Cartel Coffee Lab - Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport - Phoenix, Arizona

I got to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport a little on the early side the other day and was at a gate I don't usually leave from.  Because I was in such a hurry that morning, I did not have time to make or even pick up a cup of coffee!!!!  As I sat down in a row of those uncomfortable blue airport chairs.....I looked up and saw Cartel Coffee Lab!!!!  Just a hop, skip and a jump away.  Very nice!

The young man standing behind the coffee bar was very friendly and told me that their coffee beans are roasted medium and light.  As I usually go for the darker beans, I was a little skeptical if I would like their coffee.  So, for the record, I had the Kenyan coffee and it was delicious!  The flavor was intense and satisfying and I was definitely not disappointed.  It also was very fresh and very hot!!!!

I definitely recommend Cartel Coffee Lab.  If you have time, check this place out.  It is well worth it.  A good cup of coffee before boarding your flight is a very good thing!  Next time I am in the vicinity I plan to have a mocha.  As always..... stay tuned!!!!

3800 E Sky Harbor Blvd Terminal 4 Gates C11-20

http://www.cartelcoffeelab.com

AromaticA Arabic - Philz - San Francisco, California

Preparation:  Aero Press

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

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

Likes:  
            Dark
            Bold
            Robust
            Nutty
            Complex
            Full Bodied

Dislikes:
           

Summary:   SCORE!!!  Yes, this is truly one hot cup of Joe!!!  It is intensely pleasing to the palate and the flavor really rocks.  I believe the way I prepared this coffee definitely brings out the best possible results for these AromaticA Arabic beans.  Philz Coffee has done it again.  I have always liked their Ether coffee beans, but I think this is my new favorite of Philz. 

I used the Burr coffee grinder on the Espresso setting #2 along with the Aero Press coffee press and added 162* degree filtered water.  Perfection!!! 

Thank you to Danny for thinking of me and bringing me these awesome beans directly from San Francisco!!!!!!!


Overall score:  10

*This would be great coffee to add hot frothed milk,  dark chocolate syrup and sprinkles to...........  just and idea : )

Delicioso!

 

I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon.

Ronald Reagan

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/coffee.html#Y6pFdSJtQ4kUrXfF.99

I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon.

Ronald Reagan

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/coffee.html#Y6pFdSJtQ4kUrXfF.99

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!!!