HEB Café Ole Holiday Coffee
Holiday Blend
HEB’s Holiday Blend is described as “medium-bodied with a mild sweetness and smooth finish.” While that may tell some, it doesn’t even begin to describe how much complexity is in this brew. We took home a bag of the grounds, and brewed it in a French press, a moka pot, and in our drip machine. This coffee is medium to dark with a slightly smoky flavor and aroma. It has a touch of sugar sweetness and a subtle dark chocolate finish. It is a touch herby at the back of the palate, but not overwhelmingly. This is great as a black coffee, but makes a great base for an Egg Nog Latte and an even better Cafe au lait with egg nog (half coffee, half egg nog). Its smoky and subtly sweet flavors pair perfectly with the strong nutmeg and cream flavors of the egg nog.
Pan Dulce
Sweet breads are a big deal in South Texas, and we were eager to try the Pan Dulce seasonal blend, so we brought home a box of K-Cups, being unable to find it as plain grounds. Pan Dulce is described as “medium-bodied with sweet caramel syrup and custard flavors.” The custard tastes of creamy vanilla and is pleasantly forward. The caramel is especially noticeable in the aroma and complements the vanilla custard flavor. I also found this coffee to be a touch bready which balanced with the sweeter custard and cream flavors.
If you haven’t made it through the HEB coffee aisle lately, do so now and take home some of their seasonal blends before they disappear until next year! In addition to the Holiday Blend and Pan Dulce, you can also find Chocolate Cheer (for the chocolate lovers) and Christmas in a Cup.
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Mrs. Brew