Spore Event

Last night's tasting at Spore Infoshop was a success! We drank three types of 100% Colombian coffee (Kroger brand, Stauf's Colombia Supremo Bucaramanga, and an organic Sierra Nevada that I roasted at home) and tried to guess which was which. It wasn't too difficult and everyone who participated guessed correctly. What really made the event a success was that a lot of good information was shared (and not just by me, I learned some new things from several people) and that we raised $50 for Coffee Kids, a charitable group that works with coffee-growing communities and families. The turnout was pretty good, but if you missed it you can have a look at the packet I printed for participants by clicking the link below.

It is also worth mentioning that there are some changes in store for Columbus Coffee Review. Not huge changes, but changes that will, I hope, make the site a little more useful and interesting to all of us in the Columbus coffee scene. Stay tuned!

Colombia Packet
CoffeeKids.org

Upcoming Barista Jam

I heard a rumor from someone at Cafe Brioso that Kickstart (on High St in the Short North) is having a barista jam soon. I went down there to confirm this and, as it happens, they are having a barista jam on September 5^th, 2pm to 7pm. There will be a latte art competition as well as skill building clinics for local baristas at any skill level. (linkorama)

I took this as an opportunity to have another double at Kickstart. The friendly barista used whatever was already ground in the hopper, but he took care to clean the portafilter before pulling my shots. It was a pretty good shot: a little tannish and just this side of bitter, but it mellowed out into nutty flavors and had a fantastic smoothness. The lingering aftertaste (more of an aftersmell, really) was very much like smelling whole beans (they're still using Caruso's, by the way). Well done, Kickstart!

Coffee Tasting @ Spore

Saturday, May 9th at Noon:

Join us for a free blind tasting of locally roasted organic, shade and fair trade coffees. We'll be talking about what these certifications mean, how they are attained, and the social and environmental issues brought about by Western consumerism while bringing people together to drink and learn about coffee.

Please try and register for this event (so sufficient amounts of coffee are provided) by emailing columbuscoffeereview AT gmail DOT com.

Your hosts:
Bronwyn: formerly of Peet's and Ancient Grounds (Seattle)
Damion: Cup O' Joe, coffee enthusiast
(Note: like at the beginning of DVD's, the views and commentaries expressed herein do not represent those of COJ, Peet's, or anyone else but Bronwyn and Damion.)

http://www.sporeprint.info