Hide + Seek Coffee

Subject: Hide + Seek Coffee

Location visited: Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Few cities allure me more than Victoria, and one of the reasons is the variety of coffee shops the area boasts. One that is truly tucked away down an alley is aptly named Hide + Seek Coffee. With two locations, both with amazing patios for nice weather, I was in the neighborhood of their Fairfield Road location one beautiful summer day and was able to stop in.

Revolver

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject:  Revolver

Location: Vancouver, BC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I have been to Vancouver once before, but my first visit was very much a small foray. After many years, I finally was able to allot some time to give the city a proper tour and boy have I been missing out. From the city's water taxis to it's very alluring neighborhoods, the city truly lived up to its vibrant reputation.

Hey Happy

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Hey Happy
Location visited: downtown Victoria, BC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I have longed to visit Victoria, British Colombia for almost half of my life, and I was finally able to make a pilgrimage happen. I've been nearby in Seattle and Vancouver a dozen times, but the lack of roads to Vancouver Island paired with my east coast apprehension of ferries kept me at bay (pun intended). Finally, after cementing some intentional recreational plans, I was able to experience the beauty of this island gem one sunny weekend. 

Mugged: Beachcomber Coffee Co

Subject: Beachcomber Coffee Co
Coffee Mugged: self-titled
Rating [see key]: 3+

While I've only been to Vancouver, BC once, it remains one of my favorite Canadian cities. The climate was pleasant, the people friendly and the coffee abundantly delicious. Thus, it nearly always pulls my interest to hear of new coffee coming from the Canadian west.

Mugged: Single Estate Signature [Doi Chaang]

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What does "Mugged" mean?


Subject: Doi Chaang Coffee
Coffees Mugged: Single Estate Signature
Rating: 3+ [see key]





Wrapping up my overall Doi Chaang experience is their Single Estate Signature blend, a coffee that is blended post-roasting and was the dark horse of the three coffees I received (the other two had ratings on the bag to give me an idea of what to expect). I sampled it a la drip, french press and siphon.

As I sipped the brew from my french press, I noticed a smoky aroma and taste, followed by a kick of pepper and then, a leveled out, smooth coffee with dollops of apple butter. This brew stood as the smokiest and the bitterest of the three batches.

My drip fared less smoky, still showing up with a bit of bitterness and pepper as well as the apple butter middle and finish. This cup also tasted nuttier and was smooth-ish overall.

The siphon produced the lightest of the three, demonstrating not much smokiness, but instead more cocoa. This cup was the least bitter and had flavors of apple as well as vanilla and nutmeg. The most enjoyable of the three in my estimation.

This Single Estate Signature left its mark as a fair coffee; by no means a bench warmer but still not at the level of a home runner. Give this coffee a sip if you're looking for a good Thai medium/dark coffee.


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

CC: 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

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Subject: 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

Location visited: Vancouver, BC

Free WiFi ? : yes

Rating: 6+ [see key]

In my travels, Vancouver has thus far been my favorite Canadian city. The beautiful mountains shadowing the large metropolis really brings the best of the city to the prisitine wonder of the wild. From also what I understand, the weather also rarely gets too unbearable (it was relatively beautiful when I visited) and the culture has all sorts of facets to it.

But for me, the best part of Vancouver was the coffee (shocker!). As Seattle's Canadian neighbor, the city has in many ways distinguished itself quite noticeably in the coffee and espresso scene. Of the many places I wished to visit, the one at the top of my list was 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters' showcase cafe on W 4th Avenue. I had the fortune of imbibing their coffee in a couple other locations, all of which proved lovely, so to visit the mother ship gave me something to really look forward to.

Walking down the street on a lovely early spring day, I first beheld the cafe after I had nearly stumbled over it (the shops were close and much of the neighboring signage was quite loud). Stepping past their nice metal outside seating and retractable awning, I walked into their beautifully decorated shop with its vaulted ceilings plus their trademark blue and brown color scheme. I also want to note that this was probably the first cafe that I've seen more than a few employees working at the same time (I remember it numbering over 6!).

Getting straight to the coffee, I ordered 49th's Costa Rica via their Clover. The brew turned out wonderful, with an even-balanced, bright cup with hints of currants. The espresso also came out blissfully well, with a nice balance of sweetness and even a touch of saltiness, overshadowed with a wave of chocolate. The tea is free leaf of their own.

Given my lofty impressions of 49th Parallel Coffee and of Vancouver, I definitely left with an utter satisfaction of a good experience. If you're ever in town, definitely pop by 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters.