To tell you the truth, I did not EVEN feel one shred of pity. My boss does not provide me with free coffee.  She expects me to work long hours, take only two days off for surgery, and buy my own coffee. My boss is a pain.

Did I mention that I am self employed?

Anyway...Community Coffee read the plight of these undercaffeinated workers and their hearts were moved to pity. …

You know… seriously..do you think people who work at Community Coffee get free coffee?

So Community Coffee is donating coffee to these workers for one year. Hopefully by then the city can get its finances straightened out and pitch in for the coffee.

I just thought that was a nice thing for them to do. You can read the article at Philly.com

image:MaryeAudet

Post from: Kettle and Cup

This was the second coffee that I tried from Community Coffee.  FIrst of all, if it has been awhile since you tried their coffees they ahve a totally different flavor than they used to.  I loved the Sumatra that i got.

The Rwanda is a medium roast.  I was interested to read that the coffee trees used were form fifty year old root stock.  That guarantees that there has been no tampering with the DNA!

But there is more.  This is from the website:

After the civil war and genocide of 1994 in Rwanda, Community Coffee Company took steps to cultivate personal and business relationships with the country’s coffee growers. In fact, we were the first U.S. coffee company to import Rwandan coffee beans. In order to help with the recovery, we offered to pay premium prices for Rwandan beans. Our partner, the Maraba Coffee Cooperative, distributes these proceeds responsibly and evenly throughout its local community with one-third of the monies received used for medical, educational and social programs.

I was all set to love the Rwanda coffee even though it was a medium roast.

The beans were dry looking and less oily than the Sumatra that I tried.  In fact there was no oil visible.

This has a nice aroma with a faint smokiness and the coffee brews up dark.  The coffee has a distinct flavor and a definite acidity.

In trying to come up with the flavors I have typed and erased several words.  It is very unique.  Herbal and woody come to mind, with an aftertaste that is almost like grapes. This is not the rich coffee that the Sumatra was.  This is an afternoon pick me up cup, bright and lively.  Definitely not one to pair with pastries or sweets.

This would be a good coffee to enjoy with a full flavored sandwich ( maybe rye and swiss).  It is not my favorite.  I prefer the rich, smooth coffees and this one is too in your face for my taste.  But it is an excellent coffee in its own right, and well worth trying.  But try it soon.  This is a seasonal coffee and will only be available through March.

images:marye audet (c)2009

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I was a little uneasy when a representative from Community Coffee contacted me about reviewing two of their coffees.  I had tried Community Coffee years ago and really was unimpressed.

But honey, this is not your mama’s Community Coffee. I was surprised.

The Sumatra Mandheling is smooth and rich.  A very oily bean with a wonderful deep aroma.  The pot  brewed up with the scent of the coffee filling the kitchen.

Yum.

The first sip was interesting.  O.k..actually it was too hot and I had to put the cup aside for a few minutes.  Cupping it there was a syrupy rich  texture with a clean finish.  Nice.  Velvety. Notes of cocoa and spice complete the comfort of this cup.

This is a bold, comfortable coffee.  The kind you sip on a chilly evening in front of a crackling fire.  Like a very good friend it challenges you without being in your face.  This is one of my favorites and is a must try for anyone that loves a smooth, bold cup.

While other reviews detected herbal, earthy notes I did not.  Just a very smooth, cocoa spice cup.

Price for this coffee is exceptional.  7.99/ 12 oz

images:marye audet (c)2009 all rights reserved

Post from: Kettle and Cup