January 2010

It was a dark and stormy night…

No.  Really.  It’s a dark and stormy night.  I just raced an ice storm north from Davenport to Chicago.  Tomorrow morning I’ll have to chisel my way into my car.  It’s the 9th circle of frozen Hell out there.

It’s nice and warm in my cottage, and I just brewed up some Columbian Supremo that Buddy Brew sent me, settling in to do some work before recording a podcast – drinking coffee because I have to be sharp and alert to keep up with the witty banter of the show hosts – and also, to be efficient, try and squeeze in a review.

This coffee is sharp and snappy at the onset, giving a crisp tartness supported by a rich undercurrent of wood smoke.  It is really good.  Delicious.  And I’m not just saying this because I consider the Buddy Brew folks my friends.  It’s a very good brew, good even after you’re done because it finishes with a creamy, milk-chocolaty aftertaste that lingers for a good while.

As you’d probably guess, I have a high caffeine tolerance.  I can drink a double espresso and fall asleep.  But this bean seems to pack an extra punch because after just one mug I’m wired and wondering if maybe it was a bad idea drinking it in the evening.

The lights are flickering.  I may loose power soon.  Going to finish this up and post it before I do.

Buddy Brew’s Columbian Supremo Popayan = a groovy brew!

Cowabunga! Surf’s up!  It’s California blend in the French Press this morning.

There is snow outside the window as I type this.  I sit here thinking about California, a long way away from me at the moment, but a place that fills my childhood memories.  Curvy coast highways, wild and powerful beaches, cable cars and giant redwoods.  Hollywood and Humboldt.

This coffee blend is aptly named.  Mild and laid back — but not Kona laid back, not like that Hawaiian coffee that puts me to sleep — this is California laid back.  It puts me in a relaxed but alert, contemplative mood.  Introspective.  Creative.

It has a bold first wave, not strong as much as flavorful, and as that washes across your palate it fades nicely like a sunset’s warm glow, ending smooth and rich.  It finishes with a nice, mildly-tart aftertaste that hints lightly of hazelnut and perhaps the ghost of French Roast.

I find this coffee does well in both a coffee press and also in a plain old drip maker.  If I were to classify it, I’d say it’s more an afternoon coffee than a morning blend, and perhaps even a dessert coffee.  It’s not one to chug and forget, but to savor, linger over, and — if you’re so inclined — use to fuel some nice daydreams.

Like, perhaps, being somewhere too warm for snow.