Best Single Serve Brewed Coffee - Aero Press Coffee Maker!!!

Cool Coffee Mug From Jane

 In my humble opinion, the Aero Press is an amazing invention!!!  It makes the best single cup of coffee or espresso imaginable.  The clean rich robust flavor is captured from fresh coffee beans in the Aero Press in just a matter of seconds.  No fuss or watching the clock.  It is a quick brew.  And, clean up is simple -  a quick rinse.  There is no doubt, if you just want/need one cup of great tasting coffee, the Aero Press is for you.  It is affordable and can be found online or in stores near you.  Thanks to Danny T.  for this great birthday present.  I didn't know what I was missing.  Now I use the Aero Press almost every day and I take it with me on all my travels.

So, you ask, how does this work?  Well, first you grind some fresh high quality coffee beans and put them in the cylinder.  Then you add very hot water and fill to the top.  Take your stirrer and gently mix up the grounds and water.  It should be foaming at this point.  Then, put on the plunger at the top of the cylinder and push slowly.  The air will push the brewed coffee through the filter.


 Then, Whaa Laa!!!  A great cup of coffee awaits you.  Nifty!  You can push as fast or as slow as you want to create different strengths of coffee and there won't be any grounds at the bottom of your cup or sludge floating around.  So here it is in bullet form:

• Put Aero Press on top of coffee cup
• Add freshly ground coffee beans up to the number 1
• Pour in hot water- I like mine real hot, but everyone is different.  Experiment!
• Gently stir for a few short seconds and let it sit for a few seconds - let it foam and bubble
• Next put the plunger on the top
• Then push very slowly- the air will push the brew through the filter
• Remove Aero Press
• Enjoy an AWESOME cup of coffee!

Who invented the Aero Press.....you ask? 

A Stanford University mechanical engineer named Alan Adler spent many years of research in perfecting the Aero Press.  (He is also the inventor of the Aerobie flying disk)

Factoid:  Aero Press coffee is micro-filtered. It so pure and particle-free that it can be stored for days as a concentrate.  You can cook with it or get creative and use it in other beverages.

Another Factoid:  Long steeping times (french press) extract bitterness from coffee beans.  By the way, French presses cannot make espresso or lattes.

Summary:  It has been said that the Aero Press delivers the fastest, richest and purest cup of coffee anywhere and I have to agree with that!

It takes 30 seconds from start to finish to make a cup of the best coffee ever with an Aero Press!

Lucha Libre - Firecreek Coffee Company - Cave Creek, AZ

Preparation:   Cuisinart Coffee Maker

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  Chocolate
            Easy sipping
            Smooth


Dislikes:
  

Summary:   This full city roast of different Mexican Altura coffee beans is great in the good morning!  I brewed a big pot of this medium bodied coffee and am glad I did because it is easy on the tummy and very smooth.  When the hot water hit the ground beans it frothed and bloomed like a volcano, proving the beans were extremely fresh.  There are no punches or surprises here.  No big flavors that are overwhelming.....just a real nice cuppa Joe.  Personally,  I paired this coffee with a big chocolate mousse muffin from Mimi's Cafe.  I would classify this pairing as a homerun!  Lucha Libre coffee enhanced and magnified the chocolate flavors of the muffin so much so that I almost ate the whole muffin before I could take a picture of it!!!

Overall score:  9


***  Label on bag says:  Dark and Handsome

Sunbreak - Trailhead Coffee Roasters - Portland, Oregon

Preparation:  French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  Caramel
            Toffee
             Hazelnuts
             Vanilla
            

Dislikes:  Slightly bitter and acidy
 

Summary:  I was grocery shopping at Whole Foods and accidentally walked down the coffee isle.  (did I say "accidentally?")   As I gazed at the vast selection of coffee on the shelf in front of me, I ended up deciding on the Trailhead Coffee Roaster's Sunbreak morning blend whole bean coffee.  Their marketing worked!  I liked the brown bag, the picture on the bag and the name.  It just had a true Pacific Northwest feel, not to mention a clearly stamped recent roasting date.  It sold me!

Sunbreak is a blend of two origins.  One is roasted medium and the other dark.  It has all the flavors I like best, but for some reason as much as I wanted to love it........I experienced a slight bitterness that combined with a little too much acid didn't make it to my five star rating.  I will definitely give it another shot with a different brewing process and even try some of their other beans. 


Overall score:   8

***Trailhead Coffee Roasters are very committed to their community and the environment. They donate a percentage of their profits back to the coffee growers and programs supporting women in Africa.  Check out their website for more information.

Rue De La Course - New Orleans, Louisiana

3128 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA

WHERE Y'AT! -   (The traditional New Orleanian greeting)

The Big Easy is definitely a fun place to visit!!!  Walking down Bourban Street last night was quite an eye-opening experience..... By the way, I read that natives never refer to New Orleans as The Big Easy, so if you want to blend in.......... maybe say you are in Crescent City?

Today, we (Steve, Danny and I) decided to take the St. Charles streetcar, the oldest continuously running streetcar in America, and head on over to Magazine Street and explore a different part of town called the Garden District.  It is a great street to walk down and people watch - not to mention the cool shops, bookstores and pubs.  I highly recommend it!  It didn't take long before we came upon......a coffee shop! Now, keep in mind I didn't do any research beforehand, so this was a hit or miss.

                                    

Rue De La Course

Danny was game so we went in and checked it out.  There were lots of youngish looking people inside in deep concentration with their computers sitting at tables lined up as if it were a school house.  It was oddly quiet and a bit dark considering how bright and sunny it was outside.

So, fast forward........Danny ordered an iced coffee.  Curiously, I asked the Barista what kind of beans are used for the iced coffee.  She said, "Iced Coffee Beans".  Then I asked her again, "but what kind of beans are the iced coffee beans?"  Then she said again, "Iced Coffee Beans".   Next, she pulled out the bag of beans and sure enough, they were labeled "Iced Coffee Beans".  (??????)  And that was that.

Danny and I left with our coffee and I have to say that I didn't like my brewed stuff.  It was watery.  Danny's was better, but he did put lots of cream and sugar in his.  Next time, I think I will order something else.  Those iced mochas looked interesting....

We left with coffee in hand and noticed the Bulldog Pub down the block.  It wasn't long before I exchanged my coffee for a different kind of brew.
 

The Bulldog Bar and Grill has more than fifty beers on tap and a hundred more in bottles.  We tried a few and loved the place.  Definitely worth going to!!!!  Great atmosphere!!!!
3236 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA

Stay tuned as I did find a great little coffee place in the French Quarter that would be very easy to miss if you didn't know what you were looking for.  The coffee was outstanding!


***Yat is a dialect of English spoken in the Greater New Orleans Area

Kenya Gichathaini - Heart Coffee & Roasting- Portland, Oregon

Preparation:   AeroPress

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  ?
Balance: ?
Flavor:  ?
Smoothness: ?

Likes:

Dislikes:
  

Summary:   Oh, my GOODNESS!  How to rate this coffee???  Impossible for me at this time!  I like this coffee.  Actually, I really want to like this coffee........   It is very, very lemony!  Almost like drinking pure lemon juice.  Lots of pucker and lots of bold citrus intensity!  I know these are great coffee beans and that they have been lightly roasted with care.  But, it is just too bright, acidy, intense and overpowering for my palate. 

Overall score: TBD at a later date....... but, loved the coffee shop and my Macchiato!  Check it out!

Google Maps sent us on a wild journey!

There were twists, and wrong turns and dead ends, oh my.  Finally, the little red riding car got us to our destination where we found a great spot right out in front!

Reflections

. 

 Notice the old fashion record player and albums in the background?

We met Josh the Official Coffee Roaster

(He was really nice and friendly)

Kerri and I each ordered a different Machiatto with a big triple chocolate cookie.  Kerri's Macchiato was made with Brazil and Ethopia Kochere beans and mine was made with Guatamala Santa Clara beans.  It was HEAVEN!  They were both outstanding with different characteristics.  And, the cookie was the perfect accompaniment.  Cristina happily ordered a mug of the brewed coffee and helped us make that darn good cookie disappear in no time!  It was a great morning with best of friends.

Black and Tan - Cave Creek Coffee Company - Cave Creek, Arizona

Preparation:   Aeropress Coffee Maker

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  Salty
            Savory
            Ripe Blackberries
            Flavorful
            Slightly smokey -  in a good way

Dislikes:
  

Summary:  First of all a big thank you to Cindy C. for sending me these terrific beans!!!  Cindy lives lots closer to Cave Creek than I do and I really appreciate what a generous person she is!!!  She is a lucky gal to be able to pop on over to this gem of a coffee and wine bar.....(yes, it is also a wine bar)  I am still trying to get over there so stay tuned!

Black and Tan coffee beans from Cave Creek Coffee Company are a medium roasted blend from Central America mixed with French roasted beans from Indonesia.  They have the big flavor of a medium roast, but the darker French roast beans quiet down the impact and give the coffee drinker (AKA me) an enjoyable, relaxing and tantalizing coffee moment.  The flavors of ripe blackberries mingled with salty and savory pralines cast no doubt in my mind that this is a coffee to remember and serve often.......even if it is just for you!

On another note, this was the first time I have ever used an Aeropress coffee maker and now I am sold on it.  I can't wait to use it again!  Danny gave it to me in New Orleans for my birthday along with some fine coffee beans from Toronto.  Thank you, Danny!!!!  It was easy to use and I just thought it really brought out more flavor from the coffee than when I used the same coffee in my Cusinart drip.  I will have to do an "in detail" post just on the Aeropress......for sure! 

Overall score:  9

*** Tomorrow off to Sedona, AZ !!!

Ethopia Mordecofe (organic) -Stumptown Coffee Roasters - Portland, Oregon

Preparation:   Mr. Coffee Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:   10
Balance:  10
Flavor:   10
Smoothness:  10

Likes:   Savory
             Toffee
             Flavorful
             Chocolate
             Malt
             Honey

Dislikes:
   

Summary:  I LOVE Stumptown coffee!!!!  I have never tried Ethiopia Mordecofe beans before and now I am a huge fan!  The beans themselves look like a medium roast and they are not shiny or oily.

The roasting date on the bag says August 8 (today is the 12th) and that is perfection!  The fragrance escaped with wild abandon when I opened the bag for the first time.  I knew this was going to be good!

The flavors of malt, honey and soft ripe fruit all come together nicely and they are completely compatible.  There is not a big pucker punch at the end, instead it is a calm and smooth finish.  A delightful coffee to serve anytime.

My actual trek to Stumptown was great!  Kerri and I went to the downtown location (128 SW 3rd Ave.)  I bought my beans to take home, but of course we had to order a "specialty" coffee drink!  I ordered a Coffee Latte with non-fat milk and Kerri ordered a Macchiato.  Oh my, GOODNESS!!!  I thought my Latte was out of this world until I tasted Kerri's Macchiato.  Wow!  It reminded me of the coffee I drank in Sweden.  I will definitely order that next time!  Also, look closely at the work of art in making each of these fabulous drinks....

If you are ever in Portland visiting, I would highly recommend a visit to Stumptown Coffee.  They have several locations......just do a google search and find the one most convenient for you. 

Overall score:  10

Stumptown House Blend - Ford Food + Drink - Portland, Oregon

Greetings!  A good coffee day to you all!!!  Yes, we had a good cup of coffee here at Ford Food + Drink.  Oddly, the sign above the door was missing.....?

The name was on front of the glass door, but the door was open and it was hard to see from the outside.

What was noticeable was the small Stumptown wooden plack tilted against the window and a guy with a cup of coffee.  This is what caught our eye and this is what enticed us to come on in.

My friend Kerri and I took a look around.  This wasn't a true coffee joint, although I think they were trying to be.  They have a menu with food items and behind a window there are plates of cookies and sweet stuff.  Not wanting to turn around and walk out, Kerri and I ordered two cups of Stumptown's House Blend and an oatmeal cherry cookie to share.  A large community table was open so we took a seat.   I still had the vibe that this should be a coffee shop.

The coffee was served in mugs and it was really very, very good.  Whoever did the brewing did a nice job.  Stumptown would be proud.  I am usually leery of coffee made in large quantities and put in a "push pot" but the coffee was fresh, flavorful and steamy hot.  I must say I was disappointed at first when the gal behind the counter said they only serve coffee this one way and that it was the only choice.  (note: NOT a coffee place) Our cookie was very tasty, but on the small side and overpriced! (Has the price of a barrel of oatmeal gone that far up?)  Nevertheless, we enjoyed both.

The atmosphere did not encourage us to feel like lingering so we set out to explore the building.  There was an art exhibit around the corner and a stairway that announced PICKLES downstairs.  Curious, we headed down the cavernous stairwell with anticipation to find this little pickle stand.  There were several people from New York there sampling and talking pickle talk. 

After sampling pickles and other pickled stuff,  Kerri and I each bought a jar to take home and enjoy.

Summary:  It was the unexpected and the company that made this outing fun.  I was not impressed with Ford Food + Drink.  I think that they could improve what they do by focusing more on what they want to be. (They also have a happy hour serving beer and wine)  Maybe start with a nice big sign outside welcoming in their customers......

So, the coffee was good, but I wouldn't go back just for the cup of coffee.  It just didn't all come together for me.  The building itself was cool and the pickles a unique surprise!

***The Ford Building is located at 2505 SE 11th Avenue on Division.  It opened in 1915 as an assembly plant for Ford automobiles, and the only one in Oregon. 

***MoonBrine pickles is owned by Stew Golomb.  He brews his pickles in the basement of the Ford Building and offers tasting daily M - TH from 11 - 3:30.  Be prepared.....they are great!

El Salvador Las Delicias - Water Avenue Coffee - Portland, Oregon

Preparation:  Pour Over

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:    7
Balance:    9
Flavor:   8
Smoothness:   9

Likes:  Bright
             Flavorful
             Smooth
             Crisp and Clean

Dislikes:   Sour Finish 

Summary:   I first bought whole beans from Water Avenue Coffee at my local Zupans grocery store and used my Mr. Coffee to brew a few cups for some girl friends.  I explained to them that this was not going to be a Starbucks moment.  I served Water Avenue's "El Toro Espresso" and although I am not critiquing it today, it was great in my opinion.  It was a blend from all major coffee growing regions.  The description on the bag said....... dark chocolate and sweet peanut butter.  I grabbed that baby and threw it in my buggy.  Yummy!!!!

OK, on to today's event.  Water Avenue hasn't always been the coolest place to visit.  Other than OMSI and a few other places it really has been an industrial area that usually is under construction of some kind.

I was surprised at the up and coming feeling it had today.  I brought my friend Kerri with me and it was a good thing because I passed Water Avenue Coffee the first time (it is easy to miss) and she turned me around and she also spotted a parking space just a block away.  Kerri is the best!!!

Upon arrival we were greeted by a very nice young man named Billy.  I explained to him that I wanted Kerri and I to taste two different coffees.  He suggested El Salvador Las Delicias and Nicaragua Segovia 'el jefe'.  The two couldn't have been more different from each other.  I had the El Salvador and Kerri had the Nicaragua.  Although, I tasted Kerri's coffee after my own, I am only fairly critiquing the El Salvador.  I definitely liked the Nicaragua, but decided I need to focus on one coffee at a time.  It is fun to taste and compare, though!

First, I want to point out that this coffee was made using the Pour Over method.  It takes time and a little patience, but worth the few extra minutes.  It gives you a cup of coffee that is pure, clean and clear.  There is not the residue or oils that you have with a french press. 

El Salvador Las Delicias is a bright, crisp coffee that ends with a citrus tang.  On the menu description (which I read afterward) it is described as having notes of milk, chocolate and tangerine with a sparkling finish.  I didn't taste the milk and chocolate, but definitely tasted the tangerine and sparkling finish.  (this may be reason to revisit) Overall, I enjoyed the flavors of this coffee and the experience.  It was especially good with the carrot zucchini muffin that was super moist and light.  I would drink this coffee anytime, but recommend pairing it with a tasty, not too sweet bakery item.

Overall score:  8

Pure Peruvian Sunipani - Nairobi Coffee & Tea Company - United Kingdom

Preparation:  Mr. Coffee

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:    7
Balance:   9
Flavor:   9
Smoothness:   9

Likes:

    Flavorful
    Savory
    Salty
    Mild acidity
    Complex

Dislikes:
   

Summary:

There is a story behind this fabulous coffee!  A very nice lady was visiting the UK and brought back this Peruvian Sunipani ground coffee to Advanced Knee Care knowing that it would be able to find its way to my doorstep.  Now that is something to talk about!!!  It arrived a couple days later via UPS and I was waiting patiently.  Thanks for reading my blog, Jane, and thank you for the super duper coffee!!!!

The ground coffee was vacuum sealed with a valve and when I opened the bag I was not overpowered by the fragrance.  It had a very pleasant and inviting mild aroma.  The brewed coffee itself was really very, very good.  I made it on the strong side and enjoyed the complex flavors of savory notes along with a berry like finish.  It is well-balanced as no single flavor characteristic dominates or overwhelms the other.  The coffee has lots of depth and would be especially nice to have in the morning as the acidity is mild, but the essence is strong.  This is a pure origin coffee and comes from south eastern Peru.  Awesome!





Overall score:  8+

Diablo - Caffe Ladro - Bellevue, Washington

Photo courtesy of Danny Tarlow

Preparation:  French Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  Rich
             Flavorful
             Robust
             Chocolate
             Thick
              Dark

Dislikes:
 

Summary:  Danny was in Seattle for a few days and brought me back these terrific beans.  I admit I did a little research online ahead of time and thought that Caffe Ladro was the place to try.  (Great reviews)  The brown package the beans are in promises high quality freshness as it is extra thick with a valve.  When I opened the bag the heavenly fragrance pleasantly overwhelmed me.  The beans are dark and slightly shiny and are a mix of Mexican and Sumatran Gayoland roasted to a dark French Roast.  Anticipation ............

Wow!  The froth of freshness bubbled up to the top of the press and the aroma was decadent.  This is a great cup of coffee.  It is everything I love!  The dark intense chocolate flavor combined with a flavorful medium body is outstanding.  I want to say it has some nut like flavors, but after reading the description on the bag I have to say I taste Guiness beer.  What a combo!

Next, I tried a cup with cream and sugar and again was delighted.  The flavors are not lost and shine through with a totally different experience.  Dessert anyone?

Caffe Ladro is committed to Fair Trade 100% Organic Coffee.
 
Overall score:  9+

P.S.  I want to tell you that I first made coffee with these beans in my Mr. Coffee maker and it lacked the intensity and flavor of the French Press.  There was a striking difference.  I am not sure if it was just the preparation or if I need a new drip coffee maker.  Anyway, it really was night and day difference. 

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

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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