Liqueur Coffee Sampler!
gourmetcoffeexpress.comhttp://www.gourmetcoffeexpress.com |
Spark your Memorial Day
Liqueur Coffee!
Sample our newest LIQUEUR flavored coffees
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The names you know and the tastes you love smoothly melded in non-alcoholic blends with gourmet coffee. The perfect after-dinner treat.
Liqueur Coffee SAMPLER: This makes an exquisite gift |
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Add comment May 22, 2009
ESMERALDA SPECIAL CUPPING – AUCTION ON MAY 19TH!
The excitement level at the roasting facility always rises when we receive a large, white envelope (or box) filled to the brim with green coffee samples. This white envelope represents a great potential; it represents the great potential for amazing coffee. Needless to say, when said white envelope arrived from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama, a low buzz resonated among the staff. “When are we going to cup the samples? When is the auction? How are these coffees going to compare to last year? How will the newer harvest areas compare to the traditional Esmeralda Special areas?”
For those of you who are unaware of the significance of samples from Hacienda La Esmeralda, let me fill you in on a little bit of the back-story. In 1996 the Peterson Family bought a coffee farm in the Jaramillo region of Panama. They knew that the farm contained many different varietals and that it produced an overall good quality cup. In 2002, Daniel Peterson had the idea that the overall “good” quality of the cup might be due to one spectacular variety of coffee or area of the farm bringing up the overall quality of the cup. That year, Daniel went around cupping the coffee from different sections of the farm. Much to his excitement, he discovered that one section of the farm, and specifically one special varietal, produced an amazing cup. This special varietal was an Ethiopian varietal called Geisha. When the Peterson’s entered their Geisha coffee into the 2004 Best of Panama competition, the judges were stunned. That year it sold for record prices, topping $20 a pound green. The buzz around this coffee did not stop after that year. It continued to win ALL the possible awards in the specialty industry, distinguishing itself as one of the best coffees in the world. Just last year, the top lot sold for another mind blowing record price of $130 a pound green. We have been fortunate to purchase this coffee for years, and this year we are looking forward to another great crop.
Back to the samples… During the last 2 years, the Petersons have withheld their Esmeralda Special from the Best of Panama competition in order to give other farmers a chance. Instead of using the Best of Panama competition and auction to sell their coffee, they have created their own auction system, dividing their Geisha variety coffee into separate batches that represent different parts of the farm, different altitudes and different harvest times.
Last week, we roasted and cupped this year’s Esmeralda Special harvest samples, and we were blown away. We do not want to give away too many specifics, but we were very happy with this year’s harvest. Most of the batches that we cupped were bursting with flavor. There were beautiful floral notes abounding. Strawberry, bright orange citrus and peach highlight these coffees. It looks like we will have another year of astounding Esmeralda Special. The auction is coming soon, May 19th, and we will keep you updated about which batches we purchase and when we expect them to arrive. If you would like to watch the auction live, go to http://coffee.stoneworks.com/auction/index.cfm on May 19th.
Add comment May 8, 2009
Coffee of the World – Each Region With It’s Own Uniqueness
-by Robert T Jones
With so many wide and varied coffee producing regions throughout the world it is hard to know what to expect when you buy a coffee from these places. Some of regions rely on small independent farmers to produce the coffee other regions are run by the multinational companies. We are well aware of how famous Java is in the world of coffee, it has now become a second name for coffee. But there a many less well known regions that are producing some of the most outstanding coffee in the world, These beans get their unique flavours and aromas from the way they are grown and processed, for instance some regions in the Americas grown their coffee in the shade, while other prefer their beans to be grown on the slopes of mountains. To name and describe ever region of coffee producing world would take a little longer than I can afford, but they can be broken down into the main regions so you get a general overview of what to expect of the coffees from these regions.
The Americas.
The largest and most diverse of all the regions, coffee is produced from the Caribbean all the way through south and central America and as far as Hawaii. Most of these coffees can be described as having a well balance and medium bodied flavours, because of these characteristics many of the coffees from the Americas are perfect from bending with other strong more acidic coffee verities. Some other well known characteristics of these coffees are chocolaty and nutty tones. Probably the most famous of all the American coffee’s are the kona coffee produced on the slopes of the volcanic Hawaiian mountains and the blue mountain coffee of Jamaica which is the highest mountain in the Caribbean.
Africa and the Middles East.
With Ethiopia being the birth place of coffee Africa has a long history with the Coffee bean and some of the most famous coffees have their origin in African and the Middle East, Mocha Coffee got it’s name from a port in Yemen. Coffee from these regions will always remain popular with each region having its own unique flavours and aromas and this is mostly down to the wide variety of climates from the desert like regions of the Middle East to the tropical regions of the Cameroon and Kenya. Even though there are many different varieties of African coffee you are always assured of a wonderful cup of coffee.
Asia And Indonesia
Almost 75% of all the coffee beans produced in this region come from the Canephora plant, with the remainder produced from the Arabica plant, The tropical and sub-tropical climates of these regions make the ideal conditions for growing some of the world’s finest coffee beans. In general these coffees are low in acidity with a full body and distinctive aromatic flavours of earthy tones. Because the beans are low in acidity with a strong body they are often used in a blend with a milder coffee usually from Africa or the Americas. Some of the most well loved of all the Asian coffee’s are the monsooned malabar coffee produced in India. This is one of the most unique coffees in the world as the beans are left in open sheds though out the monsoon season. This imparts a wonderful unique flavour to the beans. Another famous coffee is Kapal Api which produced on the Indonesian island of Java and in the past 80 it has grown to be a world famous brand.
As you can see that the choice and variety of coffee today is endless, and if you decide to roast your own green Coffee beans not only will have the freshest cup of coffee imaginable but you can also begin to experiment with different blends of coffee from around the world.
Add comment April 29, 2009
Cappuccino Cups
Imagine an elegant small plate with a pool of hot fudge sauce. In the center floats an island of creamy cupcake-shaped cappucino pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a chocolate covered espresso bean on the tippy-top for garnish. The coffee and cinnamon in this recipe make a wonderful flavor combination.
Continue Reading Add comment April 28, 2009
Here’s to you–a Latte Love!!
Five years ago I created Gourmet CoffeeXpress because of Roy…my British boyfriend. After visiting me here in the US he was taken by the flavored coffee, Coconut Cream. After returning to England he could find any coconut cream or most any flavors in coffee. He begged me to ship him some. I decided to create a business to get fabulous coconut cream flavored coffee over to Roy, the Brits, and America! (Sadly Roy has since died 
GOURMET COFFEEXPRESS is my hallmark to his memory.) Hyperlink to Gourmet CoffeeXpress
Add comment April 22, 2009
Create Your Own Flavored Coffee
Receive a FREE 1/2 lb.of your own Coffee Flavor Creation !
creative…
use your imagination.
Chock-full of the YUMMY FACTOR!
Gourmet CoffeeXpress
Add comment August 11, 2008
Win $50 Free Coffee!
Win $50 worth of Coffee!
Gourmet CoffeeXpress is searching for the most creative and uncommon photos involving coffee. The very “foam de la crème”… or the most imaginative of these coffee related photographs will win $50 worth of premium award-winning gourmet coffee. The sky’s the limit on uniqueness and originality; however the photo must be in some way related to the theme of coffee.
Coffee Photographs will be displayed in the “CoffeeArt Gallery” of Gourmet CoffeeXpress’ website.
Gourmet CoffeeXpress is a distinctive “Website Gallery” offering an extraordinary array of premium gourmet coffees, teas, artisan chocolates desserts & designer gifts. This includes many award-winning limited edition coffee beans. They are a small Artisan business with emphasis on exceptional customer service.
Enter today. Send your best photos to info@gourmetcoffeexpress.com.
Contest runs through September 1, 2008. Winning photo will NOT be “your average joe”!
Gourmet CoffeeXpress
www.gourmetcoffeexpress.com
Add comment June 8, 2008
Find the perfect Coffee to pair with Dad’s style Father’s Day gift
Much ado nowadays pairing gourmet coffees with matching desserts, or chocolate varieties. We’ve discovered something new for you to pair. Why not pair a premium coffee with the unique and individual personality of someone you care about.
Dads are all so different. For a fun change of gift-giving pace, this
Father’s Day find the perfect gift for Dad by his ‘character’.
Interestingly every coffee has its own character profile, it’s own nature. Wouldn’t it be a novel and interesting thought to match the style of a coffee gift, to Dad’s own very special style?
YOUR SWEET DAD
Let’s take for example, Dad has a very sweet disposition, very low key, never a mean word shall pass his lips; well in this case give Dad the gift of coffee highlighted by a
Low Acidity, Sweet Tasting Profile. Your choice of fabulous gourmet coffee’s defined by this character profile would be:
Sweet Tasting with a light body and low acidity
India Malabar ‘Monsooned Voyage’
Monsooned or aged by the elements…this Dad has grown better with time.
From out of the gold fields of India…how can you say better how much Dad means to you…Great as Gold!
Organic Galapagos Island Estate
As rare as these very special beans are…such is your Dad!
Here’s to the “Man of Supreme Spirit!”
There’s a mystique surrounding this coffee…and the man. The ultimate in value.
These beans are grown in excluded a well hidden location accessible only by foot. Here’s just the thing for the quiet demure Dad!
Brazil Santos
A mild coffee with a bit of a nutty taste…who’d know that behind the calm façade there lies a bit of a nut!
YOUR DYNAMO DAD
On the other hand, Dad might be bold and daring…robust…speaking his mind in just about any situation. Match “Rambo Dad” to a gift of coffees that are Bold Tasting, Heavy Body and High Acidity. This coffee combination would be:
Bold taste with a heavy body and high acidity
They don’t get more robust than this! Deep, dark…stands up to just about anything.
A coffee with the most varied and distinctive flavor, for the Dad with a spectrum of moods.
This coffee, also known as Abyssinia is the father of all coffees…the original coffee. For the Dad basked in originality.
Demonstrating a stoic solid body and penetrating flavor…representative of the strong willed man!
This African coffee features extremely complex flavors. A great match for the deeper thinkers, the analytical, the complex.
YOUR STYLED DAD
If Dad is artful and sophisticated in nature, you can best suit him with a lovely array of coffees with Winey Taste, Light Body, with High Acidity. For this master of style present the following:
Winey taste with a light body and high acidity.
Santo Domingo ‘Bani Especiale’
This cup has a multitude of flavors. As complex and moving as Dad.
Smokey flavor with a spicy twist…think of the sultry thought-provoking dad with that dynamic ability to find the spice in every situation.
Paint this man Gold…another coffee to demonstrate the value of the man you hold dear.
Costa Rica ‘La Amistad’ Organic
The coffee that’s lively, sweet and aromatic. Perfect for the man that shimmers in personality!
This is a bright flavored coffee that reveals in the end, a deeper, more complex finish…could Dad’s outgoing style elude a deeper dimension?
YOUR CHATTY DAD
Finally there’s Dad, very adept in conversational style…the smooth talker. No need to say another word. Present him instead with the perfect set of coffees for this year’s Father’s Day. Give him coffees with Smooth Taste, Heavy Body, Low Acidity. And for the man who can say it all, give a very demonstrative coffee gift:
Smooth taste with a heavy body and low acidity
These beans grow on level ground creating consistency in their flavor…for the Dad consistently there for you through the thicks and the thins.
Colombia Organico Mesa de los Santos
Of all the Columbian coffees out there, this has been chosen tops, the best in the land. Considering all the Dads around, could you find better?
For the Dad who is supreme!
Fair-Trade Central American Beneficio
A coffee truly dedicated to the forefathers, the Mayan ancestors…here’s a coffee that will certainly dedicate your depth of gratitude for that special person in your life.
Java coffee started from the Dutch, who planted the first Arabica trees in Java early in coffee’s history. It’s name has become synonymous with coffee in the U.S., and is often the standard for which all other coffees are measured. Such a ruler can apply against which to measure the other Dads.
Many consider the Mandheling coffees to be among the world’s finest and most admired, and certainly among the best Sumatran coffees. The crème de la crème…that’s Dad!
Sumatra Dark Roast ‘Black Satin’
As well adored as Sumatra Mandheling, only dark roasted. Same for the well admired Dad…with a darker side.
Bolivia Colonial Caranavi Organic
This coffee is grown in a special micro climate set apart from the typical climate of the land…representing the Dad with the temperament that seems to hold up to the ups and downs around him.
This being the world’s oldest cultivated coffee, has stood the test of time. In being distinguished by its richness indicates the fullness of nature and wisdom which is only acquired by time. Hmmm…whom could this be?
Sulawesi ‘Celebes Classique’
Incredibly rare, one of a kind coffee…none other produced even remotely like it. For that very unique, one of a kind Dad.
Along with your special Coffee Gift, we’ll also include your dad’s very own specific “CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY” of your astutely matched gift.
Here’s to perfect pairing of Personality & Profile.
Enjoy the Gourmet CoffeeXpress
“Flavor Experience!”
1 comment May 17, 2008
Discovering Australian Bundja Coffee
This coffee is a unique Single Origin Espresso. The southern latitude and unique terrain of the growing region provides a depth of character to the coffee, while the late harvest and Double Pass process provide sweetness and depth of flavor as an espresso.
Enjoy the Gourmet CoffeeXpress
“Flavor Experience!”
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Enjoy the Gourmet CoffeeXpress
“Flavor Experience!”
Enjoy the Gourmet CoffeeXpress
“Flavor Experience!”
Add comment April 23, 2008
The New Millennium is brewing!
Superior rated coffees
Coffee is to be no longer underrated. It’s no longer that set of tin cans lining the common supermarket shelf and will likely no longer be so disrespected. Coffee is now the pride of the same connoisseur who for so many millenniums prized and cherished wines and chocolates.
Coffee is finding its own now. It’s being cautiously paired with only the desserts that are a perfect match; or the right quality chocolate that enhances just the right nuance of coffee. Coffee is a ritual, a feast in itself.
Coffee is the new millennium drink of the connoisseur of every class. Now rated for its tones, its nuances, rated for the personal qualities of the world’s beans and is sold to the highest bidder.
People have always been willing to pay a premium for what they’ve perceived as bouquet wine. Putting outstanding price tags on gourmet specialty coffee beans (an $11 billion industry) has become part of the connoisseur game.
George Howell, founder of the George Howell Coffee Company and its Terroir Coffee brand based in Acton, Mass., proclaims coffee a “noble beverage,” worthy of the same respect as fine wine. And in the recent years coffee has earned its worth.
Forbes Magazine has recently rated beans at the front of the race, naming 10 of the world’s most precious coffees.
Specialty beans of the finest caliber are pure in tone, superior beans costing more than $100 per pound. Do not, dare to add a drop of cream or sugar to such a brew for the sake of losing its natural charm, the beans distinct natural sweetness and fragrance.
Champion beans are grown on world estates…small family farms at high elevations by farmers who care more for their quality than quantity. Such beans are prized for their characteristics.
According Forbe Magazine the joes that hold the highest price tags include such bean beauties as:
Kopi Luwak form Indonesia
Standing at a impressive $160 per pound, Luwak Coffee is made from coffee cherries that have been eaten by local creatures, the common palm civet, which use its keen sense of smell to select the choicest and ripest beans. The digestion process removes the flesh from the crimson Sumatran berry and the beans, supposedly sweeter as a result of having passed through the animal, are hand-collected from the jungle floor. Undeniably the most unique fermentation process for coffee beans.
Hacienda La Esmeralda from Boquete, Panama
Second in line, and standing with distinction, at $104 per pound. Hacienda La Esmeralda’s Geisha coffee set an online auction record when it sold for over $50 dollars per pound, unroasted, on May 30, 2006. The coffee, which is grown in the shade of old guava trees, has been widely and enthusiastically praised for its flavor and aroma. In April, it placed first in the SCAA “Best of Panama” competition, with a score of 94.6 out of 100.
Coffee Variances
Albeit not receiving such medals of honor, all regional coffee are merited for their own uniqueness in flavor.
For every mountain that grows a boutique crop of coffee, there is a primary set of qualities noted in that region. Add to this, the weather conditions, that in itself will vary from year to year, along with the method of storing and roasting that sets these unique characteristics apart from one region to another, let alone, one cuppa joe to the next.
Take for example, a Monsoon roasted bean. Monsooned coffees are picked and then stored in open-sided warehouses and exposed to the steady, damp, salty monsoon winds. Shortly, these beans gain a flavor reminiscent of, but distinct from aged coffees. The most common monsooned coffee is Indian monsooned Malabar.
Coffee Profiling
Much akin to discerning wines, the coffee industry has defined flavor variances with words that conotate each coffee’s characteristics or personal flavor identity, allowing a coffee drinker to make a educated decisions on their roast preferences..
Acidity
Related both to the roast and to variety. Similarly used to the acidity in wine, and not to acid content, an alternate expression would be “bright” or “lively.” Think of it more of a sensation than a taste, and is experienced on the tip of the tongue and/or the roof of the mouth. Longer roasting lowers perceived acidity. No-acidity coffees come across overly flat, lacking a pleasant palate-cleansing aspect, with a baked or “bready” quality.
Stronger acidity can often have wine-like aspects, especially in many Kenyan coffees, which, in fact seem citrusy to the taste. The more extreme the acidity, the more it will feel astringent.
You can measure by such terms from lowest to highest as “soft-mellow”, “subtle hint of tanginess”, “pleasantly tangy”, bold-pique”, “assertive-sharp”. Examples of high acidity coffees include Kenya AA (with heavy body), Puerto Rico “Yauco Selecto Estate” (with smooth light body), and Ethiopia Longberry (with bold heavy body),. More subtle, low acidity coffees include Indian Malabar “Monsooned Voyager” (with smooth light body), Jamaican Blue Mountain (with smooth light body), Kona “Volcanic Estate” (with bold heavy body), and Sumatra Mandheling (with bold heavy body).
African originated coffees would give you the sharpest taste, with a pronounced, astringently clean, assertive, robust, strong flavor, while on the other side of the acid spectrum lies the coffees of India: spicy, earthy, unusual, distinct and complex.
Balance
Roast and variety related. Look at this as the coffee’s “Flavor Hamony Ratio”. The roaster is aiming for a pleasing combination of multiple characteristics, with none overpowering. Coffees often are mixed together into “coffee blends” for just this purpose. Toning down and tuning up certain attributes for a smooth consistent flavor. In this way coffee drinkers enjoy a myriad of quality experiences, with none overpowering to the palate With coffee profiling, the ratios move along from “delicate and lean” (the India region being your most delicate), to “subtle”, to “pleasingly complex”, to “a great depth of flavor” and finally “perfect and complete” (the regions of Africa and the Carribean with the greatest extent of this).
Body
Roast and variety related. Reminiscent of wine tasting, body is truly the “mouth feel” the experience of texture, viscosity or fullness on the tongue. Body develops with the degree of roast, but falls sharply with over roasted coffee. Different origins naturally have their own distinctive body as well. Interestingly certain brewing methods impart body “thickness”, like coffee from a press, where fine particulates remain suspended, or espresso, which contains emulsified coffee oils. Under-extracted or underbrewed coffee will also have a defectively light body.
In regards to the preferred bean of choice, coffee aficionados tend to prefer the higher quality Robusta bean over the Arabica. Robusta beans are the mountain grown assortment, cultivated on small plantations, whereas Arabica beans would be grown in the lower altitude, being mass market varieties found commonly in the canned coffees found in supermarkets. Robusta tends to be more bitter than do arabica beans. Arabica beans have higher caffeine content than Robusta, however. Some coffee makers will mix in some Arabica into their Robusta roasts to spike the caffeine.
Coffee & Dessert pairing
Finally, to enhance a specialty coffee experience add in a perfectly paired dessert for the experience complete!
Acidic, sweet & light roasts
Pair the more delicate fruits or berries, or key lime pie, lemon merangue, or fruit tart.
Such desserts would perfectly compliment coffees that include: Brazlian, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Guatemala Antigua, or Columbian.
Evenly balanced roasts (acidity and body)
Deserving of well textured desserts like carrot cake and tiramusu. The fruity/winey notes of Ethiopian, Zambian, Tanzanian or Kenyan, can bring carrot cake to life.
For a more full body choice of coffees, such as Yemen “Mocca” or Sumatra, the smooth silkiness of cheesecake is heaven on earth.
Full bodied coffees
The heavy tones and thick qualities of this coffee make a primo match for your most decadent desserts like heavy, rich chocolate mousse, chocolate cake and ice cream. French and Italian roasts perfectly fit the bill. And don’t forget the whipped cream!
SOURCE:
The View from the Bay
Whole Latte Love
Gragson’s Coffee Tips
About The Author
Michelle Faber is owner of Gourmet CoffeeXpress, the “Ultimate Website Gallery”,
showcasing the creme de la creme in gourmet coffees, & teas, and artisan chocolates, desserts & gifts.
Within this gallery, you can find incredibly high quality items, and many designer styled products.
Gourmet CoffeeXpress offers distinctive products for gift-giving and personal pleasure with world-class service.
Please visit Gourmet CoffeeXpress at http://www.gourmetcoffeexpress.com
Visit her site today at http://www.gourmetcoffeexpress.com and explore the MOST EXTRAORDINARY coffee, chocolate & gift collections.
Add comment July 29, 2007
