Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012, 4:37am Subject: Caribou Coffee Starlight
Caribou Coffee Starlight - I was pleasantly surprised. This is among one of Caribou Coffee's lightest roasts, a bit past City, maybe City+ or right at JUST Full City.
In the past, I've noticed that their Ethiopia used to be lighter roast, but has migrated darker over the last 4-5 years. Starlight is definitely a lighter roast, and it suits this blend very well.
The first thing that struck me was the distinct Ethiopia plum/blueberry aroma upon grinding. The origin is not disclosed on the packaging, but there is definitely a heavy component from Ethiopia or maybe Yemen. The floral characteristic overlaying this is not of the lighter flowers, but more orchid/rose (think thick and deeply fragrant).
It isn't overly bright, but VERY nice and fruity with just enough well-balanced acidity. Images of juicy plumbs or berries come to mind on first sip. Cooling slightly reveals lovely sweetness and velvet chocolate notes. Reminds me of chocolate covered blueberries or even strawberry jam, and the finish is really quite pleasant. Body was surprisingly thick, with a velvety mouthfeel.
I've only had a few single origin coffees with this sweetness without the fruit pop, and the closest I've come to a blend like this would be a 60%Yirg/10%Guat/30%India.
It reminds me of a Mocha-Java without the earthiness that the "java" brings, but a substitution of something with more chocolate.
It ain't cheap, about $15/lb (true 16 oz), but blows away anything that *$s has for same price. This might be, I daresay, one of the best whole bean bagged pre-roasted coffees I've had from any source, and I'll probably get it again at some point. Just thought I'd throw this up for anyone who looks occasionally for samples.
It brews well in an AeroPress, CCD, drip coffeemaker. Elements of bittersweet chocolate come into play when done in a true (unclarified) French Press - I assume that this is the contribution to taste of the fines.
If you like sweet coffees, or if you love Ethiopia origin, you will probably like/love this stuff.
(I do not work for Caribou Coffee, in fact I do not work in the coffee industry at all)
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