I, like most members of this forum, enjoy pod brewed coffee. Since reviews helped me so much when I was new to the format I decided to post my own reviews as well. I use the BUNN My Cafe and the Grindmaster OPOD as my primary test units, but experience reveals Senseo, Krups HomeCafe, and Melitta 1:1 pod brewers will brew a decent cup from the pods listed too. I brew the pods using the tea (pulse brew) setting for maximum extraction with the BUNN and OPOD. Drop sizes can vary (if I have more than one sample) and the size is noted in the post, but I find most taste best at 7 - 8 fl oz.
The link below shows the template that forms the basis of my rating scale - The score is converted from a fraction to a decimal, divided by 2, and added to 50 (if no flaws pop up - less than 50 if I detect a taint) to arrive at the final score:
Coffee Cupping Chart & COE Cupping Criteria
Example: 24 points out of 30 = 80/2 = 40 + 50 = 90
Scoring Summary:
(90-99) Very Awesome Coffee
(85-89) Very Good Coffee
(78-84) Just Average Coffee
(50-77) Just Poor Coffee
Baronet Coffee Roasters
Baronet 100% Kona Extra Fancy Medium Roast 90
Baronet Blast Mega Pod 88
Baronet Limited Edition Estate Costa Rican 88
Baronet Tanzanian Peaberry 88
Baronet Kenya Dark AA 86
Baronet Sumatra Dark Roast Mega Pod 86
Baronet Egg Nog Medium Roast 86
Baronet French Roast Fair Trade Organic 85
Baronet Izzy’s Blend 85
Baronet Moka Java Mega Pod 85
Baronet Small Village Blend Fair Trade Organic Mega Pod 85
Baronet Colombian 100% 83
Baronet Fair Trade Organic Small Village Blend 80
Black Mountain Gold
Black Mountain Gold Hawaiian Kona 92
Black Mountain Gold Moka Java 86
Black Mountain Gold Kenya AA 85
Café Halo
Café Halo 100% Colombian 86
Café Halo Breakfast Blend 86
Café Halo Ethical Addiction 86
Café Halo French Roast 86
Café Halo House Blend Natural 86
Café Halo Kona Dark Blend 86
Café Halo Sumatran Blend 85
Café Halo World Blend 85
Café Rene
Café Rene Indonesia Arabica 87
Café Rene Malawi 85
Café Rene Mild 85
Caféjo
Caféjo Adrenaline Explosion 87
Caféjo Kenya Dark 85
The Coffee Artisan
Coffee Artisan Ethiopian Harrar 91
The Coffee Artisan Panama Boquete 91
The Coffee Artisan Papua New Guinea 90
The Coffee Artisan Puerto Rican 88
The Coffee Artisan 100% Kona Extra Fancy 86
The Coffee Artisan Indian Mysore 86
The Coffee Artisan 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain 85
The Coffee Artisan Dark Side 85
The Coffee Artisan Rwanda Ingoboka 85
Community Coffee
Community Coffee Dark Roast 78
Cool Beans Pods
Cool Beans Midnight Blend 91
Cool Beans San Francisco Blend 88
Cool Beans House Blend 87
Cool Beans City Roast 86
Cool Beans French Roast 85
Cool Beans Colombian Supremo 85
Cool Beans Sumatra Mandheling 85
Cool Beans Breakfast Blend 83
Cool Beans Ethiopian Yirgacheffe/Sidamo/Limu 77
Eldorado
Eldorado Kenya AA 90
Eldorado Organic Guatemala 87
Eldorado Sumatra Mandheling 85
Fratello Coffee Roasters
Fratello Colombian Villarrica Cup of Excellence 95
Fratello Ethiopian Idido Misty Valley 95
Fratello Brazil Santos Sete Cachoieras 93
Fratello Dixie Voodoo 91
Fratello Costa Rican Cerro Alto 91
Fratello Kenya Wamuguma 91
Fratello Nicaraguan Fina El Limoncello 91
Fratello Tanzania Songea Peaberry 91
Fratello Yemen Moka San’ani 91
Fratello French Saigon Dark 90
Fratello Costa Rican Co-op Palmares 90
Fratello Guatemalan Nueva Granada Estate 90
Fratello Honduras Marcala 90
Fratello Brazilian Daterra Sweet Blue 2010 88
Fratello Nicaraguan Los Milagros Cup of Excellence 88
Fratello Christmas Morning 87
Fratello Kenya Dark 87
Fratello Gunsmoke Dark 86
Fratello Colombian Huila Pitalito 86
Fratello Mocca Java 86
Fratello Nicaragua Mama Mina 86
Fratello Brazilian Daterra Sweet Blue 2009 85
Fratello Burundi Kinyovu 85
Fratello Colombian Huila Suaza 85
Fratello Panama Diamond Mountain Esmeralda 85
Fratello Costa Rican Calle de Copey COE 84
Fratello Nicaraguan Organic Fair Trade 84
Fratello Bolivian Telmo Cahuana COE 83
Fratello Marachesh Blend 83
Fratello Snakebite Dark 83
Godiva
Godiva Crème Brulee 87
Higgins & Burke
Higgins & Burke Passage to Columbia 90
Marley Coffee
Marley Coffee Talkin' Blues 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain 95
Marley Coffee One Love Medium Roast Ethiopian Yirgacheffe 92
Marley Coffee Kingston City Roast 91
Marley Coffee Lion's Blend Organic Medium Dark Roast 88
Marley Coffee Mountain Roast Decaffeinated Organic 85
Maxwell House
Maxwell House 70
Melitta Javapod
Melitta Javapod Kona Blend 88
Melitta Crème Brulee 87
Melitta Buzzworthy 85
Melitta Skip the Buzz 85
New Hampshire Coffee
New Hampshire Coffee French Roast 87
New Hampshire Coffee Morning Blend 83
New Hampshire Coffee Soprano Roast 80
New Hampshire Coffee Totally Chocolate 80
New Hampshire Coffee FTO Bed & Breakfast Blend 78
New Hampshire Coffee Coconut Crème 78
New Hampshire Coffee Country Blend 77
New Hampshire Coffee English Toffee 76
New Hampshire Coffee Half Caff 76
New Hampshire Coffee Blueberry Cobbler 75
Parks & Co.
Parks & Co. House Blend 88
Parks & Co. Bundle of Joy 86
Parks & Co. Kenya In Ya 86
Parks & Co. Molten Lava Java Sumatran 85
Parks & Co. One Fritter Quitter 84
Parks & Co. Sunny Side Up Breakfast Blend 83
Reunion Island
Reunion Island Fair Trade Certified Brazil Ouro Fino 92
Reunion Island FTO Privateer Dark Extra Bold 91
Reunion Island Rainforest Alliance Certified Tanzania Ngoro Ngoro 90
Reunion Island Blueberry Pie 89
Reunion Island Holiday Blend 88
Reunion Island Cinnamon Sticky Bun Medium Roast - 88
Reunion Island Rain Forest Alliance Costa Rica La Hilda Estate 87
Reunion Island Ethiopia Oromia FT & Organic 87
Reunion Island Rain Forest Alliance Certified Organic Flores Green Dragon 87
Reunion Island Sumatra Ketambe Dark 87
Reunion Island Sumatra Koro 87
Reunion Island Maple Cream 86
Reunion Island Colombia Decaf 83
Reunion Island Kilimanjaro Dark S.U.F. 83
Reunion Island Mahale Highlands S.U.F. 82
Reunion Island Guatemalan Rain Forest Alliance 80
Reunion Island Tanzania S.U.F. 80
Senseo
Senseo Espresso Roast 88
Timothy's
Timothy's Kona Blend 88
Van Houtte
Van Houtte Midnight Express 92
Van Houtte Mexico FTO 90
Van Houtte 100% Colombian 86
Van Houtte House Blend 86
Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck Sumatra Kopi Raya 80
In-Depth Tasting Notes (in alphabetical order):
Please note that due to individual post size limits on the forum not all the information fits in one post.
If you are looking for information on a particular pod not found in this post, the in-depth and discontinued pod reviews are split over more than one post and continue in posts #3 & #6 below this first post in the thread.
Baronet Coffee Roasters
Baronet Blast Mega Pod 88 Baronet describes this as blend of light and dark roasted coffees. This pod has a rich aroma dry and brewed. On the first sip I get a mild tingle along with a more pronounced bittersweet richness. The mouth feel is not thin or thick at first, but a thickness and surprisingly more tingle develops as it cools. There is not a hint of bitterness - just a smooth balanced flavor that finishes with a chocolate aftertaste. I tried this 12g pod at a 9oz drop and would highly recommend this pod.
Baronet Colombian 100% 83 Baronet describes their pod as only the finest Colombian coffee, full bodied and smooth". The dry pod smells rich, and while brewing aroma is pleasing. The first sip presents a definite acidity and tingling that is followed with a nutty aftertaste. The mouth feel is more thick than thin. This cup is balanced well, and remains smooth as it cools. The 7.5g pod holds up fine at the 6oz drop and I would recommend this coffee.
Baronet Egg Nog Medium Roast 86 The roaster describes this pod as their New England style is rich and creamy, with cinnamon, spices, a dash of nutmeg and just enough rum flavor to satisfy eggnog lovers everywhere. The dry pod smells like egg nog and the brewed aroma is egg nog. The Green Mountain Spicy Egg Nog K-cup has, in my opinion, a sweeter aroma... The first slurp presents a medium acidity and a smoky, rum like flavor along with egg nog spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. The mouth feel is medium and creamy. As it cools it remains the same as the first slurp. You definitely taste the coffee with this pod as the flavor enhances the experience without being overwhelming. This 7.8g pod brewed at the 6oz drop is unique and worth a try if the Spicy Egg Nog from Green Mountain is sweeter than you care for.
Baronet Limited Edition Estate Costa Rican 54 Baronet says the Florfina Tarrazú is an exceptional Costa Rican coffee from a small mill, Montañas del Diamante. This coffee has light body with hints of chocolate, framed by bright citrus and berry tones in the acidity. The dry pod smells fresh and nutty while the brewed aroma is nutty, spicy and floral. The first sip presents a bright, citrusy sweet taste with just a hint of nut in the finish. The mouth feel is medium full and creamy. As it cools it sweetens slightly and the brightness diminishes, but over all it stays balanced. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is recommended and well worth trying.
Baronet Fair Trade Organic French Roast 85 Baronet says this blend of specialty Fair Trade Organic coffees is dark roasted to develop deep smoky flavor with a rich finish. This coffee has a rich, dark roast smell while brewing. The body is good at 6oz with this pod. The medium acidity is present but the darker, sweeter flavor notes dominate. The cup remains smooth as it cools without becoming bitter, and maintains its flavor characteristics till the end. This 7.5g pod (This same Baronet flavor is packaged in a larger size) brews best at the 6oz setting and I would recommend this pod if darker roasts are your preference.
Baronet Fair Trade Organic Small Village Blend 12g Mega Pod 85 This pod has a decent dry smell but mild brewed aroma. On the initial sip it tastes tingly and bright with rich roasted flavor. The mouth feel is good too with a nice thick body. As it cools a slight bitterness develops but overall this is a complex full flavored cup. This 12g pod holds up at the 7oz (and probably 8 or 9oz) setting and I would recommend this pod.
Baronet Fair Trade Organic Small Village Blend 80 Bright acidity with medium body, smells nice in the pod but the aroma is not as strong during brewing. After cooling a bit, the acidity tapers off slightly allowing a hint of richness to develop. This 7.75g pod brews nice at the 7oz and 6oz setting and I would recommend this pod unless dark roasts are your preference.
Baronet Izzy’s Blend 85 The roaster describes this pod as the Goldsmith family secret - a unique blend that is full bodied with a sweet and floral bouquet. The dry pod smells nutty while the brewed aroma is earthy and slightly sweet. The first sip is pleasant with medium acidity balanced with that earthy middle and finish. The mouth feel is medium and smooth. As it cools the taste stays in balance. This one is not so adventurous that you would hesitate to serve it to certain guests, but not so boring you should be ashamed to serve it either – it’s just a regular, good tasting coffee . This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop makes a fine everyday consistent, good tasting cup – however, when you are in the mood for more exotic and adventurous tastes you should keep searching.
Baronet Kenya Dark AA 86 Baronet describes this pod as a dark roasted Kenya with a clean bright flavor and solid body. The dry pod smells rich and dark roasted and the brewed aroma is similar but not as pronounced. The first sip presents a lively tingle that spreads out evenly on my tongue. The mouth feel medium to full. As it cools the dark bittersweet tang steps up a notch. The cup is free from bitterness, is well balanced and has decent body, so what’s not to love? This 10g pod brewed at the 6oz drop makes for a good any day, everyday, all day long coffee.
Baronet 100% Kona Extra Fancy Medium Roast Baronet 90 Baronet describes this coffee as a smooth, even and mellow tasting coffee. The pod has a pungent coffee smell (due to the medium roast) that transfers to a rich aroma in the cup. The mouth feel is good too with a nice thick body. My mouth tingles on the initial sip and the coffee leaves a sweet aftertaste – pretty good so far. The cup remains smooth as it cools without becoming bitter, and the balanced flavor remains till the end. The 10g pod holds up at the 8oz setting and I would recommend this pod.
Baronet Moka Java Mega Pod 85 The roaster describes this pod as a blend of Central and South American coffees, medium roasted together for the richest coffee possible with a hint of smokey flavor. The dry pod smells fresh and the brewed aroma is chocolaty. The first sip presents a medium tingle mixed with an earthy, almost neutral, taste. The mouth feel is medium and silky. As it cools the cup remains balanced with just mild snap and tingle. This is a clean, balanced cup with no bitterness or edge and reminds me of a lot of breakfast blends. Considering the origins in the description, This Baronet coffee is technically not a Moka Java, but is a mix of similar light and heavy coffee as are most blends. This 12g mega pod brewed at the 8oz drop makes for a good first cup of the day, and mega pods are great for filling a travel (this is not a paper) cup.
Baronet Sumatra Dark Roast Mega Pod 86 Baronet describes this pod as "One of Indonesia’s finest treasures, this dark roasted coffee is considered the most full-bodied coffee in the world with earthy body, low acidity and hearty character". The dry pod smells great and the dark roasted aroma transfers nicely to the hot brewed cup. On the first sip a really rich, dark, complex taste jumps out. This tastes good. Full bodied is an understatement for this coffee – the mouth feel is excellent. This coffee is bold without being bitter. As this cup cools, a more pronounced bittersweet (think dark chocolate, but not as sugary sweet as chocolate) aftertaste develops. This 12g pod more than holds its own at the 8oz drop. I will be experimenting with 9 or 10oz drops with my next cup. I recommend this coffee for fans of bold, dark roasted coffee.
Baronet Tanzanian Peaberry 88 The roaster describes this medium roast pod as having fine acidity, intense flavor and full body. The dry pod smells nutty and spicy while the brewed aroma is caramel and raisin sweet. The first sip is medium bright while presenting a mild sharp, spicy tingle along with a mild bittersweet dark cocoa finish. The mouth feel is medium and creamy. As it cools the dry acidic brightness strengthens, the spiciness fades, and the finish sweetens a bit more. This pod is unusual compared to my other Tanzania Peaberry samples. Usually I get a sharp, dry wine taste right up front but here that dry grape taste profile is present but allows the bittersweet dark cocoa finish share prominence on the palate. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is well worth trying.
Black Mountain Gold
Black Mountain Gold Hawaiian Kona 92 The roaster describes this pod as a masterful blend that combines exotic and rare beans from the island of Kona with smooth and sweet Colombian Supremo Beans. The dry pod smells nutty and the brewed aroma is mild with hints of chocolate. The first sip is medium bright with a very rich bittersweet chocolate finish. The mouth feel is medium and velvety. As it cools the bittersweet cocoa taste is dominant. This pod is an excellent blend if you like chocolaty Colombian coffee. This 9.5g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is highly recommended.
Black Mountain Gold Kenya AA 87 BMG Kenya AA coffee pods are grown in the rich fertile soils of the Mount Kenya Region known for beans that produce superior balance and body with fuller more intense flavors. The dry pod smells nutty and spicy while the brewed aroma is floral and citrusy with a hint of sweet berries. The first sip presents a spiciness to balance the initial tingle. The mouth feel is medium full an syrupy. As it cools the spiciness gives way to a brighter finish. I like this coffee. It is smooth, tasty, and balanced, but not as bright or citrusy as I have come to expect from this region. This 9g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is worth a try if overly bright coffee is not to your liking.
Black Mountain Gold Moka Java 86 The roaster says this medium roast pod uses full-bodied, spicy peaberry coffee from the island of Java and blends it with lively Ethiopian Moka beans for a perfectly balanced cup with a clean finish. The dry pod smells nutty and the brewed aroma is caramel sweet. The first sip presents a sharp tingle and sweet, earthy, spicy finish. The mouth feel is medium light and smooth. As it cools the tingle gives way enough for the sweetness to build on the finish. This is a good cup from start to finish with enough complexity to stay interesting, but no bitterness to be offensive. This 9g pod brewed at the 7oz drop represents the style correctly and has a nice taste in the cup where it counts.
Caféjo
Caféjo Adrenaline Explosion 87 The roaster describes this pod as an eye-opening and full flavored, yet smooth dark roast that will start your day with a bang! The dry pod smells like walnuts and the brewed aroma is caramel and cinnamon spice. The first sip is dark roast, some char, and mild acidity – make no mistake - this is dark roasted coffee. The mouth feel is medium thick and smooth. As it cools some sweetness joins the char taste. I hesitate to use the word char - I think of no other descriptor – but this is not the same char taste associated with Starbucks. It has a more subtle affect on the flavor – it is noticeable but in a more balanced, non bitter enhancement to the other flavor. This 9g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is another smooth operator from Caféjo that should please dark roast lovers.
Caféjo Kenya Dark 85 The roaster describes this pod as lively and complex Kenya Coffee with a bittersweet richness, fruity overtones and a hint of citrus and blackberry. The dry pod smells like roasted nuts while the brewed aroma is mild and sweet. The first sip presents mild acidity and a dark cocoa finish. The mouth feel is medium and creamy. As it cools the bittersweet richness the roaster mentions takes over the finish. This Caféjo pod reminds me of a smoother version of the Parks & Co "Kenya In Ya" pod. This 9g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is worth trying.
Café Halo
Note: These reviews have been moved to my discontinued section found in post #5 of this thread 6/2010. If you read this in 2011 or later, beware any pods you find will have too much age, in my opinion, to be worth buying.
Café Rene
Café Rene Indonesia Arabica 87 The roaster describes this pod as the highest quality Arabica coffee coming from Inonezji and more from the island Java. 100% Arabica - Mild in flavor. The dry pod smells pungent and earthy while the brewed aroma is leathery and caramelized sugar sweet. The first sip presents a pleasant but mild acidity providing appropriate balance for the earthy, leathery tone that develops in the midway and lingers through the medium length finish. The mouth feel is medium to rich with a nice creamy texture. As it cools the earthy, leathery taste strengthens and is joined by a light (by comparison) bittersweet note. This pod tastes decent and is appropriate for the style as well with subdued acidity, nice body and nose, and does not turn bitter as it cools. This 7g pod brewed at a 5oz drop earns my recommendation.
Café Rene Malawi 85 The roaster describes this pod as highest quality Arabica derived from Malawi (Africa East). The dry pod smells nutty while the brewed aroma is mild with hints of brown sugar. The first sip is medium bright with hints of brown sugar in the medium to short finish. The mouth feel is medium light and velvety. As it cools the flavor thins a bit but does not turn bitter. This is not a complex cup but rather a simple, clean coffee with the sweet brown sugar note found in the aroma leading the charge through to the end. This 7g pod brewed at a 6oz drop tastes good, but a 5 or 4 fl oz drop might suit this pod better.
Café Rene Mild 85 The roaster describes this pod as being gently roasted Arabica highest quality - with a small addition of high quality Robusta, the aim of which is to balance kwaskowości coffee. The dry pod smells spicy while the brewed aroma is mild and sweet. The first sip is bright but gains some bite in the finish – this is either the Robusta or the kwaskowości – I am not quite sure which. The mouth feel is medium light with a decent medium length finish. As it cools the balance of bright and bite fight for attention on the palate with neither gaining the advantage. This one is quite robust for a mild coffee, so some deduction is deserved, but I cannot bring myself to impose the penalty as the flavors work too well in spite of the imposturous nomenclature. This 7g pod brewed at a 6oz drop is good kwaskowości coffee – enjoy!
The Coffee Artisan
Coffee Artisan Dark Side 85 The Coffee Artisan says to expect a smooth, heavy body with sharp acidity and a slightly smokey finish. The aroma is moderately flavorful like most good dark roasts - not offensive but not outstanding either. I get the smoke taste and a hint of leather along with mild, but not sharp acidity. The mouth feel is right for the style – it is rich without being cloying so the brightness certainly is present but is not dominant. A classic dark roast taste develops without bitterness as the cup cools. This 10g pod held up well at an 8oz drop. I would recommend buying a box of this if you like dark roast coffee.
The Coffee Artisan Ethiopian Harrar 91 The roaster describes this pod as a well balanced cup with aromas of berries and spice, sparkling strawberry acidity, notes of brown sugar and an earthy finish. The dry pod smells like berries and spice while the brewed aroma is brown sugar sweet. The first sip tastes brown sugar and berry sweet with medium acidity and a rich body. The mouth feel is medium and velvety. As it cools the berry notes start to pop with a bit more intensity and the acidity seems to ramp up too. I’ve been fortunate enough to sample some decent Ethiopian coffee lately, and this pod can hold it’s own. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is highly recommended.
The Coffee Artisan Indian Mysore 86 The Coffee Artisan says it is exceptionally well balanced with moderate acidity, full body and a fruity-nutty flavor. The dry pod smells nutty and the brewed aroma is nut-like as well. The first sip reveals mild snap and sweetness – this isn’t a coffee for the X-Bold “mud in the cup” crowd. The mouth feel is medium and the 7oz or 8oz drop is a good size for this pod. As it cools the nuttiness and sweetness becomes more pronounced. There is no bitter aftertaste here, just a smooth, refined cup of coffee. This 10g pod brewed at the 8oz drop is mild and well balanced but at 7oz it loses some of its refinement. Serve it to your friends and only after they remark how smooth it is, (they will) tell them about its exotic origin.
The Coffee Artisan 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain 85 The Coffee Artisan says this coffee is slow roasted to a Light or City Roast to bring out the best possible flavor. The aroma in the cup is pleasant. I get a pronounced tang that tapers into a slight bitterness in on the first sip. As it cools, a mild chocolate richness develops. The mouth feel is not noticeably thin or thick. The cup is balanced well. This 10g pod held up well at an 8oz drop. I would recommend buying a box, but do not expect the extra cost for this pod to open the door to a magical world of flavor.
The Coffee Artisan 100% Kona Extra Fancy 86 The Coffee Artisan uses only the finest Kona Extra Fancy Beans, and slow roasts them to a Light or City Roast to bring out the best aroma and flavor. This pod smells good (the inside of the empty wrapper smells like a payday candy bar with a caramel and nutty aroma) but the brewed cup produces a subdued aroma. A medium tingling sensation develops on the first sip and the mouth feel is neither thin nor thick at the 8oz drop. A bittersweet taste (not to be confused with a bitter aftertaste) develops as the cup cools. This is a decent, smooth, well balanced cup at the 8oz drop and I recommend this coffee.
The Coffee Artisan Panama Boquete 91 The Coffee Artisan says this has a sweet fruit taste up front with an earthy undertone. This coffee is low in acidity but full-bodied with a mellow chocolate aftertaste and aroma. The dry pod smells spicy and the brewed aroma is light and sweet like raisins, fruit and chocolate. The first sip is bright and apricot fruity. The mouth feel is medium light and delicate. As it cools the light and bright flavor hangs tough. If someone gave me this pod in a blind tasting, I would guess incorrectly that it is an East African. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is very good.
The Coffee Artisan Papua New Guinea 90 The Coffee Artisan says to expect a full body and a sweet fruity acidity that develops as this coffee cools. I disagree. The lively mouth feel from the sweet fruity acidity is evident from the first sip. The aroma is average for a light roast - not offensive but not outstanding either. As it cools more pronounced undercurrents of sweetness mingle with the brightness but this coffee maintains its balance till the end. This 10g pod held up well at an 8oz drop. I would seriously recommend buying a box of these.
The Coffee Artisan Puerto Rican 88 The Coffee Artisan says the Puerto Rican Yauco is a very limited production crop from the small mountainous growing regions on the island. It is softly bittersweet with a buttery-creamy body and soft low-acid flavor profile. The dry pod smells really fresh and aromatic, and the brewed aroma is medium to mild. The first sip very mild but not flat – I taste acidity and sweet toasted notes balanced to perfection. The mouth feel is medium and silky even though the color is quite dark. As it cools it remains balanced without bitterness – this is very refined . This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is well worth trying.
The Coffee Artisan Rwanda Ingoboka 85 The Coffee Artisan says this has a snappy mandarin acidity that is balanced by a full sweetness and medium to full body with a pleasant lingering aftertaste. The dry pod smells pungent but the brewed aroma is mild. The first sip presents a mild, lemon like acidity. The mouth feel runs thin at 8oz and medium at 6oz. As it cools the wine like taste is more pronounced, but still not overpowering . Unlike most African light to medium roasts that share a similar fruity zest, this one is tamed by a mild earthiness so the balance is very nice. This 10g pod brewed at the 6oz drop took a couple tries to grow on me but has, so I recommend giving this unique pod a try.
Community Coffee
Community Coffee Dark Roast 78 Community Coffee Dark Roast 57 The rich aroma of their original coffee blend will awaken your senses as you indulge in the full-bodied, yet smooth flavor. The dry pod smells good and the brewed aroma is not noticeable. The first sip tastes mild - without much acidity or sweetness. This pod does not have a dark roasted taste, but is balanced. Instead it resembles a medium roast in taste and mouth feel. In my opinion the mouth feel is medium to medium thin. As it cools some bitterness develops in the after taste. This 8-9g pod brewed at the 6oz and 7oz drop is better at 7oz, but still too bitter for my taste once it cools.
Cool Beans Pods
Cool Beans Breakfast Blend 83 The roaster describes this light roast pod as smooth, with a mild finish. The dry pod smells like caramel and the brewed aroma is mild caramel as well. The first sip is bright, citrusy, and spicy followed by a mild earthy finish. The mouth feel is medium and smooth. As it cools the sharp taste and the spicy taste mellow but remain the dominant taste. The finish is bright, but not bitter, with a mild caramel sweetness revealing itself as well. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is worth a try if you like light and lively breakfast blends.
Cool Beans City Roast 86 The roaster describes this medium roast pod as having full flavor with a smooth clean finish. The dry pod smells mild with a hint of spice and the brewed aroma offers mild floral and spice notes. The first sip presents strong earthiness and mild acidity. The mouth feel is thick and creamy. As it cools a spicy bittersweet taste layers on top of an earthy fullness in the finish. This is a decent tasting coffee for me with a mouth feel and finish that is similar to their House Blend pod, but it lacks that acidic tingle I personally enjoy in my cup. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop tastes good and is worth trying if Sumatran style coffee suits your taste.
Cool Beans Colombian Supremo 85 The roaster describes this light roast pod as having rich aroma, mild acidity and full-bodied flavor. The dry pod smells like new leather and the brewed aroma is mildly floral. The first sip presents mild lemon acidity and balanced sweetness on the finish. The mouth feel is medium light and clean. As it cools, a spicy, earthy taste mingles with the lemon taste. Chocolate bomb lovers need to look elsewhere for that taste. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is decent, but reminds me more of a Costa Rican in style and flavor.
Cool Beans Ethiopian Yirgacheffe/Sidamo/Limu 77 The roaster invites us to “Rule the day from high atop this tower of taste”, but does not describe how this medium roast pod will taste. The dry pod smells black peppery while the brewed aroma is tart citrus. The first sip is initially medium bright with some tart and sweetness from the wet aroma coming through in the middle and lasting through the short finish. The mouth feel is light and silky. As it cools the finish sweetens even more while the initial brightness fades. This one, though very balanced, tasted a little thin at 7 fl oz (review score is based on a 6.5 fl oz drop) which I can correct for, but I also got a distinct paper pod filter aftertaste for which I have no solution – I tried rinsing the outside of 2nd pod with hot water before brewing it in my OPOD but I still get this taste. I then tested another manufacturer’s pod to see if it was me, but even this older (and close to stale) pod did not have this paper taste. This standard size pod, brewed at the 7 or 6.5 fl oz drop, is not making my top ten list.
Cool Beans French Roast 85 The roaster describes this dark roast pod as being their darkest roast, with a smooth smoky flavor. The dry pod smells mildly sweet while the brewed aroma is spicy and dark. The first sip presents some acidic tingle along with a dark and a bit charred finish. The mouth feel is thick and creamy. As it cools a bit of the char taste picks up in intensity and the cup seems to thicken. This is one dark mother of a cup with many similarities to Café Halo Ethical Addiction in the beginning and Coffee People’s French roast in the finish. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is worth trying (could have handled 8 or 9oz easily) if really dark and a bit charred French roasted coffee suits your taste.
Cool Beans House Blend 87 This is the roaster’s favorite everyday light roast cup. The dry pod smells reasonably fresh and the brewed aroma is faintly raisin like. The first sip is an earthy, semisweet, spicy flavor with medium to light acidity. The mouth feel is full and syrupy – this is a light roast? As it cools the spicy semisweet taste remains dominant. This pod packs a lot of punch for a light roast coffee. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is bold and full flavored and worth trying.
Cool Beans Midnight Blend 91 The roaster describes this medium roast pod as having Columbian and Central American beans in a zesty French Roast. The dry pod smells nutty while the brewed aroma is brown sugar and spice. The first sip presents nice acidity (but not citrusy) and tingle balanced by a dark bittersweet but not charred finish. The mouth feel is medium full and rich. As it cools the bittersweet finish strengthens but not enough to overwhelm the still present initial brightness. This is a really nice cup of coffee with it’s complexity of flavor. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is well worth recommending if dark but not charred coffee suits your taste.
Cool Beans San Francisco Blend 88 The roaster describes this dark roast pod as having aromatic French Roast with flavors of Kenya AA and Sumatra Mandheling. The dry pod smells sweet, pungent and nutty and the brewed aroma is mild and berry like. The first sip presents a mild tingle of acidity with a berry sweetness and rich bittersweet finish. The mouth feel is medium and smooth. As it cools the French roast darkness starts to pop. With this pod you get a sample of the berry sweetness found in Kenyan coffee, a dose of rich body from the Sumatran component, and French roast flavor to add that bittersweet finish - nice. This skillfully blended pod brewed at the 7oz drop makes a really good cup of coffee.
Cool Beans Sumatra Mandheling 70 The roaster describes this dark roast pod as being full bodied with intense earthy flavor. The dry pod smells a little spicy while the brewed aroma is spicy, thick with a little bit of sweetness. The first sip is mild and balanced. The mouth feel is medium and smooth. As it cools stays balanced throughout. This is a good, low acidity, medium bodied Sumatran pod that probably fits the profile and audience the roaster targeted. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is worth trying if Sumatran style coffee suits your taste.
Eldorado
Eldorado Kenya AA 90 The roaster describes this pod as such: “Considered the Fine Wine of Coffees, Our Kenya AA is sharp on the tongue and full bodied to the palate. Crafted in a full city roast, this coffee will leave a lasting impression on your staff and guests.” The dry pod smells spicy while the brewed aroma is mild with a chocolate note along with some berry. The first sip is tremendous berry sweetness along with a tang that lingers through the middle and joins some spiciness in the finish. The mouth feel is medium and velvety. As it cools the brightness tones down and the finish sweetens a bit. This pod makes as good a cup of Kenya coffee as anything I have tasted to date – very flavorful and bright. This 10g pod brewed at the 7 fl oz drop is right up my alley and is worth trying for sure if light and bright suits your taste.
Eldorado Organic Guatemala 87 The roaster describes this pod as Certified Organic, this coffee is from the finest plantation in Guatemala and will give the connoisseur a distinctive experience. Sweet, smoky and aromatic. The dry pod smells nutty and the brewed aroma is raisin sweet. The first sip is sharp, tingly, winey and floral. The mouth feel is full and creamy thick. As it cools the initial sharpness mutes a bit. This one reminds me of the Reunion Island Tanzania S.U.F. with the similar sharp winey taste, but was not nearly as dry and felt smoother and better balanced. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is nice if you like bright, acidic coffee too. Thanks starryeyes for the sample.
Eldorado Sumatra Mandheling 85 The roaster says this coffee is prized the world over for its richness and complexity, and the roast master takes special pride in crafting these beans from Indonesia into an intense yet smooth and flavorful cup of coffee. The dry pod smells a little sweet but not pungent while the brewed aroma is mild with a hint of spice and sweetness. The first sip presents very little acidity but does offer a deep, chewy bittersweet taste in the finish. The mouth feel is medium full and creamy. As it cools a tobacco like taste pops up in the cup, but does not overwhelm the other tastes. This one tastes like most good Sumatran coffee pods I have tried – low acidity, heavy body, and heavy flavor. This 10g pod brewed at the 7oz drop is good, but could easily handle 8oz drop with so heavy a body.
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