Chapter 2: Your Average Cup Of Joe
For our second coffee adventure, we decided to take a step back from the wild and wacky and go for something a little closer to home—something that wouldn’t make our wallets cry or require a dictionary to pronounce. Enter Java Planet Guatemala Organic Medium Roast: a coffee that might just make it into our daily lineup, assuming it passes the taste test and doesn’t break the bank.
The Brewing Process
As software folks, we like to make data-driven decisions. You could say we approach our coffee tasting with the same analytical rigor we use for debugging code. This isn’t just about drinking coffee—it’s about gathering the right data to optimize our taste experience. So, in true geek fashion, we tested two different coffee-to-water ratios: one at 1:16 and the other at 1:17. We brewed both at a “please don’t burn the house down” 200 degrees Fahrenheit and used our Fellow grinder set to level 6. Consistency is key—whether we’re brewing coffee or building software.
The Sensory Experience
The moment we cracked open the bag, we were hit with an aroma that made us want to stick our faces right in and inhale deeply. The beans smelled like a cozy campfire with a side of chocolate—earthy and sweet, with just a hint of mystery. After grinding, the smell filled the room with the scent of toasted nuts and dark chocolate. It was like being in a bakery, but, you know, without the pastries.
When we poured the hot water over the grounds, the coffee bloomed like it was auditioning for a perfume commercial—“Essence of Java,” anyone? Each pour brought out more of the coffee’s secrets, and by the time we took our first sip, we were practically vibrating with anticipation. We stuck to our rule of sipping twice before adding any extras (patience is a virtue, right?), and let the flavors work their magic on our taste buds.
Tasting Notes
Craig, our resident coffee guru (and self-proclaimed flavor wizard), had some thoughts. “This coffee is definitely on the darker side,” he mused. “It’s got a toasty vibe with flavors of burnt sugar, caramel, dark chocolate, and dry nuts.” Craig likes to add a dash of honey to his cup, which he swears smooths out the flavors without turning his coffee into a dessert. “It’s like adding a few drops of water to high-proof bourbon,” he said. “It just opens everything up.”
Value and Recommendation
So, let’s talk money. We did a bit of number crunching (okay, we just checked Amazon), and we found that Java Planet Guatemala Organic Medium Roast runs about $20 per 16oz bag. So, if you’re in a coffee emergency and need something quick, this could be your knight in shining coffee beans. Just maybe don’t use it to impress your hipster friends who swear by their single-origin, shade-grown, bird-friendly brews.
Our Verdict
Would we recommend it? Totally, but with a couple of footnotes. If you’re in the market for a medium roast that’s both robust and organic, this one’s a keeper. But if you’re more about supporting the little guy or watching your coffee budget, you might want to keep exploring. Our coffee journey is far from over, and we’re always on the hunt for the next big brew that’ll blow our minds and warm our souls. Until then, keep brewing, keep sipping, and remember: life’s too short for bad coffee!
Score: 7.8