K-Cup of the Moment: Peets Coffee and Tea - Big Bang

It's time again for another installment of your favorite internet read of the week -- K-Cup of the Moment.  My 7-month old is teething and waking up periodically throughout the night, which translates to give me coffee now .  If you recall, I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories: (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup. My K-Cup of the Moment is another dandy from Peet's Coffee and its called Big Bang.

Aroma:  7

Perhaps its that time of the year when my sinuses give me the middle finger, but the aromatics of Big Bang are not as noticeable as one of my favorite K-Cups that Peet's Coffee produces -- Major Dickason's Blend (see review here).  

Strength: 8

With a name like Big Bang you would expect your head to explode after having a few sips of this medium roast coffee; however, the caffeine jolt in this coffee is fairly normal for a medium roast coffee.  I always add a second cup to get that extra boost.

Taste: 9

Peet's knows how to make a delicious coffee and Big Bang is no exception.  This is a smooth roast that has a rich taste to it.  

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  10

The coffee is called Big Bang which instantly made me think of one of my favorite shows on TV -- The Big Bang Theory.  More importantly, Big Bang was crafted to celebrate Peet's 50th anniversary -- so you know its got to be good. Unfortunately for my co-workers, I am a terrible sharer and did not bring any for them to try.

Overall:  9

Another great coffee by another great coffee institution.  In honor of Peet's 50th anniversary, I am going to have 50 cups of coffee tomorrow.  

Coffee of the Moment - Kimera Koffee

Fellow coffee addicts - I am back with a new coffee post.  As you know (or maybe don't know) I like to use my Keurig machine to brew several fresh cups of coffee per day.  I also like to share my love of K-Cup coffee with you through my review of a K-Cup - THE K-Cup of the Moment.

If you recall each week I reviewed a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories: (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup. This post is different, however.  

This week I would like to share my experience with ground coffee that I brew in a travel French Press that I received via a "Man Crate" (which deserves its own post) which my wife purchased for me.  This week's Coffee of the Moment is Kimera Koffee. 

A little background is needed before we dive into any reviews.  Kimera Koffee isn't any ordinary cup-o-joe.  "Kimera is packed with premium-grade Nootropics, proven to help you increase focus, power output and cognition. Nootropics are powerful cognitive enhancers that improve some aspect of mental function. The Nootropics in Kimera Koffee are all-natural amino acids typically found in protein-rich foods but not always easy enough to get from diet alone."

After settling with regular coffee for several years, I needed a change of pace.  Additionally, I drink a cup of coffee before my workout in the morning.  If you take a gander at Kimera Koffee's website and social media posts, you will see pictures of athletes who also partake in a cup of Kimera Koffee before their workout (actual athletes -- not unathletic humans - like myself).  

Aroma:  9

Pop open a bag of Kimera Koffee and you are immediately greeted with the glorious scent of a deep rich coffee roast that will have you grinning from ear to ear.  

Strength: 10

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be a lion?  Well,  have a cup of Kimera Koffee and you'll see.  Check out my before and after photos after having my first cup of Kimera Koffee.  

In all seriousness from a workout performance standpoint,  I felt like I was able to push through cardio moves with more focus and intensity than I normally do with just a dark roast K-Cup.  

Taste:  10

I really enjoy the taste of Kimera Koffee -- especially in a French Press.  The coffee is very smooth and that rich coffee flavor that I really enjoy.   

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said Coffee:  10

Not a chance that I share this coffee with my co-workers.  Also, I do not want to be responsible for what happens if they try and do a back flip off of their desk chair to try and get to the printer.  

Despite not treating my office to heart palpitations and a transformative experience that will turn you into an animal from Jumanji,  I was very much intrigued by Kimera Koffee's approach to coffee and was not disappointed. 

Overall: 10

I am a big fan of floating above my body and therefore I am a big fan of Kimera Koffee.  I use it as a pre-workout drink and have found it very beneficial to my workout routine.  If you are looking for something a little different with natural ingredients to help increase focus and intensity - give Kimera Koffee a shot. 

K-Cup of the Moment: Death Wish

Coffee addicts rejoice -- It's K-Cup review time. One reader emailed me recently that reading these posts is the difference between having a K-Cup and an OK Cup. If you recall each week I reviewed a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories: (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup. I concluded each review with an Overall grade.  Because I'm unreliable piece of shit,  the posts may or may not be weekly anymore -- hence the change in the name of the post to K-Cup of the Moment.

Nonetheless I've been dying to review this one for you (pun).  This week's K-Cup (or Death Cup) is from Death Wish Coffee Co.  And it's called Death Wish.

Aroma: 10

When you pull open the bag containing the capsules of joy for the first time you get smacked with a wonderful aroma of a deep rich coffee roast.  The aroma continues once brewed as well.

Strength: 10

The coffee proclaims to be the strongest coffee in the world.  I've spoken to others that have had the coffee and they told me they experienced an added jolt to their day -- others felt that they were having extreme heart palpatations.  I felt an increased jolt as well.  I actually had two cups of Death Wish in one day.  It was neat having an out of body experience.

Taste: 9

This is an extra bold coffee.  It's called Death Wish.  Not sure if that was an indication of boldness.  Despite being extra bold, the coffee doesn't taste bitter at all -- and I drink my coffee black. 

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup: 10

Since death is often a wish of many employees of a law office - this K-Cup is a natural fit for a law firm.  From a packaging standpoint - this K-Cup really stands out.  It comes in a bag and the cups are environmentally friendly -- the coffee spares the environment but not the drinker.  

Overall: 9.5

I really enjoyed Death Wish.  It's to die for (if I lost a reader or two here I understand).  The coffee has a lot of the characteristics I look for in a great cup of joe. It's a little pricier than other K-Cups out on the market -- but worth a try. 

K-Cups of the Week: Starbucks Rift Valley & Laguna de Ayarza ('Single-Origin' Coffees)

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I conclude each review with an Overall grade.   Due to the lack of a K-Cup of the Week last week, I am throwing down two K-Cups this week.  They are both from Starbucks and are part of their 'Single-Origin' blend series:  Rift Valley (Rwanda) and Laguna de Ayarza (Guatemala).  

Aroma:  Rift Valley (8); Laguna de Ayarza (8)

I find that each time I walk into a Starbucks (excluding "We Proudly Brew" locations), I am greeted by a consistent and familiar coffee scent -- one that is different from that of Dunkin' Donuts or other coffee roasters.  It's the smell of a deep coffee roast mixed with hardworking Apple electronic products.  Somehow, even hailing from single-origins, these coffees emanate that same familiar Starbucks scent that keeps me coming back for more coffee.  

Strength:  Rift Valley (8); Laguna de Ayarza (8)

Starbucks characterizes both K-Cups as a "Medium" roast profile -- one that is "balanced, smooth & rich."  I find that Starbucks blends give me the proper surge I am looking for in a coffee.  These coffees are no exception.  

Taste:  Rift Valley (7); Laguna de Ayarza (8)

Starbucks explains on its packaging that "[s]ingle origin coffee gets many of its distinguishing characteristics from the terroir- the soil, climate, and elevation particular to where its cultivated.  And like fine wines, the resulting flavor is unique to its origin, with a taste all its own."  I have never been to Rwanda or Guatemala.  I am not sure what the soil tastes like there. However, I did find the Laguna de Ayarza cup to be a bit smoother than the Rift Valley.  The Rift Valley K-Cup had more of a cocoa flavor, than the Laguna de Ayarza -- which is not a bad thing necessarily.  I just prefer a more pure coffee taste -- which is what I got from the Laguna de Ayarza.

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  Rift Valley (10); Laguna de Ayarza (10)

Starbucks.  Single-Origin.  Rwanda.  Guatemala.  Enough said.  

Overall:  Rift Valley (8); Laguna de Ayarza (9)

I really enjoyed drinking both K-Cups.  Starbucks already produces one of my favorite go-to K-Cups in Pike Place.   I put the taste of these K-Cups on par with Pike Place. However, these single-origin K-Cups are going to run you  a few extra bucks.  If you find them on sale (like I did at Publix), I recommend you give them a shot.  

K-Cup of the Week: Caribou Blend

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I conclude each review with an Overall grade.   This week Caribou Coffee's Caribou Blend. 

Aroma:  6

As you know, I have been smelling a variety of K-Cups as of late.  It may just be that my sense of smell is dwindling, however, Caribou Blend does not have the powerful aroma that other K-Cups I have reviewed permeate. 

Strength:  6

 This is an easy going medium roast coffee.  If you are looking to take your day next-level, I suggest drinking another K-Cup.  I usually give this K-Cup to clients when they eagerly ask for a cup of coffee so they feel they are getting "value" out of their visit to our office.   Some attorneys may prefer to meet with their clients while they are having an "out of body experience" due to a cup of Black Tiger.

Taste:  7

I enjoy the taste of Caribou Blend.  The coffee is smooth, without an aftertaste that some bolder coffees produce.  

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  8

I like buying K-Cups from coffee retailers that I am unable to frequent regularly (i.e., Peet's Coffee and Tea).  Caribou Coffee is no exception.  

Overall:  7

Although I am a fan of bolder coffees, I like Caribou Blend.  If you are looking for an easy drinking coffee, or if you need a good "regular" cup of coffee the office, I recommend Caribou Blend. 

K-Cup of the Week: Lavazza Classico

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade. This week I review a blend from Italian coffee institution, Lavazza:  Classico.

Aroma:  9

Classico's richness permeates nicely into the office air (which generally smells like the elderly and paper).  If you happen to spill some Classico on yourself, have no fear, this roast doubles as a nice perfume. 

Strength:  7

Classico is a medium roast, which generally translates to a medium strength coffee.  If you are looking for a caffeine jolt, you may want to try something stronger (a la Black Tiger).  

Taste:  8

I really enjoy the richness of Classico.  The taste brings me back to the good ol' days of brewing an entire pot of coffee for myself.  

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  8

Anytime I see the word "New" slapped on a K-Cup box, I am immediately intrigued.  The newness coupled with the international flavor forced this purchase.

Overall:  8

Classico is an excellent daily coffee, especially on a weekend morning.  

K-Cup of the Week: Major Dickason's Blend

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade. This week I review a blend from west coast institution, Peet's Coffee and Tea:  Major Dickason's Blend.

Aroma:  9

Let me first start off by saying, why Peet?!  Why no stores in South Florida?!  I love flying to the West Coast and stopping off at a Peet's Coffee and Tea location.  I love the coffee and the smell really draws you in.  Dropping a K-Cup into your Keurig (although not nearly the same experience as being at the store) provides the similar aromatics of a rich coffee roast.  

Strength:  8

If you have read my earlier K-Cup of the Week entries, you know that I like my coffee strong (See Black Tiger and revv®).  For example, I had two Black Tigers yesterday morning and thought I transformed into a samurai ninja.  Peet's is strong, but not as strong as the tiger herself or revv® -- which may be a good thing -- for society. 

Taste:  10

I salute you Major Dickason.  You are smooth and consistently one of the best tasting K-Cups I have ever had.  Thank you, sir. 

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  10

First, its Peet's Coffee and Tea.  Second, the blend was named after loyal customer Key Dickason.  The Major himself walked up to the original Peet's and brought his own blend to the store.  Mr. Peet "tinkered" with the blend and there you have it, the Major's blend was born.  A great story; a great coffee.       

Overall:  10

If you are looking for a reliable, great tasting dark roast, look no further, than Major Dickason's Blend from Peet's Coffee and Tea.  

Weekend Things (06.21.15)

After you are finished slamming your head on your desk repeatedly because you've realized the weekend is over, take a moment to pull it together and read a recap of some things from this weekend.

I Ate This Thing:  Fat Rooster

Do you like chicken tenders on a biscuit topped with an apple pepper jelly?  Or how about chicken tenders placed on top of sweet potato waffles with peanut and benne seed slaw and a side of whiskey watermelon? Do you like breakfast hashes, made with sweet potatoes topped with scrammed eggs, avocado, and veggies?  If you said yes to any of those questions, you need to take a stroll over to Fat Rooster in Delray Beach.   The "Hen Loving Waffle" (described above)  recently won best chicken sandwich in America by Restaurant Hospitality.  

 

I Watched This Thing:  Jurassic World

The fourth installment in the Jurassic franchise (yes, fourth) starring Chris Pratt, depicts a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park.  In order to drum up interest in the park after steady decline in visitors, scientists at the park genetically engineer a dinosaur, which, I'm sure you know, doesn't go so well.  The movie was entertaining, but, in my opinion, doesn't come close to the original.  I saw the movie in 3D and IMAX and recommend you do the same.  

I Drank This Thing:  Homefront IPA

Hops for Heros was created in 2011 by craft breweries with one goal in mind:  Support our men and women of the armed forces.  The result:  Homefront IPA.  A 6.2% ABV india pale ale aged on donated Louisville Slugger maple bats, brewed with donated hops and grains, then packaged in donated cans.  The beer is brewed at Cigar City Brewing in Tampa.  Proceeds from the 2015 release of Homefront IPA will beneft Soldiers' Angels, an organization whose mission is to ensure that "No soldier goes unloved."

K-Cup of the Week: revv® Coffee

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade.  This week I go flying with revv® Coffee from Green Mountain Coffee.  

Aroma:  7

With a name like revv®, you would probably expect to smell motor oil seeping from your Keurig machine.  Nay.  You smell a fresh cup of coffee that is going to have you doing bicycle kicks throughout your office in no time.

Strength:  10

The coffee is called  revv®.  Green Mountain Coffee has its own website for revv®coffee which describes the coffee as a "high-performance brew with smooth balance and high-octane attitude."  I agree.  Drink one of these on Monday morning, you'll think its Friday.  

Taste:  8

I like my coffee bold; extra bold for that matter.  For what I consider to be an extra bold coffee, the taste is smooth.  I drink my coffee black, so if you like adding a tub of cream to your coffee, I'm sure the taste will be even smoother.    

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  10

Green Mountain really grabbed my attention (which is quite limited) with  revv®.  I was looking for a coffee that said "You are going to dominate today, Josh," so I purchased  revv®.         

Overall:  8

If strength is what you are looking for, look no further than  revv®.  If you are looking for something a little lighter, you may want to look elsewhere.  If you are looking for decaf, hide from revv®. 

Weekend Things

After you are finished slamming your head on your desk repeatedly because you've realized the weekend is over, take a moment to pull it together and read a recap of some things from this weekend.  For more info on any of the things below, click on the photos.

Do this Thing:  Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Hear This Thing:  A Thousand Horses, Southernality 

Drink This Thing:  Rebirth Pale Ale, NOLA Brewing Company

Thank you Gothenburg. That was amazing. pic.twitter.com/BXvuxIfVEv

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) June 12, 2015

I Did This Thing:  Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, Sushi & Stroll

Situated among gated communities, nursing homes, and a popular shopping mall, lies the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens -- 16 acres of beautiful gardens and a museum featuring collections which include 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, including a 500-piece collection of tea ceremony items, more than 200 textile pieces and fine art acquisitions.  Once a month throughout the summer, the gardens are open to visitors in the early evening for "Sushi & Stroll."  I went next level for my stroll, enjoying a Sapporo, Saki, Dumplings, Sushi and a Stroll.  

I Heard This Thing:  A Thousand Horses, Southernality

Country music has seen a recent infusion of new influences such as rock, pop, R&B, and reggae.  A Thousand Horses (Nashville, TN) brings a twist of classic rock, blues, and country to their recent release, Southernality (Republic Nashville).  I recently saw these guys put on a great show, opening for Darius Rucker (whom for some reason still needs to be referred to as "Hootie" from Hootie and the Blowfish).   If you are a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, and/or Black Crowes, I recommend giving this album a listen.  Favorite tracks:  Travelin' Man and Landslide.

I Drank This Thing:  Rebirth Pale Ale, NOLA Brewing Company

NOLA Brewing Company (New Orleans, LA) brews this American-style Pale Ale using Citra and Simcoe hops (among others).  At 5% ABV, this beer offers a nice balance of hops and citrus, making it an ideal beverage on a hot South Florida afternoon (morning and/or evening for that matter).  A portion of the profits from Rebirth goes to The Roots of Music, an organization "empowering New Orleans youth while preserving musical heritage."  Cheers.

I Read This Thing:  Dave Grohl breaks leg after falling off stage in Sweden, finishes concert anyway (by Alex Young, Consequence of Sound)

Dave Grohl, the leader one of my favorite bands of all-time, Foo Fighters, took a spill on Friday night at the band's show in Gothenburg, Sweden. Based on video taken from the show, it appears Grohl tripped over himself and tumbled off the stage as he was attempting to do one of his infamous run/leaps to another part of the stage.  Like the living legend he is, Grohl, after receiving medical attention, returned to the stage to finish the show.  While Grohl was seeking medical attention, drummer, Taylor Hawkins led the rest of the band in cover songs until Grohl returned to finish the set. Apparently, the band has already cancelled two shows on its tour as a result of Grohl's injury. This video shows Grohl singing the band's hit song, My Hero, on one leg.  In the video, Grohl hilariously recounts what happened behind the scenes while he was receiving medical attention.  Note:  The video contains language that may be unsuitable for some readers.  

K-Cup of the Week: Dunkin Donuts Original Blend

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade. This week I tackle a legend in the coffee business:  Dunkin Donuts and their Original Blend K-Cup.  

Aroma:  7

Each time I drop a "DD" Original Blend K-Cup in my Keurig and the coffee starts dripping into my cup, I am transported to a Dunkin Donuts store.  Unfortunately, there are no donuts waiting for me when my coffee is done brewing.  The DD K-Cup gives off that fresh coffee pot scent that is familiar when you stroll into a Dunkin Donuts.  Best part: You are the first customer in line every time.  No waiting behind Mr./Mrs. Over-the-Top catering order for the office! 

Strength:  6

Dunkin Donuts' Original Blend isn't the strongest coffee out there.  If you want to hover over your own body, you should try  Black Tiger or even DD's very own Dark Roast.  

Taste:  10

I love overhearing others get involved in the  Starbucks vs. Dunkin Donuts debate (and yes, I used "vs." instead of just "v."  This is Anything But Law.  If you want to see a "v." go read a casebook). This is a K-Cup review, so I won't go there.   All I know is that this is a delicious cup of coffee.  I drink my coffee black, not with a scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream like I've witnessed others do at 7:30 am. I find the taste to be very rich and smooth.

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  7

This is a tough category to grade for this particular K-Cup.  It's Dunkin Donuts!  They don't need to have the face of a tiger on their K-Cup (or do they).  I wouldn't mind seeing Michael Vale on a K-Cup reminding me that it's "Time to Make the Coffee."

Overall:  9

This is a true go-to K-Cup.  Until recently, these K-Cups were only available at Dunkin Donuts.  However,  I recently purchased a pack of K-Cups at my local Publix.  I will say that the K-Cups purchased at Dunkin Donuts taste better than the K-Cups I purchased at Publix.  

K-Cup of the Week: Black Tiger

If you read my first blog post, you already know that I drink a ridiculous amount of coffee.   Each week I review a new delicious K-cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade.  This week -- Coffee People's Black Tiger. 

Aroma:  6

Black Tiger is not an aromatic coffee -- at least not to the point of making others in the office think they are in a coffee shop.  

 Strength:  9

This kitty purrs.  Black Tiger is an "extra bold" blend that will make you believe you are ready to out run a tiger.  As Dr. Seuss once said, "one cup, and your up."

Taste:  8

The Black Tiger sure does have a bite.  I drink my coffee black, like the tiger herself.  Therefore, the taste is likely stronger than when it is diluted with a gallon of milk (as many so-called coffee drinkers prefer to drink their coffee).  

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup: 9

With a name like Black Tiger, you know the coffee has to be good.  My only question is why the tiger looks like a typical tiger, and not an actual black tiger. 

Overall:  9

This is one of my go-to K-cups.  If you need a real pick-me-up, try Black Tiger.  

K-Cup of the Week: Dark Magic

I drink a ridiculous amount of coffee.  In fact, I like to have just enough coffee where I begin to levitate above my own body. 

Each week I plan on showcasing a K-Cup that helps me achieve this goal.  This week, Green Mountain Coffee’s Dark Magic.

I will review the delicious cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade.  

Aroma:  8

Dark Magic doesn’t quite sting the nostrils, but the office will know you are drinking some Joe.

Strength:  8

I usually drink 2 cups of coffee at the office.  After the second cup of Dark Magic (20 ounces deep), I begin to levitate. This is a bold coffee.  Amazon's tasting notes provide that Dark Magic has "Spellbinding complexity.  Deep, dark and intense."

Taste:  7

Not bitter, but not the smoothest coffee I have ever tasted.

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  6

It's hard not to be intrigued by a beverage called Dark Magic.  Anything magical at the office is a must try in my opinion.

Overall: 8

If you are looking for a reliable, bold coffee for your Keurig morning routine, give Dark Magic a try. 

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