This week in the post, the lovely people at Brown Bear sent me some of their delicious looking coffee to try. Being a self-confessed coffee addict, enthusiast, and just all round lover (in the truest sense of those words), I was completely sold when I discovered Brown Bear while on the lookout for a new type of coffee to buy, from people that actually really love their coffee.
Well I think I've met my match in Brown Bear Co. Their ethos is refreshing, in short -
'We love coffee and we think you should too.'
I opted to review one of their newer brews, 'New Latin', because it's description sounded right up my street: "Distinct chocolate biscuit and butter in the aroma with smooth marzipan and subtle honey-roasted nut in the start. Progressing to a rich, smooth butterscotch and hazelnut flavour in the finish with persistent buttery chocolate digestive notes throughout and slight stone fruit (apricot) mid notes. Good syrupy body with a golden crema."
Honestly, hearing all of this confused me a little at first. A coffee blend that promised so much in the flavour and aroma, yet only used one type of bean? I had to taste this coffee - if it ended up living up to its claims, it would easily become a favourite of mine.
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| "A good syrupy body with a golden crema.." |
I opted to review one of their newer brews, 'New Latin', because it's description sounded right up my street: "Distinct chocolate biscuit and butter in the aroma with smooth marzipan and subtle honey-roasted nut in the start. Progressing to a rich, smooth butterscotch and hazelnut flavour in the finish with persistent buttery chocolate digestive notes throughout and slight stone fruit (apricot) mid notes. Good syrupy body with a golden crema."
Honestly, hearing all of this confused me a little at first. A coffee blend that promised so much in the flavour and aroma, yet only used one type of bean? I had to taste this coffee - if it ended up living up to its claims, it would easily become a favourite of mine.
How long did it take to arrive?
The coffee arrived fairly quickly (2-3 days) and came in an airtight resealable bag (that actually works, in comparison to others I've used). The smell of the coffee once I opened the bag was incredible, it smelt rich, fresh and delicious - I couldn't wait to make a cup.
What does it promise and how does it taste/smell/look?
The initial aroma from the coffee was rich and dark and I couldn't make out a lot else.. it just smelt like good coffee. After it was brewed and poured I could smell a saltiness (butter, disgestive) and an almost caramel-type sweetness.. and I could definitely taste it in the coffee..
Being a five strength, I was hesitant to have the coffee black first off because I'd imagined it would taste like rocket-fuel to be perfectly honest.. But I was wrong. It was smooth, wasn't bitter and had a slightly sweet aftertaste despite the absence of sugar.
How should I drink it?
The coffee arrived fairly quickly (2-3 days) and came in an airtight resealable bag (that actually works, in comparison to others I've used). The smell of the coffee once I opened the bag was incredible, it smelt rich, fresh and delicious - I couldn't wait to make a cup.
What does it promise and how does it taste/smell/look?
The initial aroma from the coffee was rich and dark and I couldn't make out a lot else.. it just smelt like good coffee. After it was brewed and poured I could smell a saltiness (butter, disgestive) and an almost caramel-type sweetness.. and I could definitely taste it in the coffee..
Being a five strength, I was hesitant to have the coffee black first off because I'd imagined it would taste like rocket-fuel to be perfectly honest.. But I was wrong. It was smooth, wasn't bitter and had a slightly sweet aftertaste despite the absence of sugar.
How should I drink it?
Well in order to give the best review I could, I drank this coffee all ways I could think of. When I first got the packet I brewed the coffee with hot water and had it completely black. The flavours didn't initially come through while drinking it, but became more apparent in the aftertaste. It definitely tasted strong, definitely a 5 Strength. The flavour of the coffee is very complex - I couldn't decipher the individual flavours stated above while having it black.
With sugar a lot of the flavours started to come through - I not only now smelled caramel, I tasted it too.. The addition of milk added to the smoothness of the drink and highlighted the buttery tones further (I'm guessing because of the salt content in the milk).
I lastly tried it cold-brewed. I added coffee and cold water to my cafetiere and left it to brew overnight (8 hours). The next morning I came down and had the coffee with milk, sugar and a couple of ice cubes..it was again - delicious.
However, the best way I found I liked having the coffee was the way I had been having it for years - brewed hot with milk and sugar. The flavours are perfectly apparent here, and takes the edge off if a five strength is a bit too much for you.
With sugar a lot of the flavours started to come through - I not only now smelled caramel, I tasted it too.. The addition of milk added to the smoothness of the drink and highlighted the buttery tones further (I'm guessing because of the salt content in the milk).
I lastly tried it cold-brewed. I added coffee and cold water to my cafetiere and left it to brew overnight (8 hours). The next morning I came down and had the coffee with milk, sugar and a couple of ice cubes..it was again - delicious.
However, the best way I found I liked having the coffee was the way I had been having it for years - brewed hot with milk and sugar. The flavours are perfectly apparent here, and takes the edge off if a five strength is a bit too much for you.
Does it work as coffee?
Yes - instead of the irregular spurts of energy I received when drinking instant coffee, New Latin gave me a gentle hum of energy that lasted the day. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that what we all want from a decent cup of coffee? And there was no withdrawal headache (yes!) that usually accompanies a change in brew. For me? Brilliant. I'd recommend it for a pretty smooth, chill day.
So Brown Bear, it's safe to say I'm hooked. I'll be ordering my first bag soon and I'm looking forward to it.. I think I might go for the Cool Brazil or La Vida blends.. They sound delicious.
Brown Bear also offer a subscription service for coffee, meaning you can enjoy it fresh (ground or beans) every week, fortnight, month, or two months. Each package will contain two 227g bags worth of your choice of blend - which will set you back £6.99 every two months (my individual bag is priced at £3.99)... Not a bad deal is it? Subscribing will actually end up saving you money..
Brown Bear also offer a range of accessories to help out aspiring baristas.. Coffee grinders, Cafetieres, an AeroPress, HOT CHOCOLATE?!.. Come on guys, how can you not?
Thank you to Brown Bear for sending me this, early mornings will never be the same!
Christina x
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