Summer Coffee Indulgence: Cold Stone Coffee Ice Cream

The very flavor of coffee is a delicate matter. Those who covet the flavor of well brewed coffee hold their palates to the highest of standards.  While many may detest what I'm about to say, I will prematurely disagree. Cold Stone Creamery Coffee Ice Cream is decent coffee. I've tasted a few coffee ice creams and been disappointed with powdery textures, bitter after-tastes or invasive, artificial Vanillin flavor and this one was, to my delight, a pleasant spot of frozen java.
It is the flavor of a light brew with low acidity in a super creamy dessert. On a diet? Have a Kid's Size and mix in some frozen raspberries for about 220 calories. Enjoy!!

Irving Farm - Dulce de Leche (Discontinued)

Region: Brazil
Roasted In: Millerton, NY, USA
Cost: $14.99/ 12 oz. (Ground)

Considering this coffee's long expiration date, (I bought it 2/29/12 and the expiration is 6/20/12) you may be able to find this delicious coffee at Whole Foods in the coffee aisle or on the shelves near the cafe. While this particular coffee does not bare any certification of Fair Trade or Organic origin, many of Irving Farm's other coffees are Certified Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Bird Friendly.

One Village - Artist Blend

Region: Central America
Price: $13.99/ 12 oz.
My Rating: 10/10
Roasted In: Souderton, PA, USA

The roaster cups this blend as heavy smokey flavors and a hint of fruit. I actually taste the reverse. The acetic strawberry flavors are heaven without intrusion of too much smoke that can accompany darker roasts. The acidity lingers along with the bold flavor.This brisk, but complex making this blend on of my FAVORITES. I'd like this brew with breakfast, a quick biscotti, or a creme brule.

Metropolis Coffee - Peru Balcones

Farm/COOP: Balcones, Chirinos COOP
Region: San Ignacio
Process: Washed
Elevation: 1600m
Price: $13.79 / 1 lb Bag
My Rating: 7/10
Roasted in: Chicago, IL, USA

This coffee is a very light coffee. It is tangy and fruity with a lingering acidity, but a less lingering flavor. I like that it's a light brew, but not bland. I don't like that the flavor leaves the palate so soon. This isn't really a brew I'd keep in the kitchen, but it's a nice bag of beans to brew for a luncheon without an invasive, overpowering taste.

The Search Begins

Bag after bag of coffee and still I am left with that jai ne sais quois. In an online search for a database of the world's greatest coffees, the web, brimming with reviews of dissatisfaction and cabinets of opened, unfinished bags of beans, was empty-handed. I came up with the idea to create this blog- a weekly review of my favorite (and not-so-favorite) coffees. My most coveted flavors being dark, fruity, bold blends. I will venture into medium, earthly blends and take you on a journey to find your perfect cup.

Feel free to comment below with your favorite beans.