To Tribute Blend

Tribute Blend,

You didn't have much aroma.  I had heard good things about you so I put aside your lack of smell and dove in head-first.  I was greeted with winey and berry flavors that lingered in my mouth.  You also had a distinct almond taste.  Overall, I was delighted with the complex, yet harmonious relationship between the four coffees that comprise your blend.  Your distinct personality was forceful yet sensitive to my pallet.  A great tribute to the Starbuck's roast.

Well done,

Me

P.S.  Try pairing up with shelled hemp seeds.

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 Breakfast Blend

Breakfast Blend,

Truthfully, I have never been a big fan of yours.  Too mild, too acidic, too light, and too weak.  In fact, in my ignorance and disgust, I turned away from you.  My mistake.  Recently, I had the privilege of trying you in a French press.  Oh my goodness!  Upon first taste, I couldn't tell it was you.  In fact, I guessed that it was one of your darker, richer peers.  I was wrong, but happy to be in err.  You were fuller and heavier than I remember; I guess that this can be attributed to your current maturity.  I could tell that you were trying your best to amaze me.   Your toned-down acidity and heavier mouth-feel left me appreciating your slight change of heart.

Here's to new things,

Me

P.S.  Try pairing up with blackberry jam on toast.

To Jamaica Blue Mountain

Jamaica Blue Mountain,

Oh glorious splendor!  I have been anticipating your arrival for weeks and was so thrilled to finally be able to meet you.  So many people have been telling me wonderful things about your high-quality characteristics.  First of all, I was impressed with your luscious taste and tangy savor.  Next, when the juiciness faded away, it was appealing to encounter your complex hints of cocoa.  I enjoyed your complexity and the fact that you are very settled in your ways.  Obviously you are a coffee that has been perfected.  Although expensive, you are worth the wait and worth the time it took to find you.  Even though you're in high-demand, I hope that you will take the time to know me better.

Forever grateful,

Me

P.S.  You really don't need to pair up with anything, but if you must, try a Godiva Orange Milk Chocolate Lollipop.

To Organic Shade Grown Mexico

Organic Shade Grown Mexico,

You have such a fresh independence about you.  Even though you don't try to be different, you naturally come across as youthful and vivacious, yet wise beyond your years.  Others admire your compassion; I admire your carefree attitude that is grounded in strong mores.  I was very pleased to rekindle an old friendship with you today. You are definitely one of my favorites because your flavor, body, and roast reach a perfect harmony on my pallet. I was amazed at what a buoyant aftertaste that you have.  There's something beautifully transparent  that pulls me towards commitment.

I'll never be the same,

Me

P.S.  Try pairing up with olive ciabatta and herb butter.

To House Blend

House Blend,

So clean.  So bright.  So piquant.  You’re average, tidy, well-kept, and predictable.  Although there’s nothing special about you, I relish in your subtle tones.  Every time we meet, you are more flavorful than I remember.  It baffles me how you can get away with such a balanced, lovely nature without coming across as too boring. Early in the morning as the sun rises, I truly enjoy greeting the day with you in hand.  Though there’s nothing explosive about you, there’s nothing distasteful about you either.  If you’re not fresh, recently ground, and proportionately accurate, forget about it.  I have my limits.  Your reputation may not be the greatest, but I’m set on fixing that.

Stay Genuine,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with blueberries fresh from the patch!

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 Pike Place

Pike Place (NOT Pike's Place),

Our first encounter was pleasantly surprising.  I expected something much more tame, but you approached with enough authority and fascination.  There is something very natural and comforting about you.  I like the fact that we can hold hands and not talk for hours without it seeming awkward.  Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates this aspect of you.  Too much of a good thing has turned the masses away from your subtle, smooth notes and brisk flavor.  You've been stereotyped as boring and lame, yet this is far from your genuine nature.  I have to admit that I do tire of your personality because sometimes you feel good on the pallet but then nullify at the end.  This isn't to say that I can never commune with you again.  I just need to take my time, make my rounds, and find you when I need you.  

Let's stay friends,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with a Chocolove XOXO Toffee & Almonds milk chocolate bar.

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 French Roast

French Roast,

I don’t know quite what to think about you.  Even at first glance, you appeared to be the dark and mysterious one bent on winning me over.  Can I trust you?  You evoke such strong emotions, yet it still feels as if we’re a good fit.  There’s an astonishing normalcy when I taste you.  You come across overly confident, but the more of you I experience, the more I realize your heart.  Whereas others may be intimidated by your strength, I have chosen to dive right in.  Mixed emotions: on one hand I am titillated by your depth; on the other hand, I’m not sure I could put up with you every day.  What’s a girl to do?  For now, let’s enjoy the moment and work through the smoky complexities later.

Enraptured,

Me

P.S. Try pairing up with roasted nuts of any kind (salted).

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)