The Oatmeal: 15 Things Worth Knowing About Coffee
http://theoatmeal.com is a pretty funny web comic.
They have one in particular titled "15 Things Worth Knowing About Coffee" which is actually pretty on point with what it says, while still managing to be pretty clever.
10 Minute Break
It is nice when your company appreciates you. As of late I'd say a lot of us don't feel really appreciated, in general. I keep hearing "Be glad you have a job!". I am, but still, when a company spends a small amount to give you a token of appreication it can mean more then any raise or bonus can. A pat on the shoulder or a "job well done" means a lot to those of us who strive to do a good job. sbuxrecognition.com shows that they might still care.
Starbucks – Breakfast Blend
By: Chase
Coffee: Breakfast Blend
Company: Starbucks
Brewing Method: Coffeepot
Origin: Latin American
Description: “Bright citrus notes dance across your tongue, awakening your taste buds without overwhelming them And the finish is clean, leaving your palate refreshed.”
Once upon a time, this was the coffee I would suggest to people. A Starbucks starter blend. I guess, at the time, I felt that a mild coffee was a good introduction. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea. People are usually not used to how strong and smokey Starbucks coffee actually tastes. Breakfast Blend isn't as bad, because it is weaker. Still, I don't think I would suggest this as a start anymore. My taste buds and my mind has changed, in general, to what I might consider a good starter coffee. This coffee has a strong acidic taste to it, with a weak body and a tangy after taste. While I would agree that it doesn't overwhelm you with citrus, it comes close. This coffee reminds me slightly of the familiar flavors in some Intelligentsia blends. I wonder if it doesn't have as much of the Starbucks signature roast (which tends to be darker then other roasts).
10 Minute Break
Often times at 7a.m. I find myself staring at the back camera at the customers walking in. I have to wonder "Why on earth are they up at such an unholy hour?" I've been waking up at 4a.m. to open at Starbucks for over 3 years now and yet I still find the early AM hours to be just so offensive. If only I had looked at the hours of operation sign when I first applied. Would I still have gone down this rabbit hole? I wonder what I might be doing differently now, if I didn't work for Starbucks.
Intelligentsia – House Blend
By: Chase
Coffee: House Blend
Company: Intelligentsia
Brewing Method: Pour-Over
Origin: Colombia, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Brazil
Description: “This medium-bodied blend offers subtle fruit notes with milk chocolate and caramel close behind. The balanced acidity finishes with notes of baked apples.”
This coffee was somewhat of a surprise to me. It has a muted flavor, something subtle, and I don't usually expect that from Intelligentsia. This is by no means a bad thing, and dare I say, you come to expect this type of flavor from a 'House' blend. Something you could enjoy on a daily basis. It doesn't have that hard bite of fruity flavors that the Celebration blend had, but it still retains a subtle finish of fruit. I would say this coffee is mellow, but in a good way, and odds are if I was trying to convert the everyday coffee drinker I would suggest this one because it isn't too different from your average - good - cup of coffee.
Brewing: French Press
By: Chase
The French Press is another common way to enjoy a quality cup of coffee. It is believed that the press was probably first invented by a French man in the 1800's. The press is a pretty simple and ingenious idea. You take a pot of brewed coffee and grind, let it sit for a few, then you press down the grinds and enjoy the coffee. This is another favorite of mine simply because it has a more artisan style to it. You can really show off the coffee and have a nice conversation as you press it down. It is also fairly simple, much like the pour over, but requires more cleaning.
Starbucks – French Roast
By: Chase
Coffee: French Roast
Company: Starbucks
Brewing Method: French Press
Origin: Latin American
Description: “French is all about the roast. It's our darkest and boldest and not for the faint of heart. We roast the beans to their edge for a singular smoky flavor. And that's the French Roast calling card. Normally you wouldn't expect such a bang from a coffee with low acidity and light body, but this is no ordinary brew. It's delectably smoky cup, intense and uncompromising.”
French Roast has always been the kind of coffee I assumed just wasn't for me. When people say a coffee has a smoky flavor, this is what they are referencing, but on a smaller scale. This coffee is dark, black as oil, and the flavor - if you would call this flavor - is of smoke. Everything smoky come's to mind, when I sip this coffee. From wildfire's to burnt ash, this coffee kicks you in the face with one singular flavor. I like to think it is a good learning tool for people to find out what "Smoky" really tastes like, but really, this coffee isn't very good. I realize not everyone like's the same, but this coffee really is a niche coffee. They roast the bean right up until it catches fire. Come on. Smoky? More like burnt. Stay away from French Roast unless you really, really, enjoy smoky flavors. It's like smoking, without the cigarette.
Brewing: Pour Over
By: Chase
The pour over method is a favorite brewing method of mine. It creates a great cup of coffee, it allows you to use fresh ground coffee, and theres not a whole lot of waste. You can make one cup, and be set. No making a giant pot, or even a giant press, of coffee -- only to throw most of it away. It is also fairly quick and easy. Clean up is usually just tossing out the filter and used coffee. So whats involved?
Starbucks – Anniversary Blend
By: Chase
Coffee: Anniversary Blend
Company: Starbucks
Brewing Method: French Press
Origin: Asia/Pacific, Aged Indonesian
Description: “Smooth with deep, spicy flavor notes, this is a big, bold, satisfying blend created once a year to salute our heritage.”
Each year Starbucks comes out with a different but familiar "Anniversary Blend". Definitely a stronger and darker blend of bean, this coffee has a thick body and a smoky flavor. Again, the smoky flavor seems to be indicative of Starbucks way of roasting in general. I can taste the spicy. I suppose. It IS there - hidden underneath the taste of smoke. Burnt ash. This coffee is terrible. A friend once described it as tasting of feet. I can't help but agree with that assessment. No amount of sugar or cream will cover this abomination.
MyPressi TWIST Espresso Maker
By: Chase
So recently our friend, Michael, was looking for a way to get his coffee fix while at work. He has his latte art steaming pitcher. He has his intelligentsia red star cup. The problem was, where does he get the quality espresso from when he goes on a break? Enter the MyPressi Twist.