Showing posts with label coffee review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee review. Show all posts

Friday, August 07, 2020

Montago Coffee


Subject: Montago Coffee
Location: Helena, MT
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

State capitals and their administrative complexes usually aren't much to look at, but sometimes excellent gems sit next to their concrete walls.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Mugged: 2012 Reserve [Manana Madera]


Subject: Manana Madera Coffee Estate
Mugged: 2012 Reserve
Rating: 4+ [see key]


It’s not often that I get to try the same coffee from the same farm 2 years later, but fortunately there are botique operations out there like the Manana Madera Coffee Estate in Boquete, Panama that grow, harvest and roast their own beans (along with offering a pretty sweet coffee getaway). They had sent me their beans in 2010 for review, and with a pretty favorable rating I was very intrigued to see what this year’s crop would behold. 


One sunny day, I received the coffee in similar packaging as last time, straight from Panama. I tested out the coffee via pourover, french press and siphon, but since I had written my notes of the siphon on a medium I lost (i.e. I accidentally deleted it), only my actual notes on the drip and french press are below.

The pourover held strong notes apple, nutmeg, light smokiness, raspberry and biscuit. A medium/heavy bodied coffee with a pleasant array of flavors, overall ruled by a sweet tartness and hearty notes.

The french press produced varying flavors; a little smokiness, some apple, nutmeg, a little peanut, raspberry and bit of burlap. A light/medium body infusion with a twinge of a carbon on the end, this infusion proved sweet though a tad darker than I would want. 

The siphon I remember being closer to the pourover in flavors with a slightly heavier body, but alas it is only a memory. 

Thus, I would say that despite some smoky characteristics that gave it a tobacco-esque back end, I would say that this Panama proves quite delicious especially if you’re looking for a coffee with flavors of sweet fruits countered with a smoky character. I would not mind sipping this coffee on the patio their plantation villa getaway. If you’re ever on the hunt for a unique Panama coffee from a unique farm, give Manana Madera’s Reserve a try.


note: coffee was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.  

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

CC: Sunrise Coffee Co

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What's does "CC" mean?
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
5+ [
see key]



Las Vegas has a reputation for a lot of things but one of them has not been coffee. As a town that seems to live off of travelers, local places did not seem to take as easily as in other towns. This boded poorly for the prospect of good coffee, as the average coffee drinker is still satisfied with sub-par coffee that the big chains ever so happily pump out.

But in this coffee desert, I managed to find a distant oasis near the airport. I caught wind that Sunrise Coffee happened to serve Klatch Coffee, a superb coffee roaster from San Dimas, and the first chance I found, I made my way over.

I found Sunrise on the corner of a small strip mall in what seemed like a part of town that is just recently developing. Save for a tacky collection of paper back novels, the shop interior held a chic look with a slate wall, lots of interesting art and a overtly pleasing aesthetic.

The coffee was indeed Klatch, with a full rotation of their coffee as well as two espresso blends on hand. I had an espresso of the World's Best Espresso (voted so at the 2007 World Barista Championship) and a drip of their Rainforest Blend. The drip I had a mixed experience with, as my first cup was really stale and thus I asked that when they brewed a fresh pot, if I could have some of that instead, to which they ever so apologetically agreed. Thus my second, much fresher cup of the Rainforest Blend held notes of toffee, pepper, oregano and buttermilk amidst a medium body that didn't win me over yet proved decent (I've never had the blend before but it tasted a bit darker then a medium roast).

The espresso on the other hand was a juggernaut-in-a-cup that garnered my vote to its worldly superiority. The shots were pulled painstakingly well with a marbled crema, all conveying notes of sweet pound cake, white chocolate, a bit of ginger, vanilla and orange; overall, there was a nice bitter/sour balance amidst a staunch sweetness that made the cup shimmer.

The tea was free leaf (they offered bee pollen for your tea too, a sight I have never seen).

Aside from the stale coffee I was first served, I found myself happier then a man winning a hard million off his last quarter. If you make it into Vegas, take a detour from the strip to hit Sunrise Coffee.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Product Review: Espro Press

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Company:
Espro

Product:
Espro Press
Rating:
5+ (translates to "great")




It might just be me, but there seems like there are thousands of different french press-type apparatuses on the market. Personally, I've reviewed traditional glass ones and disposable ones, not to mention a few bodums I've gone through over the years. All operate off the basic concept of a metal mesh plunger trapping the coffee grounds at the bottom of the vessel, letting only the coffee escape into the mug, yet most french press designs never seem to trap the finer, silty grinds which make the final sips of coffee more akin to the reverse of a whale sieving plankton through baleen.

Fortunately, the folks at Espro seem to have found an end to filter failure. The Espro Press, a french press at first glance, sets to improve on the design by changing the metal filter to a super fine double micro-filter with a plastic seal that altogether is supposed to keep all sediment out of the final pour.

The kind folks at Espro sent me out one to field test and after a few infusions, I found their claims to be true. Each cup, brewed 3 minutes (with a brief stirring in the middle) and then gently pressed, produced a remarkably clean cup with no noticeable sediment in consumption or left in the cup at the conclusion (even when I let the press drain extensively). The metal design also kept the coffee insulated while brewing and all of the pieces proved very easy to clean. My only criticism was that it only produced an 8 oz cup of coffee, which works for only one person but would prove inconvenient with guests.

Therefore, if you are on the hunt for a new french press, I would give the Espro Press strong consideration, especially if you're tired of sediment in your cup.


note: product was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

CC: Shot Tower Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
6+ [
see key]


My cousin moved to South Philly a couple months ago and while I envy not her daily hunt for street parking or the inconvenience of grocery shopping, I do covet the fact that she lives within walking distance of several great coffeehouses.

One coffeehouse newcomer is as new as my cousin's lease, a corner cafe called Shot Tower Coffee. The coffeehouse has made a local splash as Philly's newest Stumptown Coffee slinging operation bent on quality. I made my way over one Saturday to the corner of 6th and Christian to find them in a brick building with olive trim around large windows. Inside, the space is spiffy, with nice decor, seating along the windows and a massive table to the right of the door.

I ordered an espresso of Stumptown's
Colombia Los Gauchos and a drip of their Burundi Kinyovu. The espresso, pulled short with marbled crema, sang of spicy cherry, chocolate cake, salt, ginger snap and jasmine (delicious!). The drip held notes of straw, caramel, butter, spinach, apple, sassafras and a subtle earthiness amidst a nice body (also delicious). The tea is Rishi.

Thus, while I will probably not be moving into South Philadelphia any time soon, I have a few good reasons to visit my cousin, with Shot Tower standing at the top of the list. If you're in the city, give Shot Tower a try.


Wednesday, May 04, 2011

CC: Pound Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?


Subject:
Pound Coffee
Location: Washington, DC
[visited former location]
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
6+ [
see key]


It amazes me with the quickness things change but in a world moving millions of miles a millisecond (ok...maybe a little slower) I guess I should not hold my mouth agape at sudden turns and surprises. One example is Pound Coffee in DC. There was word of a second location on Pennsylvania Avenue back in October but since I was in DC prior to its opening, I made a fun-filled trip to their NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) location. Soon after, it turns out that they opened their second location only to then unexpectedly close down the first. Apparently it was not planned and fortunately the second location came just in time.

Thus, in sharing of my Pound experience, I shan't waste time on the details of cafe ambiance (but you can scope out pics here) but since the coffee seems to have remained constant, I shall share my coffee experience at their former geography.

Pound serves up coffee from Kickapoo Coffee and that fine afternoon I ordered an espresso (I believe it was their Ethiopian Sidama) and a drip of their Guatemalan. The espresso, pulled short with a blond crema, dictated bits of vanilla, hazelnut, tonic, mint and lime amidst a subtle milkiness (overall very nice). The drip held bright notes of lettuce, some pound cake, honey, baklava and an underlying nuttiness; a smooth coffee with mild but delicious flavors. The tea was Mighty Leaf.

While I'm looking forward to trying the Hill location, I'm sure that they're doing an even better job then in their former glory. Whether they move again or not, seek out Pound and give them a go.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Does filtered water make coffee better?



The short answer is usually. But no one puts stock in the short answer.

Ask any coffee enthusiast if the type of water matters in their coffee and everyone of them will (read: should) say yes. The three types of water available to the average household are usually filtered, tap and bottled water. To quickly rule out one option, I would agree with the growing number of people that bottled water is indeed a waste of money and resources, especially since numerous bottled waters are practically the same as tap water in terms of health and taste benefits.

That leaves the duel between tap and filtered water, with the two issues being health effects and taste. Depending on where you are, your tap water can contain harmful agents that you might not want in your body. But at the same time, there are some regions of the country with exceptional tap water. So, it really comes down to your specific geographical source and hygenic philosophy as to whether filtering offers any real benefits for your health.

And then there was taste. Since coffee is mostly water, clearly the water you use to brew your coffee will make a severe impact on the taste of your coffee. Thus, while I know some cities boast amazing tap water, we're all not so lucky. Thus, I took up an offer from Pur to test out a Pur Water Pitcher to see if it made a difference in the taste of my coffee versus coffee brewed with my tap water.

While I do not have the specific information on the health qualities of my local water system, I would say that it ranks fairly high in taste comparatively to other taps I've tapped. As for my methods of testing, I compared my tap water versus the filtered water in both glasses of water and in cups of coffee.

Drinking the water straight up, my tap water produced an alkali-esque quality in the aftertaste compared to the Pur water which had a much brighter and sweeter flavor to it. This held true through multiple trials and even when my wife produced me a blind taste test, I was able to differentiate the tap and the filtered.

As for my coffee, the results were similar. The coffee brewed via the filtered water was a little sweeter and acidic in taste while the tap water produced coffee slightly more basic with a metallic aftertaste.

Thus, I can vouch that the Pur Water Pitcher did make a noticeable difference in the taste of my water and coffee. If you're looking to get better tasting water from your tap, a water filter could do it for you though there's no guarantees. And if you like being uber careful about possible threats in your water, then filtration will definitely help you sleep better (whether it really does the job, only time will tell).

So if you have less-then-stellar tap water and/or you want to take a step in the direction of water safety, then try out a Pur Water Pitcher.
note: pitcher was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

CC: Georgio's Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Huntington, NY
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
5+ [
see key]


While I know traveling through Long Island is never easy, I still can't figure out how such a large land mass has so few attractions. Sure you have the beaches and west Long Island contributes to New York City, but otherwise I have tried to find tourism fodder and every time, I seem to come up empty.

Much like my search for things to see, my hopes of finding good coffee east of Brooklyn is usually nil. For all of the amazing things happening in NYC and the surrounding areas, Long Island has not really developed many quality coffee destinations. But as my fortune would have it, while I was driving through the island on business, a quick internet search for a coffee gamble turned up Georgio's Coffee, an operation that was featured in Roast Magazine's July/August edition.

Needless to say, I stopped by on my way home to find the place in a small strip mall right on the corner. The exterior's no frills mirrors the inside: a shop that has little as far as seating or ambiance but dedicates much more focus to the coffee and 1on1 customer interaction.

Upon my arrival, Georgio and his wife welcomed me and instantly began talking coffee with me. After they went through the many coffees to try, I settled on a Kenyan (a coffee that was no longer available via whole bean due to demand) brewed via siphon (aka vac pot) and an espresso of their 4 bean blend. The Kenyan proved as delicious as it was popular, holding notes of bright citrus, sage, caramel apple (complete with a tinge of apple skin on the end), grapenut, a little grass and a fine dusting of tobacco at the very end. The espresso, pulled short with thick crema, smacked of lemon, rock candy, a tickle of bitter cocoa, an intense darkness and bits of cinnamon and cranberry all served in a paper cup. Given the recommendation for a macchiato or for sugar in my espresso, it would seem their espresso was not designed to stand alone and the philosophy seemed to fit more of an Italian's model of preparing espresso (all in all, a decent espresso). I did not note tea.

Thus I wouldn't really recommend Georgio's if you're looking for a place to study or a place to chill. But if you are on Long Island and looking for a great cup of coffee, stop by Georgio's and experience some of the finest customer service in the state of New York as a bonus.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

CC: Bodhi Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?


Subject:
Bodhi Coffee
Location visited: Philadelphia, PA
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
6+ [
see key]


South Street Philadelphia, while overrated in some ways and unbeknown in others, holds a lot of great memories for me. I remember late nights walking the streets of Philadelphia, getting a slice of pizza and hanging out in a late night cafe talking theology with good friends.

Alas, it's been many a year since I've been able to stay out past midnight but fortunately, South St is picking up some great establishments that are wondrous at any time of the day. One is a German place called Brauhaus Schmitz (amazing roll mops, wursts and pork) which I highly recommend on a nice day for lunch or dinner. The other place of recent existence is a coffeehouse called Bodhi Coffee.

Technically, Bodhi exists closer to Pine St on South 2nd but it's clearly connected to the South St foot traffic. The shop is a narrow venue with but a few spots to plop down (in and outside) but since they use the space wisely, its more cozy than cramped. Bodhi kicks out Stumptown Coffee, serving coffee via pourover and standard drip as well as espresso in a no nonsense fashion. I ordered a cup of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Adado and an espresso of Hairbender. The Adado offered notes of bright blueberry, wheat, little blackberry tart and cocoa amidst a light but potent brew. The espresso, pulled short with a marbled crema, delivered ginger, dark cocoa, sea salt, bell pepper, black pepper and a nice sweetness. The tea is House of Tea.

I have to say that Bodhi fills a niche that has long been vacant in the vicinity and to top it off, they do it quite well. Whether South Street is a regular hang out or an occasional stop, swing by Bodhi for some delicious coffee.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Mugged: Sumatra Mandheling [Coffee Labs]

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What does "Mugged" mean?


Subject:
Coffee Labs Roasters
Coffee Mugged:
Sumatra Mandheling

Rating: 4+
[see key]




*updated 4.19.11

W
hen the topic of favorite coffee comes up, many people seem to throw out Sumatra as their top pick. Granted I am sure some of them actually have carefully weighed out that designation but for most, I think people just like the idea of getting their coffee from an exotic Pacific Island.

Regardless of how much research goes into it, Sumatra does produce some decent coffee. Recently, Roaste offered a chance to review one of the many coffees they purvey and looking to try out a decent Sumatran (Africa and America have been dominating my cup as of late), I set my sights on Coffee Labs Roasters' Sumatra Mandheling. Having store credit, I glided quite quickly through Roaste's checkout process and awaited my coffee directly from Coffee Labs.

Upon first inspection, the beans were plump and medium-dark. I sampled the coffee via drip, french press and siphon.

The drip threw notes of pound cake, pepper, dark cocoa, a little molasses, some cinnamon, graham cracker and a little smokiness. The overall flavor was a little dark but with pungent sweetness amidst a medium to full body.

The french press held honey, rye, pepper, a little lemon, tobacco, vanilla and cinnamon. A slightly different cup but still a sweet, dark cup.

The siphon proved sweeter, with facets of honey and caramel, a little cashew, some sweet wine, black pepper, tobacco throughout, some apple and a olive oil. The brew had a medium body and a mellow profile.

All in all, Coffee Labs put together a decent Sumatran though the smoky and dark flavors seemed to detract from the other parts of the coffee in my opinion (maybe a lighter roast would have done it). If you are on the lookout for medium/dark Sumatran, give Coffee Labs' Sumatra Mandheling a whirl.
note: coffee was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.


Update 4.19.11
In reading back through this, I realized that I breezed over the impact Roaste had on my experience unfairly. Roaste provided a very simple shopping experience that made purchasing coffee a breeze, from decision to check out to delivery straight from the roaster. The only facet that could improve is that some coffee roasters led to empty pages (such as Kickapoo).

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

CC: Chestnut Hill Cafe

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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Lancaster, PA
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
6+ [
see key]



I love the glorious simplicity of a sunny, pleasant day where a cool breeze amidst sunny rays refreshes the senses with the noxious delights of creation. It's days like this that cause me to sneeze a lot the following day from all of the emphatic inhaling.

In such climatic splendor I found myself in one day within Lancaster, PA. En route with a moderate entourage, we were basking in the euphoric atmosphere and had our sights on what was foretold as a grand coffeehouse to patronize. This aforementioned establishment was knighted Chestnut Hill Cafe, a coffeehouse said to be serving Counter Culture Coffee and pulling splendid shots of espresso.

Taking advantage of the free street parking, we sauntered over to their corner brick building, complete with a full patio of seating amidst a lovely array of trees. Within, the coffeehouse is outlined with copper, blacks and grays in a swanky arrangement of furniture and surrounded by numerous, beautiful windows.

I stepped up to their sizable bar and ordered an espresso (they used Counter Culture's Toscana) and a drip of their 21st de Septiembre from Mexico. The drip imbued notes of honey, strawberry candy, cherries, granola, daffodil greens and a little chicken broth; a pleasant coffee with a light-to-medium body. The espresso,pulled short with a marbled crema, was also delectable, holding facets of bitter cocoa, nutmeg, sweet lemon, a touch of honey and cinnamon. The tea was free leaf.

Finishing our beverages, we walked out into the toasty afternoon sun pleased with our experience. If you happen to be in Lancaster, make a stop at
Chestnut Hill Cafe.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Mugged: Bolivian Fair Trade [Coffee Foundry]

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What does "Mugged" mean?


Subject:
Coffee Foundry
Coffee Mugged:
Bolivian Fair Trade

Rating: 4+
[see key]





L
ocal businesses working together makes a whole heap of sense. Take NYC clothing company 3sixteen that put together a video series about what people who wear their clothes are passionate about. The videos document tattoo studio Invisible NYC and the drummer of the Death Set, but the one that caught my eye was the one about the Coffee Foundry, a local coffeehouse and roaster in NYC's West Village.



Long story short, the video enticed my curiosity and the Coffee Foundry (in cooperation with 3sixteen) sent me out some of their Bolivian Fair Trade to take for an objective spin. I received a medium roasted coffee in the classic brown bag which I prepared in three different infusions: drip (filtered), french press and siphon. All three infusions produced light-to-medium bodied brews with mellifluous results.

The drip presented a wheat-like brew with the flavors of cream, cooking cocoa, graham cracker, croissant, raisin, fig and kettle popcorn.

The french press brought out more notes similar to rum and oatmeal but still produced popcorn, raisin and fig along with a little tingle of dandelion green.

The siphon dealt out a cup similar to the drip, with a noticeable wheat presence followed by a little cream, honey, cooking cocoa, nuttiness, croissant and a bit of cinnamon.

While I wouldn't say Coffee Foundry's Bolivian was one of the best I've had, I will say that it produced a good cup of joe. If you're in the market for good south american coffee, grab a bag from the Coffee Foundry.


note: coffee was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

CC: Chinatown Coffee Co.

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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Washington DC
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
6+ [
see key]



Of the many Chinatowns I've walked through, each has its similarities and differences. All usually have a variety of restaurants serving all types of Asian fare. But each city's Chinatown has its unique facets, such as New York's bountiful markets and San Francisco's colorful architecture.

Now DC didn't really have any real standout features in their Chinatown that I knew of until I heard of the opening of the Chinatown Coffee Company. Not that a coffeehouse in a Chinatown location is anything new, but this cafe touted a host of good roasters and an admirable pledge to quality.

Thus, I found myself on their doorstep one blustery Monday. The cafe has a noticeable presence on H Street with a huge black banner highlighting its presence. Inside, the cafe is long with concrete floors, church bench seating and a nice metal counter (at the time, it was brimming with patrons).

Their roster of coffee roasters included Counter Culture, Intelligentsia and Novo. With my options narrowed to Intelly choices, I chose a drip of their organic Brazil and an espresso of Hairbender. The Brazilian offered flavors of honey, pear, a little grass, some graham cracker, a tingle of prune and whiskey and a little milkiness, all with a lighty body and smooth taste (good infusion and showing). The espresso, pulled short with a beautiful crema, demonstrated notes of chianti, lemon, cocoa, some maple syrup, cane sugar and a tinge of cedar (a splendid pull of Black Cat). The tea is free leaf and they also serve beer and wine.

To put it mildly, I greatly cherished my coffee experience at Chinatown Coffee Co. Whether you're a local or you're just in town, the cafe is conveniently located by the metro and tourist spots galore. Stop on by for some good coffee.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Mugged: Mystic Morning [Marley Coffee]

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What does "Mugged" mean?


Subject:
Marley Coffee
Coffee Mugged:
Mystic Morning

Rating: 3+
[see key]





M
y second coffee from Marley Coffee was an Ethiopian and Central American blend called Mystic Morning. Having seen strong reviews of this blend and having had my share of similar blends, I was curious to see how Marley would perform when it came to a dual-continent blend.

The coffee looked a bit on the dark end for a medium coffee but it wasn't so dark as to be out the medium range. I sampled the coffee via drip and french press (my siphon was out of commission when I was reviewing this coffee).

The drip produced notes of spicy apple, a little bit of nutmeg, oregano, whole wheat bread, bourbon, a little grass and candied plum. A decent infusion with a mellow body and a small sting of darkness.

The french press held a bit of dark cocoa, apple, pumpkin bread, a little oregano, bourbon and some honey on the end. A similarly mellow coffee but with a little more expression in the flavor accents.

All together, it seemed the central american-esque flavors of the coffee (earthy and honey) came out over the brightness usually associated with east African coffees. I can't say I was floored with the overall flavors but Mystic Morning wasn't a bad coffee either (just a little spicier then I would have liked). I also have a sneaky suspicion that this coffee was not fresh (I mentioned a similar concern in my review of their Jamaican Blue Mountain, as I got both shipped from Cooking.com). So, at best, this was a slightly stale version that tasted fair or at worst, a fresh version that didn't sample so well.

Either way, give Mystic Morning a whirl if you're looking to give it a gamble.


note: coffee was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.

Sunday, March 06, 2011

CC: River Maiden Artisan Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Vancouver, WA
[Devine Rd location]
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
5+ [
see key]


If the city of Portland doesn't have enough coffee for you, cross the river into Vancouver, Washington. Making up a good chunk of the Portland metropolitan area, Vancouver not only boasts being the original Vancouver (the BC one was incorporated 29 years after Washington) but it also holds its share of good coffee.

My only visit due to my short time in town was River Maiden Artisan Coffee. A coffee entity located both in the downtown and in a small strip mall (off Devine Rd), they boast Stumptown coffee and a Clover. I chose the Devine Rd locale for proximity and upon arrival, found the cafe in a lackluster tan building with the boring character flowing inside to a cafe with little pizazz in its drop ceiling, fluorescent lighting and run-of-the-mill furniture (I know atmosphere isn't everything...but it is something).

As for my order, I ordered an espresso of Hairbender and Stumptown's Colombian La Esparanza. The clovered Colombia was smooth, with flavors of chai, cinnamon, molasses, pound cake, sesame and a little butter with a fleck of cayenne (a great cup of coffee). The espresso held notes of spicy lemon, cocoa, bit of pepper, cloves and a subtle brightness, all amidst a well-pulled shot (i.e. a decent espresso). The tea I did not note.

To say the least, River Maiden held good coffee but not so much an alluring ambiance. Thus, especially if you frequent Vantucky, roll on in to River Maiden.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Mugged: Jamaica Blue Mountain [Marley Coffee]

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What does "Mugged" mean?


Subject:
Marley Coffee
Coffee Mugged:
Jamaica Blue Mountain

Rating: 3+
[see key]





T
hough I can't say I know a lot about Bob Marley, I definitely did not peg him as a potential coffee farmer. Yet apparently, to carry on his dream, his son Rohan runs the coffee company Marley Coffee. While I'd never really heard of it prior, when the folks at Cooking.com offered to send me a pound or two to review, I felt the coffee sounded like something worth checking out.

The first of two coffees I sampled was their Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. Always an expensive coffee due attention it garnered for little bitterness and smoothness (much of it goes to Japan), I was curious to give it a jab, as Jamaican Blues can be either decent or amazing (and rarely worth the big price tag).

Upon first interaction, the coffee had little aroma and seemed overall to be a little old. To test Marley's medium roast JBM, I sampled it via drip and french press (my siphon was out of commission).

The drip produced a coffee with notes of honey, baked pear, butter, granola, little grass, little soft pretzel and a little sunflower seed. Though the coffee did not prove as fresh as I would have hoped, it proved to be a good, mellow coffee.

The french press reaped granola, honey, little more of a tart pear, butter, tad darker in flavor, and a bit of vanilla and milk. This brew was a little heavier.

As it might seem obvious, I think had I ordered the coffee straight from Marley Coffee versus going through Cooking.com, I might have had fresher coffee. Thus, if you're looking for a fair Jamaican Blue Mountain, try Marley Coffee.



note: coffee was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

CC: Albina Press

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What's does "CC" mean?

Subject:
Albina Press
Location visited: Portland, OR
[Albina location]
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
6+ [
see key]




Of my list of coffeehouses to visit, Albina Press of Portland has sat on there for a long time. I remember reading blog posts (like this) extolling the place for great use of Stumptown coffee and serving as a strong icon of Portland coffee.

Finally I made my visit a few months passed and I hit the cafe at a nice lull where there was no booming crowds. The cafe sits on a corner in North Portland surrounded by an open, residential atmosphere where one wouldn't mind having a home. Within, the Albina is quite large, with several sections throughout, all with nice wood floors and lots of light.

As for my coffee, I purchased a french press of Stumptown's Guatemala Finca El Injerto and an espresso of Hairbender. The Guatemalan produced a coffee brimming with honey, wheat grass, apple juice, black tea and a smidgen of rose (a deliciously smooth coffee). The espresso, pulled short with nice crema, held notes of lemon, strong tea, tobacco, caramel, raspberry, cocoa and sassafras (a well-extracted and tasty espresso). The tea was Yohalem-Ilsley Medicinal Teas and Stumptown.

Yet another cafe I would love to be in the neighborhood of. If in Portland, swing by Albina Press.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Product Review: Xpress

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Company: Smartcup
Product:
Xpress
Rating:
3+ (translates to "good")




Q
uite often I think of how to make travel with coffee easier. At one time, I remember packing a small suitcase of coffee paraphernalia for long trips, using many devices not designed for life on the road. But over the years, I've consolidated down my travel kit to a plastic conical pourover, filters and a portable grinder. And even though I'm not really in want, I'm always on my the lookout for a better kit.

Recently, I caught notice of the Xpress by Smartcup, a single-use french press that utilizes a normal disposable lid with a tulip-like filter that sits poised, ready to be pushed down by the accompanying, golf tee-like plunger. Following the easy directions (I did not add cream or sugar) that were very similar in method to a normal french press, I tried out the Xpress a couple of times and below I bare my thoughts.

The pro was that the filter worked pretty well, even when I removed the lid and poured the coffee into another cup (more on that below). The design allowed it to catch the majority of the grinds, leaving only a few to be caught in sipping.

The cons were double. The first was the overall design flaw that the grinds were stuck in the bottom, doomed to over-infuse your coffee. The second was that by the time the coffee was at the 3 minute mark, it was still too hot to safely drink; it took an additional couple minutes to be at a drinkable temperature and by then, the coffee was over-infused.

The only solution to the two cons was to pour the coffee into another cup at the 3 minute plunge time (to do so, I simply plunged as instructed, but then removed the lid, reinserted the plunger and carefully poured the hot coffee while keeping pressure on the plunger). While it was a little extra work, the Xpress did a good job in transfer.

Thus, I would have rated the Xpress lower had it not proved worthwhile as a disposable french press (i.e. as an all-in-one coffee brewer and cup, I do not recommend it). If you're looking for a portable means of infusing coffee only, give the Xpress a go.


note: product was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.

Saturday, February 05, 2011

CC: Neptune Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?

Subject:
Neptune Coffee
Location visited: Seattle, WA
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
6+ [
see key]




Usually when I use the word neptune in a conversation, it relates to SpongeBob (make poses with me!), astronomy or reruns of Hercules. But now, I gladly add Neptune Coffee to that repertoire.

Yet another glorious example of Seattle coffee, Neptune exists on Greenwood in the company of many other coffee companies (quite the quality coffee consuming community). Their cafe contrasts with its black exterior and red name emblazoned like a newspaper masthead. As you mosey on closer, their large windows give preface to their soothing interior, complete with globe lights and a long row of tables.

When it came to my order, I obtained a french press (their infusion of choice) of Allie's Extreme Laser Blend and an espresso of their El Salvador. The french press lent flavors of molasses, pecan, maple syrup, a little grapefruit and grass as well as a tinge of smokiness (a good coffee, displaying a pleasant sweetness with a touch of darkness). The espresso, pulled short with good crema, held notes of hazelnut, dark cocoa, raspberry jam, corn and a little spearmint (a well-balanced shot that proved delicious). The tea is free leaf.

Clearly the folks at Neptune rule amicably over their coffee and purvey it well. Definitely make a stop if you're in detour range.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Mugged: Cafe de Chiapas Medium Roast [Chiapas Farms]

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What does "Mugged" mean?


Subject:
Chiapas Farms
Coffee Mugged:
Cafe de Chiapas Medium Roast

Rating: 4+
[see key]





M
exico always seems to be cast in a negative light. You hear about drug overlords, poverty and illegal immigration but rarely do you hear of positives.

Recently, I received a pound of organic coffee from Mexican farm company Chiapas Farms. At first I thought it was just a small operation, with a couple families offering coffee but it turns out that the outfit is quite mammoth and aside from coffee, they offer a plethora of produce as well. For their coffee, they claim to buy directly from a cooperative of Mexican farmers (direct trade) and if it is so, that's at least a step into the positive.

As for the coffee I received, it had bits of a bean sheen and an overall dark brown color (a little dark for a medium roast). I brewed up the coffee in the usual three methods: drip, siphon and french press.

The drip held notes of almond, nougat, caramel, cream, a little rhubarb and a smidgen of squash and prune. The coffee was smooth and had less bite then I expected for the roast level.

The french press gave a stronger coffee, with a darker cocoa, potent almond, cherry, lemon pepper, saltines and a little bit of grass and caramel on the end. A more potent brew for sure.

The siphon demonstrated more like the drip, with caramel, cashew, a faint grass, toasted wheat, apple, mead and a bit of cream. A mellow brew that was much akin to the drip.

While I can't vouch for their dark roast, Chiapas Farms medium roast held some decent flavors and was pretty solid. If you need a cup of direct trade, organic coffee from Mexico, give Chiapas Farms a whirl.



note: coffee was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.