Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Case Study Coffee




Subject: Case Study Coffee Roasters
Location: Portland, OR [NE Sandy Blvd shop]
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Long, long ago in the pre-smart phone days, I would use the hunt-with-my-eyes method of locating coffeehouses. Essentially I would do minimal research when visiting a new place and wing it, hoping that in wandering the right neighborhoods, I would spot the diamonds in the rough. Clearly an inferior method, I rarely use the tactic primarily anymore, but still from time to time my eyes can't help but scan the horizon for an uncharted gem.



One recent success in cafe-spotting came with a coffeehouse and roaster called Case Study. With a city as heavily laden with coffee establishments as Portland, I did not have a place in mind one morning for coffee when lo, I wandered right into Case Study's Sandy Blvd location. Not being one to pass on providence, I waltzed myself right through their front doors into their awaiting arms. Inside, the cafe was abuzz with a numerous patrons either waiting in queue to place an order or enjoying their fare at one of many tables.


Not wasting time, I got over to the bar to get in my order. After some deliberation, I settled upon an espresso of their Deviation Blend and a french press (brewed prior to my arrival and awaiting in a pump pot) of their Guatemala Finca Vista Hermosa. The espresso, pulled short/medium with brown crema, hit me with chocolate, lemon, blood orange, danish, basil and a touch of sweet cabbage, proving overall super sweet and nuanced. The french press delivered a smooth and flagrant brew full of buttered fresh Italian bread, nougat, brown rice, dates, pear and a little beef broth in a medium body.


In finishing my beverages, I couldn't help but envy many of the Portlandians who get to feast at Case Study on a regular basis. Whether you've lived nearby all of your life and you've never been (oh the wasted years!), or you're just swinging through town, make sure to swing by Case Study.





These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!


2 comments:

Dave Scott said...

Case Study a well applicable name for a posh little spot. They do serve amazing espressos.

Unknown said...

It's a very nice idea to enjoy coffee with free WiFi....