Christmas Blend - Fire Dept. Coffee Review
Christmas is the time of year when families come together, gentle snow blankets the earth, and a chill sets in, drawing us inside and closer to our coffee cups. It is also a time of year when unique flavors shine and stand center stage.
Many coffee companies roast a special Christmas themed coffee, but few are able to capture what we in the Brew household are looking for: strong flavor, dark notes, and drinkability. We want a cup of coffee that warms us from the inside out and can stand up to an entire month of brewing enjoyment.
This year, we looked forward to brewing Fire Department Coffee’s seasonal Christmas Blend. We expected tasting notes of sweet spices and winter berries, based on the company’s description.
Brewed in the French press to our usual specs - 32 oz of 200-202℉ water, 50 g medium-fine grind (we accidentally ordered ground, but it all worked out), and a steep time of 3-5 minutes - we notice a moderately active bloom and an immediate release of the dark notes we were looking for.
Christmas Blend definitely has a strong berry aroma; it isn’t overly tart, but fares more on the herby side. It is matched with notes of dark chocolate and the slightest hint of smoke. These three aromas transfer to the flavor and hold up until the very end. I found the berry to take on a blackberry, nearly plum-like, quality with a strong earthy and herbal flavor. The dark chocolate is not overly bitter, but does balance with the brighter berry notes, and is pleasantly creamy.
I don’t personally get much for the sweet spices as my palate was dominated by the berry and chocolate flavors. I will also note that when hot, I don’t find the berry flavor to be acidic, but when it cools too much the berry takes on a brightness that overpowers the other flavors. So, drink it hot, it is winter after all!
When you purchase the Christmas Blend, you are contributing to a fund for sick and injured first responders. So if you want to add a little charity to your Christmas cheer, look to Fire Dept. Coffee (who donates to charity with every bag sold), and brew on.
Cheers,
Mrs. Brew