Drinks

More of Our Favorite Roasts

By Elizabeth McNamara


Published on September 8, 2008

In choosing the coffees featured in "9 Great Coffees" in our October issue, we sampled more than a hundred brews from nearly 60 different (and very generous) roasters. We narrowed down the selection to nine favorites, but there were still many other coffees that made for a tasty, satisfying cup. Here are 14 more that were too good to keep to ourselves.

Allegro Hand-Roasted Coffee Co., Allegro Blend (Thornton, Colorado; $11.99 for a 12-ounce bag).

If you prefer something salty in the morning, like a toasted bagel smeared with butter, this coffee will provide the ideal complement. Its slightly bitter flavor softens with a bit of cream or sugar.

Crimson Cup, Morning Commute Blend (Columbus, Ohio; $9.05 for a 12-ounce bag).

A smell reminiscent of cream soda's and a bright taste followed by a smooth finish characterize this coffee, which pairs well with toast slathered in raspberry jam. A touch of milk will add pleasant notes of cinnamon to this very accessible blend.

Dallis Coffee Roasters, Nicaragua Selva Negra (Ozone Park, New York; $11.99 for a two-pound bag).

The Selva Negra, a Vienna-roasted coffee, has a wholesome, comforting smell that evokes rainy Sundays you've spent in bedroom slippers; when brewed, the coffee mellows agreeably. Add sugar, cream, and a pinch of nutmeg to make this single origin shine.

Dunkin' Donuts, Original Blend (Quincy, Massachusetts; $7.99 for a one-pound bag).

Though coffee aficionados may scoff at the thought of Dunkin' Donuts, millions of Americans swear that the orange and brown bag o' beans brews the very best. With a woodsy, cedary smell and a full, balanced taste, the original blend is a classic, simple choice.

Ecco Coffee Co., Brazil Daterra Reserve Espresso (Sonoma County, California; $16 for a one-pound bag).

An aroma of chocolate and mint and a bright, acidic taste define this espresso, which has a long, lingering finish. The Daterra goes as well with a rich dessert as it does on its own.

Equal Exchange Coffee, Fair Trade Organic Peru Medium (West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; $47 for a five-pound bag).

This dark and syrupy coffee hints of molasses and raisins and has a deep, toasty flavor. A dribble of milk or cream rounds off the Peruvian medium roast nicely.

Equal Gillies Coffee Co., Yemen Mocha & Indonesian Java Blend (Brooklyn, New York; $15.50 for a one-pound bag).

A smell of graham crackers makes this coffee especially tempting. Its bright taste and pronounced acidity soften with the addition of milk, making for a round and appealing all-purpose coffee.

Gorilla Coffee Co., Brazil (Brooklyn, New York; $11.99 for a one-pound bag).

These French-roasted coffee beans smell like ripe strawberries and bubble gum, but once brewed the coffee takes on a deep, aggressive aroma. This is a great coffee for fans of dark, heavy roasts.

LaMill Coffees, Kenya Gichi (Los Angeles, California; $16 for a one-pound bag).

Notes of peach and nutmeg distinguish these beans. The coffee has a smooth, dark chocolatey taste and a long, spicy finish and would go well with toasted, buttered banana bread.

Peet's Coffee Company, San Sebastian (San Francisco, California; $12.95 per one-pound bag).

A smoky aroma and a slightly metallic taste with a hint of tobacco set this coffee apart. Like most of Peet's coffees, the San Sebastian is deeply roasted, so it makes an ideal brew for those who need a jolt in the morning.

PT's Coffee Co., Kenya AA Peaberry (Topeka, Kansas; $12.37 for a one-pound bag).

These beans smell of ripe tomatoes, and the coffee has a concentrated, bright tartness that finishes with a toasty, caramel flavor. Coffee cake and a shot of orange juice would couple well with this single origin.

Pura Vida Coffee, Ethiopia Sidamo (Seattle, Washington; $9.95 for a 12-ounce bag).

This deeply roasted coffee has a surprisingly light, vanilla fragrance, and when brewed it adopts a slightly floral character with traces of apple.

Terroir Select Coffees, La Minta (Acton, Massachusetts; $12.95 for a 12-ounce bag).

Redolent of blackberries and chocolate, La Minta takes on a light, honeyed color when brewed. A delicate, tealike flavor and a light, lemony finish make this a great coffee to drink black.

Zoka Coffee Co., SHB Las Trojas Superior (Seattle, Washington; $13.95 for a one-pound bag).

The beans' smell is reminiscent of buttery popcorn's, but the brewed coffee emits a tempting, almond aroma. Mild and uncomplicated, with a smooth finish, this single origin would accompany a sweet Danish nicely.

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