Tom Thumbs/Safeway Brand Organic Coffees

A note to my  readers:

In a perfect world we would all roast our own coffee, or at least have access to an artisan roaster.

But as well all know the world is not perfect and many of us have to rely on grocery store brands.  Kettle and Cup will never be a blog that real coffee snobs will enjoy reading becuase me intent has been to be able to inform my readers of things that are readily available as well as things they may like to try that they will have to order.

If you want to throw criticisms and names around go for it.  This blog is not a good read for highly sophisticated coffee and tea drinkers, it is for those of us who live in the real world, with budgets, limited time, and families. I personally cannot always afford to order coffee, and sometimes it is more of a “AWW CRAP! We are out of coffee.  I need to run to the store!”

Now then.

If you have a Tom Thumb or Safeway (same company) available locally they do have some pretty decent coffe.  On of the types that I have wanted to try is their organic coffees but at our store they are all preground and I prefer whole bean.

This morning we were invited to some friend’s to eat plum cake and asked to pick up some coffee on the way.  Not knowing if they had a grinder or not (they did not) I grabbed   thestore brand Organic Wilderness Retreat Blend.

It had been something I have wanted to try, I am big on cool names.  I imagined a lake cabin in Maine, a sunrise, and a steaming blueberry muffin.   I imagined that it would be aromatic, dark  and caffeinated.

I was not disappointed.  It was smooth, with a slight acidity..and yes, a distinct nutty taste.  I think it cost 7.99 for the 10 ozs, but best of all it is easily accessible. It is caffeinated enough that I am a little jittery today, something that doesn’t usually happen with the darker roasts.

If you see this one, and you like a darker roast give it a try.

Image:Marye Audet