Malawi - Bergies Coffee - Gilbert, Arizona

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  9

Balance:  10

Flavor:   10
Smoothness:  9

Likes:

Nutty
Savory
Toasty
Bright Finish
Medium Acidity
Sweet Tea Flavors

Dislikes:


Summary:

 It is hard to find coffee roasters this good in Arizona, but because of a series of strange events I stumbled on to this AWESOME little coffee and roast house and I am so glad I did.

I bought the Malawi coffee beans because I have never had Malawi coffee before and have to say that I enjoyed it very much.  I usually don't like a "bright" coffee, but this was quietly bright with a touch of sweetness that was not overpowering.  Of course I made the coffee strong which satisfied my propensity for a lot of deep dark flavor.

If you are looking for a great cup of coffee or looking to buy some quality coffee beans in Arizona, then this is the place for you.  Also, you can sit outside in the garden atmosphere or nestle yourself inside with friendly people and good vibes.  I highly recommend Bergies!



*Malawi is a small country called The Republic of Malawi.  It is located in southeastern Africa between Mozambique and Zambia.  It is one of the few African countries that is able to trade their coffee directly without government control.

309 N. Gilbert Road

Gilbert, Arizona

www.bergiescoffee.com

 

P.S.  Special thanks goes to Andrew C. who introduced me to Bergies!  To read about how I met Andrew and the strange sequence of events that led me to Bergies ...... go to Andrew's blog - 

andrewcannonwrites.wordpress.com

Cheers!

Bella Donovan - Blue Bottle Coffee Company - San Francisco, California

Bella Donovan

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  10

Balance:  10

Flavor:   10
Smoothness:  9

Likes:

Nutty
Savory
Flavorful
Salty
Sweet
Earthy


Dislikes:


Summary:  This morning I am enjoying a cup of Bella Donovan coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee Company.  Branden and Kathleen were recently in San Francisco and weathered the long line to bring me back some of these A+ coffee beans.  Many thanks go out to you both!  This coffee is warm and enticing and packed with intense flavor! The finish is long and memorable.  I can imagine myself down at the Wharf right now......  Seagulls flying above and the misty ocean air blowing through my hair as I sip a cup of Bella Donovan to keep warm.  Ahhhh.........

Bella Donovan is a mix of African and Indonesian coffee beans that make up a Mocha/Java blend.  I definitely recommend using the Burr grinder and Aero Press coffee method to brew this coffee so that you can fully experience all the complex flavors. 

Africa = low body/high acidity

Indonesia = high body/low acidity

Again, thank you Branden and Kathleen for thinking of me and standing in that very long line at Blue Bottle Coffee Company.  If I do say so myself....... it was worth it  : )

Overall score:  10

Blue Bottle Coffee Company

Ferry Building

Ferry Building Marketplace, Shop #7, 1 Ferry Building. San Francisco

Blue Ribbon Blend - Home Town Coffee Roasters - Arlington, Oregon

Preparation:  Procter Silex Coffee Maker And Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes: 
             Flavorful
             Full Bodied
             Carmel Flavors
             Nutty & Sweet
             Smooth
            
Dislikes:  

Summary:   Wow! What a cool package!  I love the label for Home Town Coffee Roasters! And, I love the coffee!  Special thanks go out to Eva and Bob for sending me a surprise package full of four different one pound coffees.  They all arrived freshly roasted (roasting date stamped on package) from Arlington, Oregon.  

The Blue Ribbon Blend is a winner.  It is smooth, sweet and full bodied with notes of nuts and carmel.  For a more intense flavor I used the Aero Press and was delighted with a bold strong coffee that scored a touchdown with me.  This coffee is great for sipping especially first thing in the morning with your home town newspaper.

Again ...... a shout out to Eva and Bob and if you'd like to learn more about Home Town Coffee go to their cool website:  Hometowncoffeeroasters.com.

Go Ducks 2013!!!

Storm Black Bear - HAPPYROCK COFFEE ROASTERY-- Gladstone, Oregon

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  
            Earthy
            Hint of Smoke
            Smooth
            Herby
            Bold

Dislikes:  
             Slightly Ashy


Summary:  It is dark, wet and stormy here in Portland, Oregon.  Thanks to Danny, I have the perfect coffee to brew.  He gave me an early Christmas present of coffee beans from HAPPYROCK Coffee Roastery.  A Black Bear Storm is brewing in my Aero Press.   Grrrr.......

Although there is a bear on the label, this coffee does not bite.  It is fairly smooth and very dark.  The only negative is that after sipping two cups I have an ashy aftertaste in my mouth. With a little cream and sugar........ all is better.

  I ground the beans in my Burr coffee grinder on the #2 setting and used 160* water in the Aero Press single serve coffee maker.


Overall score:   9

Yummy !!!!!

                  

465 Portland Ave
Gladstone, OR 97027

 

Sumatra - Press Coffee Roasters - Phoenix, Arizona

Preparation:  Chemex

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes: Bold
            Rich
            Chocolate
            Cherry

Dislikes:   Heavy on the finish
                 Acidy


Summary:    This is a very flavorful coffee!  I had a cup made using the Chemex method at Press Coffee in north Scottsdale and really enjoyed it.  This way of brewing creates a very clean and crisp cup of coffee.

 

Chemex Method

Press Coffee Roasters offer three different ways to brew a single cup of coffee.  Below is their list that is posted on the wall......

 Although, I enjoyed the coffee brewed the Chemex way, I also want to try the Clever and v60 brewing to see if there is one that I prefer.  Also, I bought the Sumatra beans to use in my Aero Press and plan to compare the two methods for flavor and richness.  Generally, I really like a coffee that has the full flavor of the beans and have found that different brewing, grinding and temperature can make a big difference in the experience of capturing the complete flavor of the final outcome......a perfect cup of Joe!

Summary:  This was my second time to Press Coffee at the Scottsdale Quarter in Arizona.  It is a welcoming and friendly place and the staff has always been friendly and very knowledgeable.  I definitely recommend you stop by and get a coffee to go or stay awhile and have fun people watching!

Overall score:  8
 

Early Edition - Press Coffee Roasters - Phoenix, Arizona

Preparation:  Aero Press and Cuisinart

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:
    Medium Roast
    Sweet
    Flavorful
   

Dislikes:
     Slightly bitter
     Acidy
     Tobacco Flavor

Summary:  A+ for the packaging!  My girlfriends went straight for this coffee because of the imaginative picture on the label.  All about marketing, except if the product is not what you like once you try it.  No amount of cute labels will bring back a customer if the product is not great.

This is a very good coffee.  The beans were fresh and the aroma inviting.  It is a medium roast with hints of tobacco.  The flavor was intense and memorable.  My friend Crisitna really did not like the flavor and could not drink it at all.  I think it was the tobacco taste that turned her off.  Actually, even though I enjoyed and appreciated this coffee, I would not buy it again because of the aftertaste.  

Kerri and I each ordered a Macchiato and not only did it taste fantastic, but it was a true work of art by Jason!  Check it out:

Jason's Artistic Talent Shines

 

Jason

Press Coffee Roastery has a nice modern vibe to it and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.  I would definitely come back and try one of their other coffee roasts and explore the different ways they make a great cup of coffee.

 

Overall score:   8

Princess of Darkness - Ideal Coffee Roasters- Toronto, Canada

Preparation:   Aero Press Coffee Maker

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  Salty
            Savory
            Ripe Blackberries
            Flavorful
            Hint of Hazelnut

Dislikes:
  

Summary:   I purchased the Princess of Darkness coffee beans at Ideal Coffee Roaster in Toronto, Canada when we went to see Danny.  After I returned home I did my taste test and I liked this coffee a lot and actually found it to be more flavorful and complex than the Prince of Darkness.  This is a great dessert coffee that you can add cream and sugar to without sacrificing any of the flavor.  If you get a chance and have to choose.........stick with the Princess!!!  


 
Overall score: 9

Sidamo - Village Coffee Roasters - Scottsdale, Arizona

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:      4
Balance:    3
Flavor:      2
Smoothness:  3

Likes:  

Dislikes:   Acidity
                 Ashy
                 Bitter
                 Cigarette flavors


Summary:  So far I have been unable to find great coffee or coffee beans in Arizona.  I will keep looking, but I am getting the feeling that this town is still mainly a Starbuck town.  To me, Starbucks doesn't count.

I did not like the Sidamo coffee roasted at the Village Coffee Roastery.  I tried it two different times on two different days and still had the same experience.  It is not clear to me if it is the actual beans that I do not care for or if it is the way they are roasted.

The cafe itself was warm and inviting and it had a pleasant buzz.  It was busy on this Sunday morning and a man was playing a guitar in the corner of the room.  I ordered a Macchiato.  It was just .....  OK.  The lady who took my order kept asking me if I was sure that is what I wanted.  She explained that  most people who come in to the Village think a Macchiato is a carmel type latte with whip cream.  I kindly let the nice lady know that I was fully aware of what a "true" Macchiato is and that would be exactly what I would like to have.

Unfortunately, it didn't taste great and it didn't have any kind of artistic design.   Instead, there was just a blob of milk foam........

Blob

Blob

 

 On a side note.......I ordered a blueberry muffin and it was outstanding.  It was moist and flavorful.  Definitely worth stopping by just for that.   Actually, all of their pastries looked delicious!!! 

?

Overall score:  3
 
***The best Macchiatos I have ever had are in Portland, Oregon and Toronto, Canada.
***Macchiato - an espresso shot that's been dotted with a dollop of frothed milk.
*** Ethiopia Sidamo is grown in the Kaffa region in the Sidamo province of Ethiopia, where coffee was first discovered over a thousand years ago.

Darkness of Divinity - HAPPYROCK Coffee Roastery - Gladstone, Oregon

I See The Moon

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  Dark, Dark, Dark
            Earthy
            Hint of Almond
            Very Smooth
            Bit of Honey
         

Dislikes:  Too Mellow


Summary:  This is a very DARK roasted coffee!!!  It is mellow, smooth and easy.  I ground the beans in my Burr coffee grinder on the #2 setting and used 160* water in the Aero Press to make this unique cup of Joe.  There is not a punch of flavor at the end that you usually get with a medium or light roast, but it is still very enjoyable.  I would definitely get these beans again, although I believe my palate is changing a bit.  


Overall score:   9

*** My next trip to Oregon will include a trip to HAPPYROCK Coffee Roastery.  It sure has great reviews on Yelp.  You can check them out at :

465 Portland Ave
Gladstone, OR 97027

 

HAPPYROCK Sitting on a rock in AZ

 

El Chupacabra - HAPPYROCK Coffee Roastery - Gladstone, Oregon

 

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  Roasted Hazelnut
            Toffee
            Hint of Chocolate
            Sweet
            Savory 
           Very Flavorful

Dislikes: 

Summary:   It doesn't happen very often that I give a "10" rating, but today El Chupacabra easily made it to the top of my list in all categories.  With Danny's help, a new Burr coffee grinder (Thank you Branden, Kathleen, Ramona and Danny) and an infrared thermometer, Danny and I were able to taste test these beans with various degrees of grinds and temperatures. 

The cup of El Chupacabra that was made with the #1 grind (espresso fine) and a water temperature of 145* was much better tasting than the same beans with a #4 grind and water temperature of 170*.  I think that the higher hot water temperature did not allow all the flavor to be expelled fully coupled with a coarser grind.  It had a bit of a bitter taste.  The lower temperature and finer grind produced a more consistent flavor without any bitterness.  Who would have thought????

Danny putting some muscle into the Aero Press

Burr!!!

El Chupacabra is a medium roast that is sure to ignite your taste buds.  These beans are also excellent for espresso......... if you dare!!!


Overall score:    10

HAPPYROCK!!!

Ethiopia Yircacheffe - Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters - Manic Coffee - Toronto, Canada

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:   Flavorful
             Salty
             Savory
             Honey
             Tea like

Dislikes:   Lots of acidity
                 Slightly Sour


Summary:   We were visiting Danny in Toronto last month when Danny suggested we walk on over to Manic Coffee in the Kensington Market neighborhood to get a cup of coffee and for me to buy some great beans.  Manic is not a coffee roaster, but they pride themselves on brewing and serving a perfectly delicious cup of coffee.  The cafe itself was small and crowded with youngish people coming in from the cold.  I ordered the coffee of the day and also purchased whole beans called Ethiopia Yirgacheffe from Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters.  It was a bit spendy, but I decided to go for it.

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe is a very vibrant and flavorful coffee.  It will appeal to those of you who like a lighter roast with citrus notes and a little acidic punch.  I made my cup strong with the Aero Press and am glad I did.  The flavors were wild and interesting.  The ending flavors of jasmine and lemon on the palate fooled me in to thinking I was drinking some kind of exotic tea.  It definitely tasted more like a tea than a traditional coffee.  I liked it, but didn't love it. 


Overall score:   8

 

A Beautiful Sunny, Cold and Windy Day in Toronto

                     

Around The World - Ideal Coffee Roasters - Toronto, Canada

Preparation:   Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:   Smokey
              Low acid
              Dark flavors of chocolate
              Rich
              Flavorful
              Almonds
              Complex

Dislikes:


Summary:    Great coffee!!  Awesome space!!!  Ideal coffee rocks!  It is located in Toronto, Canada and quite the find.  I bought several bags of coffee beans to try and first up is Around The World.  This coffee is, in my opinion, a coffee that will appeal to everyone.  It is a blend of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, El Salvador (lightly roasted) and dark Sumatran beans.  It will tantalize all your taste buds!  The dark Sumatra ensures that the ending notes do not fall flat.  The lighter roast will captivate your interest and the richness of the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe will ensure that you will come back for more.  I tasted chocolate and almonds with a slightly smokey edge.  I will definitely get this coffee again!

Danny lives within walking distance of Ideal Coffee.  It was fun meeting him there.  It is a small, warm and friendly place where seating is limited.  I think it is a place where you come in from the cold and get a cup to go.  It really is all about great coffee!  We sat inside and each ordered a coffee drink.  Danny had their coffee of the day and I had the most flavorful Macchiato I have ever had.   

 Lindsey was very helpful and friendly!

Couldn't resist taking this picture

Today's batch of roasted coffee

Overall score:  9

* Ideal Coffee roasts small amounts of beans and sells it within one day - you'll never get stale beans here!!!

 

Black Tiger - Coffee People @ PDX Airport - Portland, Oregon

Preparation:  Cuisinart Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:
    Dark
    Full Bodied
    Bold
    Low acidity

Dislikes:

Summary:   Coffee People are located at the Portland International Airport past security.  I personally have frequented the one near the "C" gates.   Fortunately for me, that is where I fly in and out of the most.  I almost always buy a cup of their great tasting coffee (100 times better than Starbucks).  Also, I usually buy a pound of whole beans to take home and enjoy.  I have not tried their milkshakes or the Velvet Hammer, but I have read rave reviews and may have to order one to find out what all the excitement is about.


I did a little research and found that the airport Coffee People were never sold to Starbucks like almost all of their other locations.  A company named Diedrich owned them up until 2009 when another company named Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. out bid PEETS and agreed to buy Diedrich for a mere sum of $290 million.  Now that's talking whole lotta beans!

Hey, go for the Black Tiger coffee beans!  As the Coffee People say "GOOD COFFEE.....NO BACK TALK"!


Overall score:  9

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