To: Caffe Verona

Caffe Verona

Ahhhh.  You both delighted and convicted me.  At first smell, I thought our relationship was doomed for destruction such as the star-crossed lovers found within your namesake.  I gradually took a liking to your distinct personality.  Your naturally sweet and creamy flavor was surprising; you had a calming affect on me that lasted well throughout the day.  I definitely have to be in the mood for you though - small doses are best.  I recommend you to anyone who enjoys a full-bodied coffee with depth and lots of love.

Yes, yes yes...

Me

P.S.  Try pairing up with Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffle.

To Espresso Roast

Espresso Roast,

How truly amazing you are.  Thick.  Deep.  Real.  You contain a precious, rare flavor that made the moment sparkle, even if just for a few seconds.  My mouth felt laid back, relaxed, and a little sensual.  Who wouldn't love your caramel undertones and slightly burnt creaminess?  There was a faint whiff of spices, nuttiness, and other hedonistic pleasures that didn't disappoint the pallet.  I appreciate your smoothness and hearty density.  Bonus: you taste equally spectacular whether made in an espresso machine, French press, or regular drip coffee maker.

Viva la vida,

Me

P.S.  Try pairing up with caramel wrapped marshmallows.  Scrumptious.

To Hardy Passion

Hardy Passion,

You could easily become a summer lover.  Our meeting was so serendipitous, it must have been more than chance.  Your name brought forth memories of fervor, infatuation, and enduring obsession.  After taking a tentative sip, I was transported into a world of heartfelt simplicity characterized by soft affection.  There was absolutely no aggression.  I appreciated the way you let me get to know you without stipulations.  You have a slight acidity with smidgens of cocoa and floral flavors.  Although there was nothing distinct that set you apart, there was nothing that clearly desecrated your reputation.  All in all, a great experience; expect to hear from me again soon.

Me

P.S.  Try pairing up with a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed.

To Illy Dark Roast

Illy Dark Roast,

You are strong and fresh!  I’m looking out for exciting times ahead.  Your earthy personality promises me herbal adventures to come.  I am shaken up by the mere anticipation of your robust taste.  What makes you so uninhibited?  What makes your flavor so entrenched?  You penetrated my taste buds to the core and I am not ashamed to let others know about our relationship.  Be prepared to meet the parents, I’m THAT serious.

Vigorous and valiant,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with dried mango slices

To Cafe Estima Blend

Estima,

Your gentle cocoa flavoring definitely made you rise above.  There was something velvety about your long aftertaste.  I appreciated both your depth and your savory fullness.  I feel that your true uniqueness, however, shines through your smoky refinement.  Through every taste, you are intent on making yourself known.  There's a dangerous sanctity to your personality, like you were born for greatness.  There were times where I longed for a more juicy feel, but I can settle for your graceful intensity.  I wouldn't recommend you for the faint at heart, yet avid drinkers would delight in your roasted pleasure.

Keep it coming,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with s'mores around the campfire.

To Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon,

Mmmmm.  I absolutely adore the way you smell.  So manly and raw.  After taking a small sip, your intricate and husky flavor made me feel assaulted.  In the end I knew that everything was going to be okay.  I feel as if people have overestimated you and perhaps unjustly classified you as an arrogant boss.  There was something about you, though, that just woke up my taste buds.  There are some murky parts of the relationship that I'm unsure of, but I want you to know that I believe in you and want to continue exploring your more stable side.  I'm excited about experimenting and discovering new things together.  Don't be angry if I seem hesitant at first; I want to do this right and figure out exactly who you are.

Oh Yeah,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with a Cinnabon!

To Ethiopia Sidamo

Ethiopia Sidamo,

I don’t know quite how to say this.  One would think that the birth place of coffee would result in an explicit and flavorful cup of steaming happiness.  Not so.  There was, in fact, a sense of gentleness about you but this fell flat immediately after swallowing.  The floral and lemon contrast left just enough zest without biting back.  Why, then, do I sense something synthetic about your nature?  It does not seem that you are exactly who you advertise to be.  "This coffee is both delicate and complex" may have been your aspiration; it is unwise for you to make this claim and not deliver.  Tell the truth.  Be who you are.  

I'll try again later,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with Bear Naked banana nut granola

To Christmas Blend

Christmas Blend (aka Holiday Blend),

Whoever created you knew what they were doing.  Your name alone invokes the happiness and comfort that the holidays bring.  I found you comforting as well, though in an unconventional way.  I feel that your taste is for veterans alone.  Only professionals could be able to pick out the clever nuances that reside deep within your surface.  You bring together the best of a variety of lands.  Although our first encounter was rushed, I was delighted upon subsequent meetings.  In fact, I chose you over all others to prove my own mastery of all things coffee.  In demonstrating my ability to others, I selected you to help me shine.  Thanks for coming through for me.  I’m sad that we can only see each other a few months of the year but confident in a good things that will remain a seasonal constant in my life.

Best Regards,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with brie cheese and ginger preserves.

To Yukon

Yukon,

Needless to say, I had an interesting time with you.  In fact, I consider you one of the most well-rounded and fullest coffees that I know.  Believe me - I know a lot.  At first I was shocked, even surprised at your piquancy.  Now, I don’t know quite what to think.  When I experienced you alongside the smoothness of a pastry, I was rather delighted.  This feeling didn’t last long.  By yourself, I feel as if your individuality shines through too much.  Maybe if your work on your over zealous nature and seek the counsel of others, you will fair better.  Otherwise, I might just have to give out an inconspicuous warning to others.  Although you claim to be balanced, I tend to see otherwise.  Try to hold back substantially and then we can talk.

Until then,

Stephanie

P.S.  Try pairing up with a savory pastry containing sausage or cheese.

To (STARBUCKS) RED Blend

(STARBUCKS)RED Blend,

I liked you more than I thought.  Your name kind of threw me off.  What were you thinking?  The color RED symbolizes passion and extravagance.  You, though, were refreshingly normal.  Not only do you pair well with others, but you are easy to handle and refined in an individual way.  I can’t complain.  The difference between your personality in a French press and regular drip was exponential.  Once I captured the embodiment of who you are, you won me over in a delicate way.  Subtly but surely, I became aware of your nuances.  It’s inspirational to know and celebrate your diversity and intricacies that define the very fabric of your nature.  Kudos for being consistent.  Kudos for being generous.  If I had my way, I’d see a lot more of you.  Here’s to a lifelong relationship.

Cheers,

Me

P.S.  Try pairing up with vanilla sugar cookies.

To Sulawesi

Sulawesi,

I must apologize.  I feel as if I might have put too much pressure on you to perform.  High expectations mean great disappointment.  Don’t get me wrong, I was enticed by your relaxed and calming nature, yet turned off at the same time.  What happened?  Was I too upfront and forward myself?  It felt as if you came on too strong and then refused to make any apologies.  *sigh*  No matter who is to blame, I respect you enough to let you go.  I’m not one to indulge hidden complexities.  Perhaps if you put as much energy into your smooth, charming nature as your taste, you would have fared okay in my mind.  Que sera, sera.

So be it,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with artichokes and garlic dipping butter

To Kenya

Kenya,

My first love!  Has it truly been five years since our first encounter?  Even today, I taste you with fervor untainted by overuse.  I owe you so much.  Remember when you caught my attention so subtly?  I was scared – nervous at the prospect of a destructive commencement.  With no cream or sugar to alleviate your presence, I was skeptical at first and expected the worse.  Oh but the bliss of first meetings.  Your scent pulled me in beyond the point of no return.  Bold, yet smooth.  Strong, yet not offensive.  I must admit that I was taken aback.  Forgive me for my hesitancy, but you must realize that everything was new to me.  I was not one to make careless mistakes.  Now, however, I can experience you with abandonment, knowing full-well that love is blind.  Even an error on my part leaves me wanting more of the real thing.  And so, Kenya, I thank you.  Thank you for having a clean finish with no foul aftertaste to taint my pallet.  Thank you for your brightness and cleanliness.  Your citrus flavors are adored and valued beyond measure.  It does not surprise me that so many others have had such wonderful experiences with your aroma, taste, and body.  I implore you to remember me as one who has been exceedingly faithful despite countless competition that threatens to overwhelm.  You are mine.  I have personally claimed you as my own and set in you a special place in my heart.  Stay with me, my favorite one.

Forever Yours,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with anything citrusy (lemon pound cake, grapefruit, or key lime pie)