Obsidian Coffee Review

SplashCast with Flickr photos and Odeo Audio.
Produced by Kayakman Media

Obsidian is the fall 2006 Roastmaster’s Reserve blend from Caribou Coffee. This is a hand-blended mix of African and Indonesian coffees, and like all Caribou Coffee is certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Obsidian is also Certified Kosher Parve, for those interested in that.

I brewed my first cup of Obsidian this Saturday morning in my Senseo with filtered water at the 4 oz setting. The result was a wonderfully dark and rich cup of coffee with an especially smooth aftertaste. The advertising claims that this coffee blend has “fruit notes” and a “bittersweet chocolate finish,” but these flavors are so subtle that most people will not be able to discern them.

Ten years ago while visiting Vienna, I had one of the best cups of coffee in my life at the Café Landtmann. They called it the “Tall Dark One” and to my surprise it was not bitter at all. Since that time I have been to the best cafes in Paris and Stockholm and never found anything that compared. Caribou’s Obsidian, however, is nearly as good. As I am writing this and drinking my second cup of Obsidian I am reminded of that wonderful experience at that sidewalk café in Vienna (Wien).

My only disappointment with Obsidian is that it will only be available for a limited time. Caribou should really consider making this a permanent option as this is one of their best creation to date.

UPDATE (10/27/2006): I just found out today that Obsidian Coffee will be a permanent product offered by Caribou. That gives us all a good reason to rejoice.

OBSIDIAN “Dark to the core. Smooth to the finish.”

Click on the play button below to hear a podcast (1:48 minutes) of me making Obsidian with my Senseo coffeemaker:

Pick up Obsidian at your local Caribou Coffee or order from their on-line store: Caribou Coffee

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Kayaking in Wisconsin

SplashCast with Flickr photos.
Produced by Kayakman Media

This past weekend I was able to spend some time kayaking the Chain of Lakes in Waupaca, Wisconsin. The low temperatures, strong winds, and light rain made for the perfect conditions. Found a nice beach on one of the smaller islands that made for a great place to sit and relax in the middle of the tour. Sometimes I paddle for the workout, other times to shake the stress off, but most of all I paddle to get in sync with nature.

Paddle like crazy and leave your city life far behind.

Making Crab Rangoon

One of the ways I treat myself is by ordering the Crab Rangoon when stopping at a Chinese restaurant. There is something about the warm, gooey, cream cheese wrapped in a crunchy, fried wonton. Have you ever wondered how Crab Rangoon is made? Play this video and find out. After watching it, be sure to stop by your local Chinese restaurant and order some for yourself.

The Mudhouse

SplashCast with Flickr photos, audio, and YouTube video.
Produced by Kayakman Media

Going to the Mudhouse for an espresso is an experiences saturated with the feeling of community. When you walk in the place one of the first things you notice is the local artwork covering the walls. They have been known to hang local photography, paintings by university students, and also poetry written by patrons.

After your first sip of coffee, you immediately notice that their coffee is full of flavor. This is because they roast their beans fresh on site. Some of their employees have been trained in Italy and have an expert knowledge of bean selection, roasting, and brewing. Often they come up with their own specialty coffee blends which allows them to express their creativity and offer the community something uniquely Mudhouse.

The wood floors, brick walls, the diffused lighting, earth tone colors, and youthful, alternative music create an inviting indie ambiance. There are also a few oversized tables and couches which encourage patrons to stay awhile and play cards or board games (like Catan), thus fostering the feeling of community among them.

If your are interested in drinking your coffee in a cold, cooperate-planned environment and your coffee made from beans roasted months ago at a distribution center hundreds of miles away, then stop by Starbucks. If you would rather give back to the community and become a part of it, try a local coffeehouse like the Mudhouse.

tags technorati : Coffee, Mudhouse, Review, Coffeehouse, Starbucks

Roastmaster’s Reserve – Review

Originally uploaded by Kayakman.

One of the nice features that Caribou Coffee offers is their Roastmaster’s Reserve. These are coffee beans that are selected by hand in Caribou’s effort to find beans of a unique quality and flavor. Like all of Caribou’s coffee the Roastmaster’s Reserve is certified by the Rainforest Alliance.

Today I am trying out the Valcan Tacana beans that Caribou found in Chiapas, Mexico. To insure good quality brewing, I used my Senseo machine and filtered water. I hooked my iPod up to the stereo and let Stan Getz set the mood.

While grinding the beans I was overwhelmed by the delightful aroma and could hardly wait the 1 minute for the Senseo to brew it up. Then in no time my 4 oz cup was ready. I sat down in my living room near an open window. Taking in the fresh breeze and the best of Latin Jazz, I began to sip my first cup of Caribou Roastmaster’s Reserve. This cup of light roast is an incredible sensation for the taste buds, offering a full body flavor and a rich smooth after taste.

In the end I would say that the Caribou Roastmaster’s Reserve is a rare treat and well worth the extra cost. Now that I have finished writing this I am going go make myself another cup.

Try Caribou Coffee and treat yourself to best coffee in the world!

To read an overview of Caribou Coffee visit my blog post: Caribou Coffee Review

Click here to view a Flickr photoset on Caribou Coffee.

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