Newman's own organics

Unbeknownst to me, in addition to making great salad dressings, Mr. Paul Newman also dabbles in coffee. Newman's own is roasted by Green Mountain Coffee and each blend is Fair Trade organic coffee.

This morning I sampled the Newman's Special Blend. This blend is a mix of medium and dark roast, creating a full-bodied, yet low acidity, blend. The Special Blend was very smooth, with little lingering after taste and possessed a delicious, albeit indistinctive, taste.

starbucks cafe verona

starbucks bills this coffee as having dark cocoa, roasty sweet undertones. I didn't note too much cocoa flavor, but I did enjoy the roasty sweet undertones. I don't think I'll put this blend in my regular rotation, but as something different, and a gift from my wonderful assistant Mary, it was not too bad.

Victor Allen Hazelnut

Victor Allen is normally in the top 3 for area coffee shops in the annual Best of Madison selections. While I am preferential to Steep and Brew due to their wider selection of beans on hand, Victor Allen is an acceptable substitute. Victor Allen beans are usually found at most grocery stores in Madison.

Today, and in deference to my wife, I brewed up a pot of Hazelnut. Flavored coffee wise, Hazelnut is as far down the branch I will travel. My wife loves flavored coffee. Hazelnut is a happy medium for us. This coffee from VA is very tasty, with a creamy and true hazelnut flavor.

For a larger roaster, VA is not a bad option.