Costa Rica Monte Crisol
On Tuesday night this week we had an employee coffee cupping. I think that everyone had fun and learned a lot. It’s amazing how different coffee beans can taste. I know that in my head, but it is really evident when you are tasting coffees side by side. We intentionally chose three very different coffees (unlike a true cupping, where we taste similar beans to choose one), to highlight their unique characteristics. We tried our Natural Ethiopian, our Organic Gayo Mountain Sumatra, and our Kona Fancy.
Two of the coffees were washed, and one was a dry, or natural, process. The process certainly becomes a part of what you taste: there is a lot of residual fruit flavor to the Natural Ethiopian. It was also interesting how differently we all describe what we taste. We each had the same beans in front of us, but the descriptors were all unique. One person would taste maple syrup, another molasses, another caramel–all similar but slightly different. No matter how precise the process, what we taste is personal.
This week we are featuring a sweet bean for you, however you would like to describe it. When we tasted our Costa Rica Monte Crisol, the words that came up were: smooth, hazelnut, sweet, creamy, cocoa nibs, light body. You’ll have to sample it and tell us what you think. We did all agree that the aroma is amazing, with strong chocolate and nut tones.
Before we tasted this coffee, it was grown in the highlands of north-central Costa Rica, and processed by CoopePalmares, a processor that prepares coffee both for in country and for export. You can see their website here, and read about how they work for sustainability and the well-being of their associates. They started in 1962 with 80 members, and now have over 1400 growers in the co-op.
You can try this Costa Rica on us this week with the code sunny days*. It’s been nice to see the sun this week, and get outside, after an exceptionally rainy month. Although I have no complaints: we certainly needed all those storms. I believe that it is supposed to remain sunny at least through the weekend, and I’m glad: a bit of blue is good for the soul. Whatever you do this weekend, drink good coffee. Cheers!
–Holly Fike
*Code good for one free 12 ounce cup of Costa Rica Monte Crisol. Code expires on 2.2.17. Limit one free cup per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, 128 S. Auburn Street, Grass Valley, CA. Code/Offer has no cash value.