Holiday Blend Returns!

This year’s seasonal coffee is a crafted blend of Kenyan and Ethiopian coffees, creating a nostalgic flavor profile of “sugar, spice and everything nice!” It’s a delightful, everyday coffee that can be enjoyed by connoisseurs and cream-and-sugar drinkers alike! The blend is predominantly Kenyan which presents a sweet base with a rich, syrup-like body. The acidity is tamed but a citrus notes can be detected as the coffee cools. Every sip has a cinnamon cocoa finish, a bit of holiday spice! There is a tart cherry aspect which is not too bright in this medium roast, but blends well with the natural Ethiopian bean. The Ethiopian coffee makes up just under 1/3 of the blend but really imparts itself well while complimenting the Kenyan profile! What is really impressive about this Ethiopian is the chocolate cherry profile. This flavor has been presented at the forefront with the Kenyan and is hard to miss once the “hotness” of the coffee has cooled and the full flavor can be analyzed. Think cherry cordials, Luden’s cherry lozenge, cherry Dum-Dums and wild cherry candy. 

This year’s blends is a step away from years in the past where I’ve sought out a sweet citrus, berry and spice flavor profile and targeted something a bit more decadent- german chocolate cake, grenadine, cherry cordials, mulling spice, pomegranates, cinnamon sticks, and cranberry. Cherry Cordials are sweet, nostalgic red-fruit note with a touch of chocolate and almond-pit warmth. Dark Cocoa is grounding bitterness adds body and richness to counter the cherry’s sweetness. Cinnamon Sticks add a bright, aromatic spice that lifts both and ties them together in a holiday-ready profile.

If you’re a cream and sugar drinker, do yourself a favor and set a small cup of this aside, unadulterated, and give it a taste after about 8 minutes of cooling. I think you’ll be able to better identify and appreciate the coffee. For the “just black” drinkers, keep up the good work! This is not your parent’s Folgers! Refer to The World Atlas of Coffee (or ChatGPT) for proper brewing instructions. I’ve spared no expense this year on curating these delicious coffees for your enjoyment.

Enjoy the holiday season, and don’t forget to share a cup with your friends and family!