Review: Summer Solstice Blend From Intelligentsia Coffee


  • Summer Solstice Blend


    The Coffee

    Beans: Summer Solstice Blend
    Roaster: Intelligentsia Coffee

    Oh summer, how I dread you this year. Thanks to Summer Solstice Blend from Intelligentsia Coffee, I can relax comfortably with a cup of this in hand. Summer Solstice is a refreshing blend to help me beat the summer heat.

    Equipment/Brewing Method

    Brew Method: Clever Dripper / Japanese Iced Method
    Grinder/Grind Size: Baratza Virtuoso Preciso – Dial 23
    Bean/Water Ratio: 44-48g/453g

    Notes:

    If there is anyone that does not like iced coffee then this coffee may not be for you. No matter what method I used or how many different ways I adjusted the bean/water ratio, drinking this as a hot brew just tasted muted and boring.

    It wasn’t until I brewed this in the Clever Dripper using the Japanese Iced Method that Summer Solstice really came to life….Actually, it exploded to life.

    A bright and intense juiciness like Kenya flew out from the cup which awoke my tastebuds. Soon after, a sweetness came out and lingered overhead. Each sip brought a wide variety of notes. I found hits of caramel, cherries, and even a fruit punch like play.

    To put in simply, this is summer packed into a cup of coffee Japanese Iced Style.

    Wonderfully refreshing and perfect for cold brew, Summer Solstice has the juiciness of a fresh peach and the flavor of fruit punch. Orange, candied pineapple, and red grape alongside ripe cherry and a touch of caramel. Buoyant, articulate and cheerful, this is a perfect companion to the summer months. ~ Intelligentsia Coffee

    Verdict:
    Maybe this coffee was never meant to be brewed hot, I don’t know. Although, the coffee did come after 1 week from the roast date so it is possible that had something to do with it… Who knows.

    I’d definitely like to expedit shipping and get this quicker and try once more as a hot brew to see if I can get anything from it. Otherwise, this has been the best damn iced coffee I’ve had in awhile.

    Score:
    Overall, I’d give this a 93/100 pts

    More Info About This Coffee

    Region: Costa Rica, Honduras
    Varietal: Caturra, Catuai, Typica
    Processing: N/A
    Altitude: 1400 – 1850 m
    Harvest Season/Date: November – March
    Cost: $17 for 12oz



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    September 14th, 2011 | Jamie | No Comments | Tags: , , , ,

About The Author

Jamie Ferguson

From sunny Sarasota Florida, Jamie Ferguson has been drinking coffee since a very young age. Jamie is just your average jane who has a serious addiction to coffee, but more so has a bigger love for the heart, and the dedication that is put into growing, processing and roasting coffee. Come and join the adventures...