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

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!