Posted by: Shannon Smith

I normally stop by the Bay View store every morning on my way to the Factory. Today, however, I was running a bit behind and decided it best to come straight downtown instead. All the way from Bay View to the Factory I thought about what kind of coffee I would brew in the French Press upon my safe arrival. I get stuck in ruts sometimes with only wanting the same coffees each morning. Lately, the Garden Blend and our new Factory Reserve (the Burundi-try it, it is amazing!) have been my top choices. Today I wanted something different, though. Something that would really make me savor and enjoy the diversity that coffee has to offer. I stood staring at the several options of beans that stood before me intimidated that I would choose something too dark for the morning or too mellow to get a jump start to the day. As I perused the bean options, the Red Sky Blend caught my eye and without much thought I grabbed the bag and had made my decision.

Moments later I am sitting at my desk tasting, not drinking, my first cup of coffee of the morning. The aroma is sweet with hints of amaretto. My first sip reminds me of that familiar earthy flavor that I find common in Tanzania Peaberry (earthy as in the fresh, spring soil scent). The Ethiopian Sidamo is observed through the typical gush of blueberry flavor that leaves the mouth with a smooth, buttery coating. The coffee is a medium body and today has low-medium brightness. I am reminded of blueberry waffles while sipping this coffee. Blueberry waffles with the perfect cup of morning coffee, that is!

I made the right decision today. Red Sky Blend has been a pleasant, untypical morning cup for me. I just may add this coffee into my new morning rotation! (The Red Sky Blend consists of Ethiopian Sidamo and Tanzanian Peaberry)