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!!!