Perkdup

One of my Texas people turned me on to this coffee a couple of years ago.   What a great find. Small farms.  Hand crafted.  Roasted and shipped fresh. This is my first time trying the "Beefcake" Roast.  But, it won't be my last.  It's a medium dark roast with notes of cherry.  South American blend.  Texas tough. I'd order just for the smell when I open the bag.  The taste is the bonus. Ascension Coffee .  Available online.

  I love it when I find a new coffee at an old place. Often the newest thing is right under your nose.  Or, in this case, right under my mug. I thought I'd tried every Starbucks blend until I stumbled upon Siren.   I like it.  I love it.  I plan to buy more of it. (Rhyming is my New Year thing)  Chocolate + Citrus = Great Coffee The bright flavors of this medium roast are inspired—and created—by trailblazing women of the coffee industry. The juicy, citrusy and chocolaty blend combines coffee from East Africa and Latin America. Named for the Siren that symbolizes Starbucks, this blend honors the innovations of women, from farmer to roaster to barista. ( Starbucks.com )

Of course, they roast the coffee over oakwood in Texas.  It's Texas and it's coffee. And, Santa did not disappoint me this year. Dropped me off a bag of limited edition "Good Tidings to All" from Summer Moon Coffee . Christmas can be year 'round, if you choose your coffee wisely.

  I've been spending so much time worrying about the pandemic and its impact, that I haven't taken nearly enough time to sit and reflect on all the things that I have to be appreciate. Of course, I'm grateful for my health and praying for continued good health for myself, my family and my friends.  But, how much time have I spent actually sitting in silence and shutting out the noise and just thanking God for my blessings. I don't mean to be preachy, but I really have to ask myself, "What are you doing to make things better?" When I went to Philz to pick up my mobile order, the app asked me before I placed my order, if I'd like to try the new "Gratitude" blend. How appropriate.  Gratitude . Try Gratitude .  It's a great new coffee from Philz and an even better concept to life. ( Limited holiday offering )

The year was 1978.  Long before the "Third Wave" of coffee, Carlo Di Ruocco immigrated to San Francisco and founded Mr. Espresso .   His mission:  introducing authentic wood-fire coffee roasting to the United States. Sometimes in our quest for the next new thing, we forget there was already a model in place and it was a great model. Cheers to Mr. Espresso.  You've never disappointed me. If you're not familiar with this classic, here's the LINK ! Mr. Espresso 696 3rd Street Oakland, CA. 94607 510-287-5200

  Say what you must about 2020, it produced a great lot of Starbucks Casi Cielo *. I used to always count on this coffee arriving around Valentine's Day.  I would think of it as a gift from Cupid. However, the last several years, it's popped up randomly and unexpected. Never unwelcome. I was thrilled to find this in my neighborhood Starbucks this past week.  The package design is beautiful.  Heck, I'd buy it for the bag along.  The coffee is gorgeous. Lemony-cocoa notes.  Make sure you stock up before it's gone.  This limited offering is sure to be a sell-out. It's the simple things that will get us through. * Casi Cielo means "almost heaven."   'Nuff said.

When I hear about a "new coffee" in town (or out of town), I get really excited. Which is what happened when my sister-in-law in Texas texted me about Summer Moon Coffee .   I immediately did my "research" and ordered two bags.  One Inferno Roast  and one Blue Blazes . I'm hooked. If you want to take your coffee game to the next level, wake up and don't "sleep" on this one. Online ordering available.