Manufacturer: Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B+
Today we are tasting the Lake and Lodge Blend KCup from Green Mountain Coffee. While this is a dark roast, this is not an "extra bold" KCup (extra bold K-Cups contain added coffee for a fuller flavor), which is a bit of a departure from my usual tastes. The Lake & Lodge brews up a light mahogany in color with a touch of red. It comes off the brewer with a thin ring of white froth and a faint sheen of oil on top. The nose detects lightly roasted nuts and a touch of woodiness.
On the palate there is a woody note of oak and cedar with a bit of tannin. There is just a hint of the bite of unsweetened cocoa. Lightly roasted walnuts and almonds provide some nuttiness. There is also a light acidity that hints at bananas. The Lake and Lodge has just a touch of chewiness and drying tannins. Overall, the mouthfeel is fairly light for a dark roast. The finish has soft oak and nutty notes.
Being a fan of big dark roasted coffees, I had my concerns prior to tasting the Lake and Lodge Blend, seeing as it isn’t an “extra bold” K-Cup. It turns out my concerns were unfounded. While the Lake & Lodge blend is on the light-bodied side, the flavor doesn’t suffer at all. The flavors are light, subtle and refreshing. If you like light-bodied coffee, then this is the dark roast for you.
Showing posts with label Green Mountain Coffee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Mountain Coffee. Show all posts
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Barista Prima Italian Roast KCup
Keywords:
Barista Prima,
Coffee,
Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer: Barista Prima
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A
Today’s tasting is the Italian Roast KCup from Green Mountain’s new Barista Prima line of KCups. The Barista Prima KCups are all deep-roasted varieties, so these should be right up my alley. The Italian Roast comes off the brewer with a light tan crema and a decent amount of oil on top of the cup. It is deep mahogany in color. The nose has lots of smoky, roasted notes that remind me of a big roasted porter.
On the palate there is unsweetened chocolate up front that gives a pleasant bite. Walnuts and roasted nuts are here along with a fleeting hint of banana. There is a touch of fruity acidity that hints at cherries and provides a bit of counterbalance to the deep roast. The Barista Prima Italian Roast has a full body with a slightly coating mouthfeel. The finish has lingering bitter cocoa notes along with roasted nuts.
This is my first taste of the Barista Prima KCup line from Green Mountain, and I must say that I really like where this is going. The Barista Prima Italian Roast is rich, complex, and loaded with the deep roasted flavors that I love in my coffee. I’m looking forward to sampling more of the Barista Prima line based on what I see here.
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A
Today’s tasting is the Italian Roast KCup from Green Mountain’s new Barista Prima line of KCups. The Barista Prima KCups are all deep-roasted varieties, so these should be right up my alley. The Italian Roast comes off the brewer with a light tan crema and a decent amount of oil on top of the cup. It is deep mahogany in color. The nose has lots of smoky, roasted notes that remind me of a big roasted porter.
On the palate there is unsweetened chocolate up front that gives a pleasant bite. Walnuts and roasted nuts are here along with a fleeting hint of banana. There is a touch of fruity acidity that hints at cherries and provides a bit of counterbalance to the deep roast. The Barista Prima Italian Roast has a full body with a slightly coating mouthfeel. The finish has lingering bitter cocoa notes along with roasted nuts.
This is my first taste of the Barista Prima KCup line from Green Mountain, and I must say that I really like where this is going. The Barista Prima Italian Roast is rich, complex, and loaded with the deep roasted flavors that I love in my coffee. I’m looking forward to sampling more of the Barista Prima line based on what I see here.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Green Mountain Coffee Sumatran Reserve K-Cup
Keywords:
Coffee,
Green Mountain Coffee,
Sumatra
Manufacturer: Green Mountain Coffee
Location: Sumatra
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A+
In my cup today is the Sumatran Reserve K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. The Sumatran Reserve is an organic, fair-trade certified dark roast coffee. Off the brewer, the cup is ringed with a latte-colored froth and coated with a faint, swirling, oily sheen. The coffee brews up mahogany in color. The nose detects a delicate aroma of roasted nuts.
On the palate there is a roasted nuttiness similar to roasted almonds. The nuttiness is balanced with a hint of unsweetened cocoa. There is a touch of acidity with some berry undertones. The Sumatran Reserve is light-to-medium bodied, and has little oiliness or chewiness to speak of (especially for a dark roast). The finish has a faint lingering cocoa bitterness paired with roasted nuts and a hint of earthiness.
The Green Mountain Sumatran Reserve is a great balanced, complex coffee. The flavors are subtle, with no one characteristic overpowering the rest. This may not be the deepest-roasted coffee out there, but dark roast fan or not, you owe it to yourself to try this coffee. This is simply one of the best.
Location: Sumatra
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A+
In my cup today is the Sumatran Reserve K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. The Sumatran Reserve is an organic, fair-trade certified dark roast coffee. Off the brewer, the cup is ringed with a latte-colored froth and coated with a faint, swirling, oily sheen. The coffee brews up mahogany in color. The nose detects a delicate aroma of roasted nuts.
On the palate there is a roasted nuttiness similar to roasted almonds. The nuttiness is balanced with a hint of unsweetened cocoa. There is a touch of acidity with some berry undertones. The Sumatran Reserve is light-to-medium bodied, and has little oiliness or chewiness to speak of (especially for a dark roast). The finish has a faint lingering cocoa bitterness paired with roasted nuts and a hint of earthiness.
The Green Mountain Sumatran Reserve is a great balanced, complex coffee. The flavors are subtle, with no one characteristic overpowering the rest. This may not be the deepest-roasted coffee out there, but dark roast fan or not, you owe it to yourself to try this coffee. This is simply one of the best.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Green Mountain Naturals Hot Apple Cider K-Cup
Keywords:
Apple Cider,
Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer: Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A-
We have a bit of a novel beverage getting the Critical Tastings treatment today. Green Mountain Coffee has introduced a Hot Apple Cider K-Cup under their "Green Mountain Naturals" line. As soon as I got word of its release I ordered myself a box online, as I am a huge fan of hot cider this time of the year. The Hot Apple Cider K-Cup brews up a greenish-brown color. It is a bit lighter in color than real pressed cider, although not by much. The nose detects equal parts of apples and cinnamon. This cider smells very much like apple pie pulled hot from the oven.
On the palate there is a nice tart kick, which is balanced with brown sugar sweetness that is just sweet enough without being syrupy. The flavor of cinnamon is notable, but it sits nicely in the background. The body is thinner than a normal pressed cider would be, but it still works fine for a hot cider. The finish does have a bit of a lingering taste from the stevia that is added as a sweetener. As sweeteners go, I don't find stevia to have the chemical bitterness that other sweeteners (such as aspartame and saccharin) have so this isn't a big problem for me.
Green Mountain has really taken the K-Cup to a new place with their Hot Apple Cider, and it works amazingly well. While the K-Cup does have some limitations compared to real pressed cider, the few quibbling shortcomings are negligible when balanced with the fact that in less than 2 minutes I can have a hot mug of cider with no mess or prep work. The only way I can see this improved is if Green Mountain can find a way to make this work without needing to add an additional sweetener like stevia. The bottom line is if you like hot cider and you have a Keurig brewer, then you need to get the Hot Apple Cider K-Cup asap. It is that good.
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A-
We have a bit of a novel beverage getting the Critical Tastings treatment today. Green Mountain Coffee has introduced a Hot Apple Cider K-Cup under their "Green Mountain Naturals" line. As soon as I got word of its release I ordered myself a box online, as I am a huge fan of hot cider this time of the year. The Hot Apple Cider K-Cup brews up a greenish-brown color. It is a bit lighter in color than real pressed cider, although not by much. The nose detects equal parts of apples and cinnamon. This cider smells very much like apple pie pulled hot from the oven.
On the palate there is a nice tart kick, which is balanced with brown sugar sweetness that is just sweet enough without being syrupy. The flavor of cinnamon is notable, but it sits nicely in the background. The body is thinner than a normal pressed cider would be, but it still works fine for a hot cider. The finish does have a bit of a lingering taste from the stevia that is added as a sweetener. As sweeteners go, I don't find stevia to have the chemical bitterness that other sweeteners (such as aspartame and saccharin) have so this isn't a big problem for me.
Green Mountain has really taken the K-Cup to a new place with their Hot Apple Cider, and it works amazingly well. While the K-Cup does have some limitations compared to real pressed cider, the few quibbling shortcomings are negligible when balanced with the fact that in less than 2 minutes I can have a hot mug of cider with no mess or prep work. The only way I can see this improved is if Green Mountain can find a way to make this work without needing to add an additional sweetener like stevia. The bottom line is if you like hot cider and you have a Keurig brewer, then you need to get the Hot Apple Cider K-Cup asap. It is that good.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Green Mountain Coffee Donut House Extra Bold K-Cup
Keywords:
Coffee,
Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer: Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B
In my home state of Rhode Island there can be as many as a half dozen donut shops within any given square mile. While I'm sure they sell their fair share of donuts, most of the donut shops make their real business selling coffee. Green Mountain Coffee's Donut House line aims to provide the same easy-drinking cup of joe that seems to be mainlined by so many caffeine addicts.
The Donut House Extra Bold K-Cup brews up deep brown in color with just the faintest trace of oil on top of the cup. The nose is nutty with a hint of smoke. On the palate there is a light roasted flavor with some smokiness. There is a nuttiness with flavors of walnuts and roasted peanuts. A faint caramel note sits in the background as well. The Donut House Extra Bold has a fairly light body with no bitterness of note. The finish is led by more nutty flavors, and hangs around just long enough before a fairly quick fade.
The GMC Donut House Extra Bold K-Cup is a bit more mellow than I like my coffee. Having said that, it's has some nice flavor for a light roast coffee. If you're the type who likes extra cream and sugar in your java, the Donut House Extra Bold is a good choice. The flavor here will mesh well with the added sweetness while still holding up to milk/cream without getting watered down.
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B
In my home state of Rhode Island there can be as many as a half dozen donut shops within any given square mile. While I'm sure they sell their fair share of donuts, most of the donut shops make their real business selling coffee. Green Mountain Coffee's Donut House line aims to provide the same easy-drinking cup of joe that seems to be mainlined by so many caffeine addicts.
The Donut House Extra Bold K-Cup brews up deep brown in color with just the faintest trace of oil on top of the cup. The nose is nutty with a hint of smoke. On the palate there is a light roasted flavor with some smokiness. There is a nuttiness with flavors of walnuts and roasted peanuts. A faint caramel note sits in the background as well. The Donut House Extra Bold has a fairly light body with no bitterness of note. The finish is led by more nutty flavors, and hangs around just long enough before a fairly quick fade.
The GMC Donut House Extra Bold K-Cup is a bit more mellow than I like my coffee. Having said that, it's has some nice flavor for a light roast coffee. If you're the type who likes extra cream and sugar in your java, the Donut House Extra Bold is a good choice. The flavor here will mesh well with the added sweetness while still holding up to milk/cream without getting watered down.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Green Mountain Coffee Dark Magic K-Cup
Keywords:
Coffee,
Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer: Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B+
Today's tasting is the Dark Magic K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. True to its name, the Dark Magic brews up deep ebony in color with a light tan froth and a faint oily sheen on top. The nose detects deep roasted aromas, along with some nutty undertones.
On the palate there is a rich roasted, smoky flavor with notes of dark toast and roasted almonds. There is a fleeting bitterness reminiscent of bittersweet chocolate. The Dark Magic is medium bodied and quite smooth for such a dark roast. The finish has more roasted flavors and fades rather quickly.
The Green Mountain Dark Magic has a rich, roasted flavor that you expect from a dark roast coffee. What is unexpected is how smooth this coffee is. The Dark Magic is notably mild for such a dark roast. If you like your coffee flavorful without being bitter or overpowering, then the GMC Dark Magic is the coffee for you.
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B+
Today's tasting is the Dark Magic K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. True to its name, the Dark Magic brews up deep ebony in color with a light tan froth and a faint oily sheen on top. The nose detects deep roasted aromas, along with some nutty undertones.
On the palate there is a rich roasted, smoky flavor with notes of dark toast and roasted almonds. There is a fleeting bitterness reminiscent of bittersweet chocolate. The Dark Magic is medium bodied and quite smooth for such a dark roast. The finish has more roasted flavors and fades rather quickly.
The Green Mountain Dark Magic has a rich, roasted flavor that you expect from a dark roast coffee. What is unexpected is how smooth this coffee is. The Dark Magic is notably mild for such a dark roast. If you like your coffee flavorful without being bitter or overpowering, then the GMC Dark Magic is the coffee for you.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Green Mountain Coffee Espresso Blend K-Cup
Keywords:
Coffee,
Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer: Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A
Up next for review is the Espresso Blend K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. The Espresso Blend is a deep mahogany on color. Fresh off the brewer there is a nice mocha-colored "crema" and a very faint oily sheen on top of the cup. The nose picks up deep roasted aromas along with nuts and some spiciness.
On the palate there is a deep, rich, roasted flavor. The Espresso Blend has some pleasing mild bitter undertones and some oiliness that really fills out the full, almost chewy, mouthfeel. Nutty notes of hazelnuts and roasted almonds ate notable. There are also some hints of cinnamon and black pepper spice. The finish on the Green Mountain Espresso Blend may not be as long and full as a "true" espresso, but there are some great lingering roasted notes along with a nice bitter kick.
One of my biggest concerns when I decided to try out the K-Cup brewer was that without control of how much coffee goes into the brew it may not be as strong and rich as I like it. The GMC Espresso Blend K-Cup took that concern out back and put it out of its misery. This coffee has enough punch/flavor that I could happily make this my everyday coffee. But where I think this coffee really shines is as an after-dinner treat paired with a sweet dessert like a great dark chocolate. The Green Mountain Espresso blend is one coffee I will be sure to keep on hand at all times.
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A
Up next for review is the Espresso Blend K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. The Espresso Blend is a deep mahogany on color. Fresh off the brewer there is a nice mocha-colored "crema" and a very faint oily sheen on top of the cup. The nose picks up deep roasted aromas along with nuts and some spiciness.
On the palate there is a deep, rich, roasted flavor. The Espresso Blend has some pleasing mild bitter undertones and some oiliness that really fills out the full, almost chewy, mouthfeel. Nutty notes of hazelnuts and roasted almonds ate notable. There are also some hints of cinnamon and black pepper spice. The finish on the Green Mountain Espresso Blend may not be as long and full as a "true" espresso, but there are some great lingering roasted notes along with a nice bitter kick.
One of my biggest concerns when I decided to try out the K-Cup brewer was that without control of how much coffee goes into the brew it may not be as strong and rich as I like it. The GMC Espresso Blend K-Cup took that concern out back and put it out of its misery. This coffee has enough punch/flavor that I could happily make this my everyday coffee. But where I think this coffee really shines is as an after-dinner treat paired with a sweet dessert like a great dark chocolate. The Green Mountain Espresso blend is one coffee I will be sure to keep on hand at all times.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Green Mountain Coffee Double Black Diamond K-Cup
Keywords:
Coffee,
Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer: Green Mountain Coffee
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B+
We're starting off our coffee reviews with the Double Black Diamond K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. The Double Black Diamond brews up a deep brown color reminiscent of cola. Straight out of the brewer, there is a light white froth and a slight oily sheen on top. The nose detects roast peanuts and a faint smokiness.
On the palate there is some acidity that is on the light-to-moderate side, just enough to round out the flavor. Roasted notes as well as some nuttiness build with time. A mild bitter bite with some slight oiliness build up along with the roast. There are some nice earthy and smoky undertones that play a support role. The finish on the Double Black Diamond is a moderate length and has lingering roasted notes along with some smokiness.
We're starting off on the right foot with our coffee reviews here. As you'll soon see, I'm a big fan of dark roasted coffees with big flavor and the Double Black Diamond is right up my alley. The roasted flavors take center stage, with some nice supporting notes that really fill out the flavor.
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B+
We're starting off our coffee reviews with the Double Black Diamond K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. The Double Black Diamond brews up a deep brown color reminiscent of cola. Straight out of the brewer, there is a light white froth and a slight oily sheen on top. The nose detects roast peanuts and a faint smokiness.
On the palate there is some acidity that is on the light-to-moderate side, just enough to round out the flavor. Roasted notes as well as some nuttiness build with time. A mild bitter bite with some slight oiliness build up along with the roast. There are some nice earthy and smoky undertones that play a support role. The finish on the Double Black Diamond is a moderate length and has lingering roasted notes along with some smokiness.
We're starting off on the right foot with our coffee reviews here. As you'll soon see, I'm a big fan of dark roasted coffees with big flavor and the Double Black Diamond is right up my alley. The roasted flavors take center stage, with some nice supporting notes that really fill out the flavor.
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