my apologies

to those criticizing the lack of postings lately. I've built up quite a stockpile of beans and must work my way through them. I've learned my lesson. No more 1 pound bags...Nope, only half pound bags for me. I'll be able to turn and burn more inventory that way. Take care and good luck finding your way to the bottom of a great cup of coffee.

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.

Peets = delicious

I love Peet's coffee. It is hard to find in Madison, available at one place, to the best of my knowledge. As it is the holidays, I tried the Holiday Blend this morning. It blows away all other holiday blends that I have tried and reported on to date. This blend is beautifully smooth, with a hint of fruity sweetness, but not so much that it overpowers the general goodness of the coffee. To put it simply, this coffee is very rich and possesses a classic coffee taste. Highly recommended.

sorry for the delay

It has taken me some time to finish off my remaining stockpiles of coffee, but I am back now with a new review.

Tis the season...for holiday coffee blends. I'm now working my way through Starbucks Christmas Blend. I'm having a hard time putting my finger on an accurate description for this seasonal blend. To start with, the first taste is very subtle and you have to search to find the hint of spice. In my opinion, this is good. I don't like spices overpowering the general coffee taste. The Christmas Blend has a subtle nutmeg/cinnamon undertone. It is relatively full bodied, but low in acidity. Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this blend and look forward to enjoying it throughout the holiday season.

Winter Delight

Once in a while I like to shake things up and try what I consider to be a "spiced" or "flavored" coffee. You will never find me drinking something chocolaty. However, I tried the Holiday Delight blend, again from La Java. It has a tasty, yet spicy (cinnamon, hazelnut, and Irish cream) background. The spicyness does not overpower the tastebuds. I don't think I'd drink this everyday, but once in a while, and on a cold morning in December, it totally hits the spot.