Tuesday, March 08, 2022

Jefferson Street Coffee / Smokin' Aces


Subject: Jefferson Street Coffee / Smokin' Aces
Location: Lexington, KY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

It's almost always a solid recommendation when a barista at one coffee establishment gives accolades to another local shop. Naturally I have to usually ask for said recommendation (because what cafe always sends their customers to other cafes?) but when a barista of one good shop usually can think of another shop instantly, it's usually a good sign.


This is how I found Jefferson Street Coffee. Also known on the roaster side as Smokin' Aces, the coffee establishment was pitched to me as a great Lexington coffee operation, putting out some great beverages and beans into the Lexington community. Naturally, with such a reputation, I bolted over the next opportunity I had while in town. The shop sits in a standalone blue brick building with a small parking lot, complete with a garage door that opens when the weather is fair. Inside the shop's cafe portion is minimal, with some seating toward the front, but mostly the space is for roasting. 


As for my coffee that day, I went with an espresso of their Bandit blend and a drip infusion of a single origin Colombian. The espresso, pulled to a medium volume with brown creama, smacked of chocolate, rye, caramel corn, bib lettuce, raspberry and sweet corn, proving bright and full. The drip coffee also made for a stellar beverage, with smooth notes of honey, wheat, pear, cornbread, sweet cream and bran.


After sipping my beverages for a bit, I had to be off to my next stop, but by golly was I glad to have been guided to Jefferson Street. The next time you're in Lexington or in the surrounding area, definitely give Jefferson Street Coffee / Smokin' Aces a visit.


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