THE OVER-ROAST

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."

~ Martin Luther King, Jr. ~

My most recent batch of Poker Face was unusual.  It lacked the fruits, the brown spices, the milk chocolate, and the creamy body that make it a one of a kind espresso.  Logan and Jason confirmed it, as well as some savvy customers,who described the taste as "woody" and "bitter" and "thin."  I picked up the phone and called Jaime, immediately, who arrived at the shop two hours later.  That night I received the following email from him:  "The cardenas tastes dark.  It is dominating the Kiandu.  An easy fix to give it a little more gas and I will keep a strong watch on it in the next few batches.  With the cold air and pre the recent ventilation cleaning, some of the roasts were a little slower making them more mid tone and darker in profile.  It's tough because the times look fine but the tastes show a different story.  Anytime you have changes like that let me know, it's the only real control I have to adjust with because it doesn't often show up on day zero."  

The point of this post is not to embarrass anyone, but rather to applaud the passion, integrity, and self-reflection demonstrated in a challenging and inconvenient moment.  Furthermore, the willingness to swap out these beans with a new batch, gratis.  This is the kind of relationship and level of communication every cafe owner would be lucky to have with their roaster.  

On another note, we are racking up votes for "Best Coffee Shop" in the 2009 edition of the Newton Tab.  The last day ballots will be accepted is February 11, 2009.  So cast your vote right now by visiting the web at: www.wickedlocalfavorites.com!     

Nikolas Krankl, January 27, 2009

*************************************************************