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Coffee Review: Starbucks Gazebo Summer Blend

Jul 10

Posted by Mike in Coffee, Tasting & Reviews | 1 Comment

Gazebo Summer Blend from Starbucks

Gazebo Summer Blend from Starbucks

I’m a big fan of acidity in coffee.  I’m not only looking for acidity but I do love it.  Gazebo Summer Blend from Starbucks promises to deliver a crisp, bright cup of coffee with acidity aplenty.  I remembered liking it last summer, so I thought I would give it a try and review it now that my palette is a little more adept at tasting coffee.  I bought a 1 lb. bag for $11.95 from a Starbucks near my house.  The beans are roasted lightly compared to what one comes to expect from the ‘Bucks; I would call it medium-dark.  Starbucks ensures its customers that Gazebo Blend is “…crisp and clean, with floral fruity notes…”.  Here’s what I thought:

Nose: There’s not a lot to differentiate here.  It seems fresh, and smells like it’s laced with a lemon acidity.  There’s some roasty sweetness, and  a small pepper-like note in the background.  So far I’m not floored, and hoping that the coffee brings more to my mouth then it does to my nose.

Mouth: Definitely crisp.  First thing to taste is a moderate lemon tinged acidity, which then morphs into a roasted, nutty flavor.  This then washes away into an extremely clean finish.  As I muse at how clean the finish is I realize I’ve been deceived because a dark, heavily toasted taste fizzles back onto my palette.  The acidity dominates the overall mouthfeel, and unfortuntely there isn’t much in the way of body or other flavors that come into play.  A simple coffee can be delicious, but Gazebo Blend is lacking something.  It’s like drinking Coke from a soda fountain where the syrup is running low; lots of fizzle from the carbonated water (or acidity in our case) but not much else.

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Coffee Review: Starbucks 3 Region Blend

Jun 13

Posted by Mike in Coffee, Tasting & Reviews | No Comments

Starbucks 3 Region Blend | Coffee Review from Mikepedia

Starbucks 3 Region Blend, 1 lb.

For the last few months I’ve been enjoying some great coffees from local roasters.  I love buying fresh premium roasted coffee especially at a low “local” price.  After hearing that Starbucks new 3 Region Blend was quite tasty from some friends I decided to give it a try.  It’s a blend containing coffees from Tanzania, Guatemala, and Papua New Guinea.  Starbucks claims that the blend will deliver a smorgasbord of different flavors and nuances including “…floral and citrus notes…”, “…cocoa notes…”, and herbs and earthiness.

I purchased a half pound of 3 Region Blend for $6.45 from my local Starbucks.  The bag was labeled with the expiration date of November, 2010.  Upon opening the beans smelled quite fresh.  They appeared to be roasted at the medium-dark level — not quite dark roast, but pushing it for “medium”.

Nose: This is one of those coffees that just smells smooth, plain and simple.  It embodies a fresh roasty sweet scent with what Michael Scott might call a “buttery cinnamon afterbirth”.  There’s also a small hint of something in the vegetable realm.  I would describe it as broiled red pepper.

Mouth: Sweet, smooth, and mild.  As soon as the coffee comes into contact with my palette there is a mellow citrus. (This becomes more prominent as the pot cools) This citrus fizzles into a milky, nutty mid palette sensation which is then washed away by a relatively clean finish.  As the coffee lingers subtle earthy notes become noticeable.

The Big Picture: Those searching for a smooth and creamy affair will be pleased.  Not so mild that it tastes bland, but it’s not quite gushy or rich.  Fans of smooth dark roasts will definitely want to check it out.  I tried a quick pairing with some California grown cinnamon almonds and it worked out great.  I can see this coffee as a great crowd pleaser (a little something for everyone) or a relaxing cup after a long day.  My mom who usually takes her coffee with cream was able to enjoy this blend black.  I would be careful when buying a cup brewed at Starbucks; a friend described it as having a mushroom-y earth toned vibe.  (I’ve never been a fan of their in store brewing methods)  All in all if you are looking to try something new from Starbucks I wouldn’t pass this one up.

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Rwanda Rusenyi Coffee Review

Jan 22

Posted by Mike in Coffee, Tasting & Reviews | No Comments

Rwandan Rusenyi Bourbon, from Mighty Good Coffee

Rwandan Rusenyi Bourbon, from Mighty Good Coffee

Info: This Rwandan coffee from Rusenyi coffee growers was grown in the Lake Kivu region and roasted by the Mighty Good Coffee Roasting Company of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  It is 100% Bourbon Varietal, hand picked, and sun dried.  The coffee has been brought to a medium roast, with no oils showing on the outside of the beans.  Mighty Good Coffee describes it as “Sweet with notes of caramelized sugar, dates and raisins”.

Nose: Sweet, light, and meek.  A gentle sweetness with underlying scents of ripe berries and pan seared bananas.  There isn’t a massive smell coming from this coffee but it doesn’t smell weak either.  It’s crisp and aromatic.

Mouth: What a joy!  The acidity flows and delights my tongue but manages to be modest at the same time.  The brightness gives way to an easy going nutty element, and then sweet blueberry tones dance on my tongue as the coffee takes its time in the finish.  The flavors stay with you after the finish, but in a pleasant, “happy” way; as opposed to an ashy burn bearing down from an over roasted coffee.  This Rwandan offering has a restrained, delicate elegance about it.

Pairing: Dark chocolate (60% cacao) covered cashews.  After experiencing some of the tartness present in the chocolate the coffee smoothed out a bit.  There was still a little brightness left that nicely complemented the cashew flavors.  I’m sure this coffee would pair well with many fine treats such as french truffles or chocolate covered cherries.

The Big Picture: Rwanda Rusenyi was meant to be enjoyed slowly, sip by sip, savoring all of the complexities it has to offer. It may be lighter in body, but it delivers with plenty of enjoyable flavors.  Dark roast aficionados looking for creamy body won’t find their nirvana here, but anyone who can respect brightness and complexity will have a smile on their face.  It paired great with the chocolate covered cashews, and I can see myself relishing this coffee late at night with some friends.  For those who haven’t tried Mighty Good Coffee, I highly suggest it.  They ship their coffee very soon after roasting and everything I have tried from them has been exceptional.

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Coffee Review: illy Dark Roast Review + Pairing

Dec 29

Posted by Mike in Coffee, Tasting & Reviews | No Comments

illy Dark Roast | Review from Mikepedia

illy Dark Roast and Lauren's Mocha Fudge Cake

Info: illy coffee is commercially produced and distributed and can be found at a variety of upscale food retailers and fine dining establishments.  illy’s signature blend has been around since the company’s founding in 1933.  8.8 oz cans of illy coffee are sold for around $14 and are air sealed to preserve freshness.  When I opened the can it most definitely smelled fresh.  The beans appear to be roasted at a Full City or Full City+ level, without much oil showing on the beans.  The illy blend is “proprietary” and no one really knows for sure what the included varietals are, but it is known for maintaining it’s signature taste.  Time to see what my palette thinks.

Nose: Sweet and smokey.  The rich sweetness coming from this coffee induces the romantic connotations of coffee in my cranium.  Soon afterward the not-so-subtle smokiness reminds me that this is a dark roast, and this coffee has brawn to back up it’s brain.  There is also a small brightness that is very hard to place; perhaps a mild apple (Fuji?).  A hint of soothing clove-like spice closes out this outstanding aromatic coffee.

Mouth: This coffee is the official “King of Smooth”.  Smokey, roasty, (in a positive way) rich velvety goodness soothes my mouth.  Towards the end, the coffee backs off and doesn’t leave anything hanging in the balance — the rich flavor presents itself and leaves in a pleasant way with no hanging aftertaste.  There are no wild notes that stick out.  The spice flavor is present but always fleeting.  “Faint clove” would be the best description.  This coffee has body too; it’s thick and creamy (for coffee).   As soon as I tasted this I was excited to test out the pairing.

Pairing: I chose to pair the coffee with some Mocha Fudge Cake that my girlfriend Lauren graciously prepared (pictured to the right).  The cake is served cold and is rich with chocolate flavor.  It brings out a chocolate sweetness in the coffee that screams  “Late Night Delight!”.  When tasted together my palette could only identify a uniform, sweet and smooth entity.  The coffee solidifies itself as an after dinner champ.  I could see this coffee pairing great with any variety of  desserts — strawberry shortcake, chocolate souffle, crème brûlée, tiramisu, etc..

The Big Picture: What really puts a smile on my face is that this coffee presents a positive roasty quality that doesn’t leave traces of ash on my palette.  I’m sick of so-called French/Italian roasts that just taste like ashes from a fireplace.  Some like to describe them as bold or strong but I think they are a poor example of what superb coffee can be.  “illy’s Dark Roast” delivers with the body and richness of a darker roast without selling out to mediocrity.  This is definitely my go to late night coffee.  While it comes at a somewhat hefty price tag, good coffee is worth it.  Even more, it’s wide availability in fresh form is a win for enthusiasts who have trouble finding a good cup of coffee outside of their house.  This coffee receives a strong recommendation for those fond of dark roast, rich, or dessert paired blends.  To be fair I think most who enjoy coffee would appreciate illy Dark Roast.

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Coffee Review: Coffee Kiss Company Don Pepe Estate

Dec 21

Posted by Mike in Coffee, Tasting & Reviews | 2 Comments

Panama Don Pepe Estate Coffee from Coffee Kiss Company | Coffee Review from Mikepedia

Panama Don Pepe Estate from Coffee Kiss Company

The Don Pepe Estate has won awards in 2006 for the Best Coffee in Panama, a country which is known for it’s vibrant coffee.  The fresh smelling beans arrived in a air tight bag with a one way valve from Coffee Kiss Company.  The beans appear to be roasted at a “City-ish” level, with hardly any oil showing on the beans.  (A lighter roast than the average Starbucks offering)  The company’s website calls it “complex”, with “silky flavor” and a “balanced acidity”.  Let’s see if that description holds true.

Nose: Bright citrus, (leaning towards orange) hidden nuttiness, and smooth milk chocolate held together with a fresh & sweet backbone.  After brewing the coffee my family loved the smooth milk chocolate smell that spread and dissipated into the room.

Mouth: Bright, citrusy, juicy acidity hits my tongue like a tidal wave, preceded by a sneaky nuttiness.  Gripping, almost savory acidity rides through to the milk chocolate tinged (mostly) clean finish.  The orange toned acidity is extremely enjoyable and gives this lighter bodied coffee it’s kick.

While this coffee doesn’t have an huge earthy or hearty body, it roundhouse kicks you in the face with it’s splendid, flowing brightness.  This little Panamanian coffee has acidity to boot along with an awesome aromatic quality that has the ability to “occupy” a room.

In an effort to summarize I would say it “drinks like a Jamaican Blue Mountain with a bigger body”.  The coffee has a very full flavor profile and in combination with it’s muscular acidity many people would find this coffee to be filling –  not really for chugging.

This is a great coffee and I would enjoy it any time of day, but I think it could shine in the morning because of it’s aromatic qualities and kick.  Anyone that likes complex, bright, or Latin American coffees should find the Don Pepe Estate quite agreeable.

A Side Note: Many of the coffees from Coffee Kiss Company are roasted lighter than one would find at Starbucks or many other big coffee chains.  The coffees are still very flavorful but need to be prepared using a full 2 teaspoons for every 6 oz. of water to taste all that the beans have to offer.

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Coffee Review: Starbucks Christmas Blend

Dec 1

Posted by Mike in Coffee, Tasting & Reviews | No Comments

Starbucks Christmas Blend | Coffee Review from Mikepedia

Starbucks Christmas Blend

Before Thanksgiving arrived Starbucks was proudly displaying their Christmas blend in coffee shops & bookstores everywhere.  After enjoying the Thanksgiving blend so much, I had to review and compare the Christmas incarnation.  Starbucks calls this coffee “Sweet, spicy, and herbal.”  Let’s see what we think:

Nose: Wood-y, with spices and a subtle/sweet underlying nuttiness.  I can practically smell the syrupy body on this one.  The Thanksgiving blend had hints of sweet cedar, this has a much less subtle paper/woodiness that is akin to sniffing a brown paper lunch bag.

Mouth: Right away I sense the big body of this coffee, then my tongue is peppered with some smooth spices.  Some hearty earthiness in the finish.  As the coffee cools a bit some gentle brightness comes through creating a nice balanced cup.

Starbucks says this blend contains Latin American, Asia/Pacific, and aged Sumatra beans.  Upon consumption, the Asia/Pacific dominates, with balanced hints of aged Sumatra spice and Latin American brightness.  This coffee feels like the complete package with flavors all around the spectrum with something to please everyone.

In comparison with the Thanksgiving Blend, I would say Christmas Blend is a more complete, smooth experience.  If Christmas Blend is round, smooth, and complete, Thanksgiving Blend is more intense, dark, with more pronounced spices and acidity.  I can’t say I like one of these offerings better, because they each work so well on their own.  I would recommend both, although Christmas Blend will probably be easier to find for the rest of the season.

Have you tried either of these blends?  Or perhaps you have a favorite seasonal coffee?  Sound off in the comments

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