I immediately felt guilty about the title on this newsletter, but I decided to leave it so we could all share in my shame. Classic teen film puns aside—there is no way that movie has aged well over 20 years. The newest episode of the podcast is all about cold coffee, including cold brew, iced coffee and Japanese-style flash chilled coffee.
Chris O’Brien really digs into the science, and he is pretty harsh on what is a fairly popular drink. In the end we bring it back around to the idea that we’ve repeated multiple times in the first two seasons of this podcast. Drink what you like.
That said…if you’re going to drink a chilled coffee know that there are varying levels of quality that are impacted by the way it is brewed. The Japanese-style flash chilled method they use at Coffee Cycle will really bring out the lighter, more subtle flavors. It has an almost tea-like lightness, and is great for fruity, complex coffees.
A cold brew that is brewed by soaking coffee grounds in cold water for up to 48 hours will beat your tongue into submission. There is a reason cold brew drinks, especially from larger chains, are often filled with sugary additives. Take a listen to the show, if for no other reason than Chris compliments me twice…which may be twice more than in any other show this season. If you are not listening right here you can find links to all podcast platforms below.
You should also check out this video from Counter Culture Coffee about making a cup of Japanese-style chilled coffee. This is pretty close to what Chris and the team do at Coffee Cycle, except they use an immersion brewer and drop the coffee all at once, flash-chilling it.
When I write these newsletters, I’m often listening the Milwaukee Brewers on the radio. I’m from Wisconsin originally, and hearing Bob Uecker call a game makes me feel like I’m back home. Hearing him say, “HEEeeee Struck ‘iM OUTTTTT!” or “That’s a bang-bang play right there,” is like a soothing salve for my heart in a year in which my annual family visits were canceled. Thanks Bob. You’ve made these last few months much more enjoyable.
For the next few months, I’m looking forward to getting a bit more out into the world. In real life, I’ve been very stringent in my Covid-19 safety protocols. I still am, but for the first time today, I’m far enough beyond my second vaccine shot that I should have quite a few antibodies partying it up inside me.
It is going to take some time for me to work out of the self-quarantine habits I’ve developed, but I’m looking forward to re-socializing with more visits to Coffee Cycle, and all my favorite cafes.
If you’re interested in reading what the experience of getting the vaccine was like for me you can read this essay on onewildlifeco.com. If you’re wavering on getting the shot for yourself, all I can say, is it was worth it.
COFFEE VOCAB
Cold Brew is: Coffee brewed with cold water over a long period of time.
Iced Coffee: A hot drip coffee combined with ice to make it cold.
Japanese style or Flash chilled Coffee: A brewed pour-over cup of coffee that is then quickly drained over ice.
COFFEE NEWS
An SUV ran into the back of Harry’s Coffee Shop, a coffee institution in La Jolla, San Diego this week. Three people were injured, and the crash caused a gas leak that evacuated the block. More details.
We are more than half way through season 2. If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Subscriptions go towards the creation and expansion of this show, and are greatly appreciated. An annual paid subscription ends up being only $2.50 per month!
INDUSTRY LEGACY PARTNERS
Steady State Roasting has a new coffee, Neighbors & Crops. It’s available in the shop as a pour-over and as an espresso. The beans were grown and processed on the world-famous La Palma y El Tucan farm in central Columbia.
Leap Coffee now sells XL Leap Latte’s in milk jugs so…no excuse for running out.
First Light Whiskey’s Original Coffee Whiskey has gotten some well-deserved accolades winning both the Platinum and Consumers Choice honors at the 2021 Sip International Spirits Awards (SIPA).
Need some coffee? Check out these great companies for delivery, pick-up and finally, even some on-site coffee enjoyment.
Zumbar Coffee & Tea • First Light Coffee Whiskey • Leap Coffee • Steady State Roasting • CAFÉ LaTERRE • Mostra Coffee • Cape Horn Coffee Importers • Marea Coffee • Coffee Cycle •
IN CLOSING
Don’t forget to listen to the recent interview with Luis Sanchez, the founder and head roaster of the Bay Park nano-roastery Acento Coffee Roasters. His journey is one of passion and hard work and world travel.
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Brr! It's cold in here!