Colombias seem to be very good right now. Tonx had a tasty one a little ways back and this morning I had another fine  example in Intelligentsia’s Finca Santuario Micro-lot.

I made my way over to the only reputable coffee bar in Pasadena, Intelligentsia, and ordered a cup (and carafe, of course—there’s no way out of it) of the Finca Santuario.

Tastes like…

Chicken, of course … just kidding. Prepared in a V60, it was juicy without being tangy and punch-like and the word that came to mind was licorice. Black licorice. Or maybe anise but with a sweetness that wasn’t quite molasses but not white sugar. Caramelized anise? Yeah, that sounds good. It was a full, hefty sweetness, not round but concentrated.

Awesome mouthfeel and a pleasant after-taste as well.

With that sweetness, I wonder what it might be like out of the Chemex. Think they would humor me? If they do, you’ll hear about it here.

Pasadena, anyone?

Oh, and will somebody please fix Pasadena up with another decent coffee bar? It’s like a desert out here with but a single expensive oasis.

Warm SoCal sun streaming in to the cool interior of the Pasadena Intelligentsia. Kenya Gichathaini in our cups (brown sugar, molasses). The lovely Danielle at my side.

Life is good.

…from Pasadena and this juicy, juicy Intelligentsia Kenya Tegu.

Closer to the sun today, I think. That must be it.

The back door

Off Douglass Alley, at Intelligentsia, Pasadena.

Oh, and La Tortuga, if you must know.

A homecoming of sorts. Intelligentsia, Silver Lake being my first exposure to the Chicago import.

Can’t get enough of that tile.

Drinking the Matalapa. Thinking of Oakland.

Thank you Pasadena and Intelligentsia for making this transition a little smoother.

Ritual’s La Folie and Hacienda Carmona

…last cuppings at Modern Coffee

Four Barrel’s Guatemala Antigua Retana (roll that rrrrr!), brewed four ways at Modern Coffee in Oakland, CA.

Winner? The Chemex, for me. A few votes for the V60 as well. Fruity and herbal flavors paramount.