Esmeralda Tasted

The long awaited first taste of the Esmeralda... Was it everything that was promised?  Did it take me to new heights of coffee nirvana?  Was it worth all the effort? Oh yes, yes and yes!
I spoke about the delightful smell of the coffee yesterday (and that was just from opening the can).  When I opened the bag that actually held the beans, it was like taking a deep breath from the depths of a floral bouquet, with some coffee in the background.   What a sweet aroma for a coffee bean.  The sweet mustiness of Jasmine and honey bounced off the delectably discreet notes of lavender and intermingled with hints of cardamom.  Absolutely divine and unlike anything I've ever smelt in coffee before.
I couldn't bear for the taste of this coffee to be ruined.  Extreme caution was needed to proceed.  I purged the Gaggia's burrs with a few of the Esmeralda beans and then I ground just enough coffee for two cups.  I set the stopwatch on my phone and timed the vital 'cooling' minute after the kettle switched off.  I had my measuring cup at the ready and carefully checked the appropriate amount of water.  I poured the water over the grounds in the French Press, gave it all a quick stir and covered.  With my stopwatch set for three minutes, I watched and waited.
At the very moment the stopwatch beeped I carefully lowered the filter of the French Press, separating the now spent Esmeralda grinds from the liquid gold.  I poured out two servings, held my cup and took a moment to enjoy the aroma.  Every scent that had emanated from the beans was now magnified tenfold.
The moment of truth had arrived.  Time for a taste.  "Fragrant" and "light" were the first two words to enter my mind as the Esmeralda tickled my taste buds. "Sweet" and "full-bodied" was the next pair of adjectives.  I never thought I'd think of a coffee as light and full-bodied in the same sip.  But there it was, the richness and aroma of coffee with the lightness and fragrance of a tea.  Surreal and utterly delicious.  I treasured each and every sip of my Esmeralda, surprised each time by the absolute lack of bitterness.   The Esmeralda was unlike anything I've ever tasted before on my coffee journey.  The hype is justified. 

Nestled in the travel box

Esmeralda chilling by the Silvia

Waiting... 

My first cup! Yaay!

Grinder Dilemma

I think I’m starting to become obsessed with my morning coffee… well… a little more obsessed. Husband and I are going away this weekend for our first anniversary. It’s been a happy, fun year… and we’re looking forward to the many more to come.

 Coffee has been part of the fun this year, especially as we tried to fit numerous pieces of coffee machinery and accessories into the kitchen.

Therefore, one of the first thoughts to cross my mind, after confirming all the weekend plans, was “How best to make our morning coffee?”

I know the hotel will have something in the room but at home we have several bags of beautiful, freshly-roasted, divine beans from which to choose. I’m not settling for any old hotel leftovers! The Dean’s Beans and the French Press will most certainly be traveling with us.

 Next issue, we like our beans to be freshly ground and to the most appropriate size. I can’t take the Gaggia with us (only because I refuse to become that obsessive… yet) so we’ll have to settle for the portable Mr. Coffee blade grinder. Mr. Coffee is not very efficient and does not produce a consistent grind size. The tinier bean bits will, therefore, end up being over-extracted and this will lead to some bitterness in taste. See why good, consistent grind size is important?! To compensate for this we will be traveling with our own box of Farmland Half and Half. I really hope there’s a mini-fridge in the room.

Time to pack. Let’s review:

• French Press… check
• Mexican Chiapas… check
• Mr. Coffee grinder… check
• Half and Half… check

Oh yeah, there should still be some room left to fit clothes, shoes and bath suits… somewhere!

 

Little Feet, Little Brother and LaLa

We’ve had a very busy house this weekend. The nieces spent a couple of nights and the nephews stayed with us last night. You met Deron (a.k.a. Little Feet) in a much earlier post. Little Feet has a Little Brother named Daniel; and they have a cousin, living in St. Lucia, who calls herself LaLa… She really does call herself that. Little Feet, Little Brother and LaLa (who visits Trinidad often) are all quite familiar with Aunty Kim’s- or rather Aunty Pim[’s] depending on which one you’re speaking to- coffee making procedures.


Little Feet and Little Brother went with me to the kitchen this morning to make some “hot hot coffee”. I had just started the kettle for the French Press process, when I was accosted by Little Feet who asked, “Why you not using that one?” while pointing to the Silvia. I explained that I was making another type of coffee this morning as it was quicker. I showed him the French Press and asked if he remembered making coffee in that before. He gave a quick nod, a forlorn look at the Silvia and then ran off to tell the doggies good morning! I guess he wasn’t too keen on the ‘boring’ French Press this morning.

While Little Feet is interested, most times, in the brewing of the coffee, Little Brother likes to serve the coffee. This morning was no different. I finished making Granny’s coffee, gave the cup handle to Little Brother and held the other side. Off to give Granny her coffee! If Little Brother ever serves you a cup of coffee, please be prepared to grab your cup as soon as he approaches you. He will shove the cup at you if you don’t put your hand out soon enough. Granny was quick.

Lovely morning in the end. The adults had some El Machete from the French Press and the under-3s enjoyed some “hot hot” Milo!