We’ve all had to adjust aspects of life because of the pandemic. A big one for many is coffee. If you’re working from home or quarantined. Your local shop might be closed or you aren’t able to reach it. If you’re like me, you need your Hot Cup O Joe (or three) and you’ve got an endless choice of homebrew options.
I’ve got two suggestions:
First, invest in a good grinder & French Press this is key
Second, find a U.S. based, veteran-led small business to support that produces high quality, small-batch, fresh roasted coffee that ships anywhere, is run by Firefighters and has the added benefit of its own foundation to help injured firefighters.
I’m here to tell you, no matter your caffeine delivery system of choice, I’ve tried some of the richest, out of this world, next level Medium Roast & Specialty Bourbon-Infused Coffee I can remember, from my new friends at FIRE DEPT. COFFEE!
THEIR STORY:
FIRE DEPT. COFFEE (FDC) is run by firefighters who are passionate about roasting high-quality, great-tasting coffee for hardworking people everywhere.
If there’s one thing we leaned during our years in the military and the fire service, it’s that a good cup of coffee and a well-timed jolt of caffeine are essential for long nights and high energy lifestyles.
We guarantee quality, so every batch of Fire Department Coffee is freshly roasted, and we are dedicated to helping our heroes with every cup.
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad freeit’s why we created the Fire Department Coffee Foundation where 10% of all net proceeds will go to organizations that support firefighters and other first responders that are injured in the job mentally, physically, or those facing serious illnesses.
-Fire Dept.Coffee
Are You A “Coffee Expert” Alex?
Coffee is a lot like wine. Folks have their favorite varieties and manufacturers, dark chocolaty roast, or lighter brews, I’m a medium roast guy so bear that in mind.
Have been since I tried the local, freshly roasted-on-premises coffee from in my old Brooklyn neighborhood in Carroll Gardens 20 years ago.
I know the difference between Kenyan & Colombian beans and I’ve drunk a lake’s worth of coffee in my lifetime. I’m no layman when it comes to coffee. I know of what I speak.
LIGHT VS. DARK ROAST COFFEE
I’ve learned the difference in light versus dark coffee is purely about how long the beans have been roasted.
Heat is trapped within roasted coffee beans when released, the beans ‘crack,’ giving off trapped energy — this is called ‘first crack.’ After this first crack, the amount of time the coffee is roasted before the process is stopped gives it a light, medium, or dark roast level.
BUT HOW DOES IT TASTE?
After drinking way too much coffee these past few days to prepare my review, I’ve got thorough notes on each variety –
Bourbon Sprit-Infused Coffee
The oak notes lent from the high-quality barrel-aged Bourbon used in FDC’s Bourbon Sprit-Infused Coffee, give this Medium Roast an Indonesian coffee profile, good body, similar to a bold red in the wine world. Though it’s a medium roast, the complexity lends this brew it’s almost dark roast profile, a brooding and syrupy drip, that marries perfectly with the quality bourbon used in FDC’s signature spirt infused processing. It shares a superb dark roast character with high notes of hickory smoke, well-done toast and burnt caramel in a deliciously, sinfully smooth finish. $19.99 for a 14oz bag
The Original Medium Roast Coffee
FDC standard-bearer. The Original Medium Roast Coffee stole my heart.
A robust, delicious blend of Central & South American beans. With that region’s characteristically low acidic, full-bodied coffee, with dominant flavor notes of berries & dark chocolate and a medium mouthfeel. This was a perfectly balanced blend with a delicate mouthfeel, rich berry and chocolate tones, and a lovely floral scent.
Bold, bright, and flavorful.
The Original Medium Roast Coffee delivers FDC signature taste and easy drinkability in every cup. A classic Medium Roast – chocolaty, nutty, burnt-sugar sweet with a smooth finish and superior jolt! $12.99 for a 14.oz bag
BOTTOM LINE
Both blends shared a smooth, rich, and full-bodied taste, created from skillful blending and masterful roasting process. Both price points were a bargain for the high quality of the products. They both contain the precious aromas and oils you can only get from handcrafted, small-batch artisan coffee makers like FDC, the pride of Rockford, Illinois, U.S.A.
Both blends sported a flawlessly consistent, smooth, balanced, and never bitter aftertaste, cup after cup, perfect for all coffee preparations.
You can order directly from FDC by following this link.
Visit their website: https://www.firedeptcoffee.com
Art Credit – FDC