Location: Lawrence, KS
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]
Thanks to the great work of several professionals and a handful of coffee establishments, I have come to hold Kansas in high esteem when it comes to specialty coffee. Sure it might be a less-populated state, but through the past decade it seems that Kansas has been continually blessed with a good sampling of excellent coffee.
One roastery/bakery keeping that reputation alive is Alchemy. Located in the beautiful college town of Lawrence, Alchemy resides on Massachusetts Street in a beautiful venue full of rich woods contrasting white walls. The cafe boasts a giant bakery workshop in the back as well as a front bar bustling with customers, each patron able to find a spot amidst the copious amount of seating.
As for coffee the morning of my visit, they were offering not only their own coffee but also beans from Middle State, Oddly Correct and Blueprint. After some deliberation, I ordered an espresso of Middle State's Landspeed Blend and a cup of an Alchemy-roasted Ethiopian single origin via batch brew. The espresso, pulled short/medium with brown crema, rocketed out notes of Sprite, caramel, semisweet chocolate, a little blackberry and a touch of Earl Grey, proving pleasantly piquant and delicious. The Ethiopian filtered coffee also made for an amazingly vibrant infusion, with rich flavors of blueberry muffin, hefeweizen, passion fruit, apple fritter and a little cashew, all within a light body.
When all was said and polished off, I enjoyed every second of the experience Alchemy was able to dish out. Thanks to their steadfast efforts, the reputation of Kansas coffee marches strongly onward into the distant prairie horizon. The next time you're near Lawrence, definitely check out the coffee and baked goods of Alchemy Coffee.
These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!
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