…..Aaron's EnvironMental Corner…..

MyTopCup Test Brews and Tasting

Filed Under: recipe on June 30, 2010

Late last year a friend of mine, Jason Nunnelley, started My Top Cup (MyTopCup.com) as a sort of coffee tasters’ club.  Members can have coffee sent to them for only the cost of shipping and then write or record reviews.  The results are

Obviously, I needed some coffee today.

gathered and the actual coffee’s identity is given later.  The site will also feature favorites of reviewers for sale.

It’s a great idea and this first shipment of coffee was awesome.  I received two bags (Test Batches 1 and 2) and immediately began brewing.  A “sniff test” told me that test batch 2 seemed to be the darker of the two, though they are very similar in look and smell.  So I started with that one.

For details on how I brewed the coffees tested, see further down in this review.

Test Batch #2 – Impressions and Tasting

This coffee has a very rich aroma, is definitely a darker roast, and has a good quality to its smell both before and after brewing.  It’s for sure a higher-grade coffee and not the usual cafe crap passed off as “French Roast” or something similar where they nearly burn the beans to hide the fact that they’re low quality garbage.

The taste is strong, somewhat bitter, but very good.  I drink good coffee without additives (no sugar, no cream, just black) and this one is definitely one that needs no watering down to make it better.  It’s a great blend for those who prefer heavy coffees.  I suspect, though I haven’t tried yet, it would make a great iced coffee (or latte) as well.

I was impressed and can say it’s one of the better mixes I’ve had in recent memory.

Test Batch #1 – Impressions and Tasting

This batch is lighter than the second test batch (above).  It’s a good, morning-style coffee and is a great blend for sitting quietly and waking up to get the day off right.  There is very little bitterness and the roast is simple, but tasty.  The package was labeled as “Antigua,” though I have never heard of this roast.  Overall, a great, general coffee that is perfect for serving to guests, family, or as an everyday wake-me-up.

Although I personally prefer a darker roast and heavier taste, this coffee still impressed me.  My wife enjoyed it as well.  This roast is just heavy enough that it could become a light latte too.

Brewing Method

I brew using a French press.  It’s an 8-cup affair (two large mugs) made of glass with a stainless steel press.  With heavy coffees, such as those presented by My Top Cup, I use about 1/4 cup of grinds (three good-sized tablespoons) and boiling water from a tea pot.  The coffees here were finely ground for a drip machine, which means when I pour from the press I’ll likely get grounds in the brew.  This is common, though, when using pre-ground coffee with a French press and I’m used to it.

My method is simple.  I put in the coffee grounds, add the water to the fill level, put the press on and gently push it down about 1/3 of the way into the liquid.  I then leave it for 2 minutes or so, press it to the bottom, and leave it for another 2-3 minutes.  Then I pour and enjoy.

Those who prefer lighter coffee may want to cut the amount of coffee down.  When brewing for my wife, I usually use about 2/3 as much coffee (2 tablespoons) so it won’t come out quite as strong.  For guests, I do the same (or less).

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