Mocha and Java

saturday.3.september.2011

Yesterday was Coffee Bean’s first day at nursery :o( Well, it was more of his first visit to nursery, if I’m completely honest. Husband and I took him over to meet his new Aunty and to check out his new daytime abode, before we send him packing for an entire day. On the bright side he seemed very interested in his new playpen and the other kids immediately claimed his as one of their own. As a matter of fact, a particularly precocious 2 year old demanded to know why he was leaving after only a few minutes. She had to be reassured that Coffee Bean would be back to play on Monday.

While Coffee Bean was examining his nursery Father Dearest was collecting our newest coffee selection: a Counter Culture offering by the name of 1922 Mocha & Java Blend. I’m not sure why they’ve labeled it 1922, but there is certainly nothing old about this Mocha Java coffee! The fresh and fruity notes of dried cranberries are the first to hit the palate and are followed by a rich chocolate and caramel finish. A full-bodied blend that when prepared just right, in my trusty French Press, was an absolute delight to the senses.

I can’t say if the Counter Culture Mocha Java was better than the Dean’s Beans version. Maybe I’ll have to order another batch of that one to compare…

Esmeralda

Counter Culture has Hacienda Esmeralda Special Microlot coffee available!  Next roast date is August 23^rd and orders are being accepted now.  The Esmeralda is supposed to be absolutely fabulous and unlike anything else available, even in the specialty coffee world.  It's made from 100% Geisha beans, which is one of the most unique coffee varietals. This coffee is grown in Finca Hacienda Esmeralda in Boquete, Panama and has dominated every competition and auction in which it was entered over the last few years.  Only the best coffee cherries survive the hand picking and sorting process.  This ensures the superiority of each and every cup of Hacienda Esmeralda coffee.  Loaded with floral, jasmine and honey notes this truly is a unique coffee.  So unique, it is considered the star of Michaele Weissman's book God in a Cup.  (As a side note: God in a Cup is a fantastic storytelling introduction to the world of specialty coffee).

Of course, this kind of excellence comes at a price.  Some microlots of Esmeralda have sold for over $100 (USD) a pound!!!  The specialty coffee shops that sometimes sell this bean, can ask for anything from $12 to $35 (USD) for just one cup of the brew.

Perhaps it's all just hype, but I'd really like to try this coffee for myself.  Counter Culture's price isn't too bad…  Hmm… maybe I'll give up new shoes for a month or two! ;o)