee roast (cinnamon) is what most commercial coffee people offer in the cans you see in the grocery store.  It is the most bang for the buck (cheap) and not my choice.  The light roast does not allow the full flavor of the bean to be realized and will often taste sour.  It has low body and the beans appear dry.

The medium light roast is a slightly darker brown color and still appears dry.  It has just a little more body.  Still not my cuppa joe......

A medium roast increases in darkness and acidity and the flavor becomes noticeable.  The beans still appear dry and the acidity is much more intense with a more potent body.

Medium dark has a rich brown color and a small amount of oil is apparent.  The acidity starts to decrease and the body becomes full.  It is sometimes called City Roast. I think these are one of the best tasting roasts.  You can still taste the flavor of the origin.

Dark roast is a brownish/black bean.  It may be completely oily.  The flavor decreases and the body dominates.  There usually is less caffeine, less bitterness and less strength.  It is generally slightly sweet.  Because the darker bean has less moisture it will require a coarser grind and possibly more ground coffee per cup.

Very dark roasts are typically drenched in oil and the beans look almost black.  The flavor is diminished.  Interestingly,  the aroma is lacking and the body is thin.  This bean is often used in an American espresso.  (There are some people who call this roast burnt) Some dark roasts are called Full City Roast, Italian Roast or Viennese Roast (and sometimes even French Roast). The origin of the beans will not matter because the roasting will mostly leave a strong smokey burnt flavor in its place.

Campfire - Firecreek Coffee Company - Cave Creek, Arizona

Preparation:  Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:   7
Balance:  7
Flavor:   7
Smoothness:  8

Likes:
    Tangerine
    Lemon
    Delicate

Dislikes:
    Acidy
 

Summary:   Okay, folks!  I polished off my bag of Big Breakfast from Firecreek Coffee Company and felt a little sad.  Since I haven't had a chance to make the day trip to Cave Creek yet, I went back to my nearby AJ's grocery store.  I was really excited about it.  Only there wasn't much on the shelf and the roasting dates were all 2010!  Nope, not going to do that.  Then I saw one Campfire bag of beans hiding in the back.  The roasting date was February 17, 2011.  That will do!

This is mostly a light roast coffee.  The tones of lemon and tangerine are prevalent.  There is a slight nippy zing to it and it is short on the palate.  This coffee is not bland.  The beans are fresh and fragrant, but nothing like Big Breakfast!  This time the acid is a little much for me first cup of the day.   I am teetering on my score.

In my most humble opinion, I would name this coffee something other than Campfire. When I look at the label I think of cowboys sitting around an open fire.  It seems to me they would drink a coffee that was powerful, strong, rugged and a little smokey.  What do you think? 



Overall score:  7

Big Breakfast - Firecreek Coffee Company - Cave Creek, Arizona

Preparation:   Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  9
Balance:   8
Flavor:   9
Smoothness:   8

Likes:
    -Fragrance
     Full
     Sweet
     Carmel
     Toffee
     Citrus Finish

Dislikes:
     Acidy
 

Summary:  First cup of the day and I am not disappointed!  Because of the name I decided to break from tradition of tasting coffee in the afternoon and go for it in the a.m.!  From the moment I opened the vacuum sealed bag until my first sip, I was in coffee paradise!  It is magnificent!  This coffee is not like my usual dark roast favorites and that is a nice change for me.  It tastes like a medium roast.  Maybe my palate is becoming more sophisticated?  The aroma of the beans is intense, sweet and tantalizing.  Super fresh roasted beans just have the most wonderful smell.  The first sip brought to mind tones of toffee and carmel.  Today, I don't even mind the bit of acid that is present.  This remarkable coffee is worth talking more about.  Please see my next post for more on Firecreek Coffee Company!  Now, pass those crispy hash browns and ketchup please...... and bring on the bacon!


Overall score:  9

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