when I'm too lazy

when I'm too lazy to pre-grind the beans and then microwave the water and wait for the coffee press to finish brewing, I'll hit up Starbucks every once in a great while. I enjoy their Pike Place blend. Some might say it is too acidic, but I kind of enjoy the bitterness. It really seems to pep me up in the morning.

Don't forget

Today, September 29, is National Coffee Day!

Java Jive cont.

On a whim, we bought some raffle tickets at the Java Jive event. Normally, for me, this is just giving money away. I haven't won any sort of raffle event in at least 5 years. However, I WON! I won a stainless steel coffee press and a pound of fair trade coffee from Grounds for Change grown by women (the event is held to benefit women after all). I did not try the coffee yet, but I did make a pot of Atomic Brew which I am presently enjoying. Freshly ground beans and a french press still create the best coffee flavor...much preferred to an automatic drip machine which I ordinarily use.

15th Annual Java Jive

One of the charitable causes we contribute to is the Dane County Rape Crisis Center. Every year they host a coffee tasting event called Java Jive. This year was the 15th event. It is held at the Brinks Lounge in Madison, a very nice looking bar that I hope to visit some day. The event is highlighted by a silent auction and wonderful brunch. But, the highlight is the coffee tasting. This year's event featured coffees from: Ancora Coffee Roasters, Cargo/Ground Zero Coffee, Indie House, JavaCat, Johnson Brothers Coffee Roasters, Macha Teahouse, Michelangelo's, and Washington Hotel Coffee Room.

We had our 3 year old daughter with us, so sampling opportunities were limited. I started off with the Atomic Brew from Cargo/Ground Zero Coffee. Where to begin, as this is my most favorite coffee. First of all, it has a higher caffeine content than a regular cup of coffee. Second, it has the lighter finish and subtle acidity that I adore in a wonderful cup of coffee. Quite simply, this is the best and I need to start making the 20 minute drive more frequently to load up on this. Bean Rating: 5 beans out of 5!!!

My next cup was the House Blend from Java Cat. After the Atomic Brew, this was a huge letdown. It was relatively smooth, but had an earthy taste (i.e. like dirt or a barn floor). Thankfully, I only had a half cup to finish. Very disappointing. Bean Rating: 1 bean out of 5.

Smartly, I went back to the Atomic Brew for my last cup for the road.

All monies raised this day went to the Center. They do noble work.

Breakfast Blend - Steep and Brew

For those of you with small children, or after a long night of being out, that first cup of coffee in the morning is crucial. It can be the difference between a good day and a downright awful day.

I must hedge my comments in this review by stating I bought already ground beans in a local grocery store (the horror and shame, right?). Generally, breakfast blends are designed to be lively, satisfying and uplifting. Usually, these blends are more acidic and light to medium blends.

The Breakfast Blend from Steep and Brew is just ok. Perhaps a freshly ground bean would lift the rating. But I certainly would not go out of my way to buy this blend.

Bean rating: 2 out of 5