so we tasted a couple coffees again today.
first - the changed Hairbender (again)... wow, it continues to impress. i played around with pulling it in various ways and in various drinks and it's not only a great espresso - it's a flexible one as well. lovely notes of fruit and chocolate, and the most incredible mouthfeel. love it!
second - the COE Nicaragua Cantagallo... i've posted some tasting notes about this in the past. suffice it to say that this is one of my favorite single-origin espressos of all time. it's incredibly balanced and complete, with a rich and creamy mouthfeel, wonderful aromatics and the most gorgeous caramel-apple sweetness! there are hints of chocolate in the body and just enough brighness to make it all work. mmm.... so lovely!
finally - i've been cupping some Hawaiian coffees from Jay's Shave Ice in Maryland. Jay's amazing, and his coffees are incredible.

I'm back - I'm gone

I'm back from Portland. It was fantastic. I had some amazing coffees, I had some wonderful espresso, I spent time with great people.

And I'm gone.
We're moving up to Portland in one month. Time to take the next step.
I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm thrilled - I can't wait and yet I'm overwhelmed.
It's going to be amazing.

We tasted the new Stumptown Hairbender this morning. It's been reformulated and it's incredible. Intense, concentrated, with wonderful dark fruit notes (dried berries, cassis) and a dark-chocolate/burnt caramel finish. Sweet, rich, complex... fabulous. Great as a straight shot, but also fantastic in a short milk drink. I love it.