This project was inspired by an article published in Food and Wine magazine in April 2022 titled “The Best Coffee Roaster in Every State”. The reviews published here include one coffee from each roaster in every state who agreed to participate in the project. If more than one sample was provided, I selected the coffee that I thought was the most interesting or unique.
This project was inspired by the article but has become much more than that because of an outpouring of support and enthusiasm from so many of the roasters. Sometimes inspiration can bring opportunities and connections with other people that you didn’t imagine. I have been particularly touched by the handwritten notes sent by some roasters. In these notes they share their enthusiasm for my project and their appreciation for what I have undertaken. It means so much to me and shows just how passionate coffee roasters are about their craft.
These reviews will be updated weekly as the samples continue to come in for review.
At first sip there is a roasty note which recedes as it cools so the other flavors can emerge. Citrus acidity, vanilla sweetness and tea-like notes make this a quaffable coffee. There are hints of almond and cocoa powder too and the lemon brightness carries through. It’s a silly brew with a clean finish.
Read MoreThis coffee presents as a medium-dark roast and when still hot tastes of chocolate and orange. It opens up nicely though showing some fruitiness and butterscotch candy sweetness. As it cools, there’s more flavor, particularly tropical notes like guava and lemon.
Read MoreWhat you notice at first sip with this Kenyan coffee is the creamy mouthfeel creating a beautiful texture and supporting the flavor profile. Notes of blackberry, honey, vanilla, rose florals and grapefruit make for a very tasty presentation.
Read MorePurple fruits swirl in dense burnt caramel sweetness and orange acidity in this coffee from Peru. It’s a medium-dark roast so it’s flavor profile might be better suited to espresso than filter but it could work with added milk if you’re a pour-over devotee.
Read MoreCaramel, fruity notes of tropical hues are balanced by a soft pink lemonade acidity. Raspberry and guava on the finish gives this a classic pink bourbon tasting profile. There’s a roasty note on the finish which suggests it might be even better on espresso.
Read MoreThis smooth medium-bodied coffee has flavors of pecan and strawberry in a cherry syrup sweetness. It’s a medium roast profile with the juiciness of white grapes and guava. Sweet tropical fruit and berry notes persist as it cools. The clean and crisp aftertaste suggest that this is very well produced and finished coffee. It is also certified organic. Kudos.
Read MoreSmooth, very sweet with vanilla overtones and flavor notes of mandarin and sage. Hint of grapefruit peel on the finish. The velvety mouth texture adds a degree of refinement. Drink this one with your favorite scone.
Read MoreAs one hopes for in a classic Kenyan, this coffee offers a juicy mouthfeel with flavor notes of black currant and maple. There is a pleasant lingering aftertaste and a light-medium body. Blackberry candy-like sweetness contrasts with a tart finish.
Read MoreSilky, aromatic and juicy with flavor notes of pear, raspberry, white grape juice and grilled pineapple co-mingle beautifully in this Colombian coffee from a stellar producer - Astrid Medina. The brown sugar sweetness is balanced with lightly bitter notes of tea and macadamia. As it cools it the silky-satiny mouthfeel lingers making this a delicious cup.
Read More
