San Jacinto - Alamo Coffee Co. Review
During the winter months we enjoyed two blends from Alamo Coffee that had strong dark flavors we love in our cold weather brews. As the summer heat rolled in, we wanted to try their light roast - San Jacinto - which they describe as having flavors of lemon, pecan praline, and milk chocolate. Our hope was that the praline and chocolate flavors we have enjoyed in the past would be heightened and lightened by the lemon in order to beat the heat.
We brewed the San Jacinto to our usual specs in the French press: 50g, medium fine grind, 32 oz of water at ~200°. It produced a very active bloom because of the freshness of the beans, which were delivered less than a week after they had been roasted. This quick turn around from roaster to cup ensures the freshness and high-quality coffee we have come to expect from Alamo Coffee.
The San Jacinto has a deep and strong aroma, more attuned to what I expect with darker roasts. But that deep dark aroma didn’t carry into the brew itself. While not overwhelming or bitter, the delivery of the light and citrusy lemon brought a bright and refreshing flavor that was complemented by caramel and chocolate sweetness to make it a smooth drinker.
We also made the San Jacinto as a cold brew by steeping our usual measurements (but with cold water) for twelve hours. It was less acidic while still carrying the lemony brightness. It had the same dark depth to the aroma and a bold coffee flavor, which makes it easily adaptable to your preferences as a cold brew. This is the perfect coffee for a summer cold brew if you like to add a little creamer, extra sweetener, or drink it black.
If you are in need of a bold, balanced, and flavorful brew versatile enough for hot or cold drinking, look to the San Jacinto. The lemon paired with praline and chocolate allows it to serve both brew methods with ease by offering a bright acidity (without being hard on a stomach) that is smoothed by the sweet praline and chocolate notes. Although not a typical combination, Alamo Coffee pulled off the perfect balance of these flavors.
Health Note: Lately when I have looked for other light roasts, I am often affected by the acidity of the roast. (Light roasts carry more of the natural acids in the coffee beans because they are roasted for a shorter period of time.) I did not experience negative side effects while drinking the San Jacinto light roast. If you typically enjoy lighter flavors in your coffee like lemon and citrus but are affected by the increased acidity, try the San Jacinto blend and see if it works for you!
Lastly, if you find yourself in Lampasas or Round Rock, Texas, stop into the Alamo Coffee facilities and try their coffee in house!
Cheers,
Mrs. Brew
Check out other brews from Alamo Coffee Company