It is always nice to try something new. So on our most recent visit to Gloria Jean’s we asked the barrista to recommend something new for us to taste. She handed us cups of coffee that she called Hawaiian Gold.
It was served hot and black. The aroma was very subtle, rather flowery. Taking a sip, it wasn’t very strong but had a bit of a bitter taste to it. This blend is rated to have a medium body and medium acidity.
As an experiment we mixed in some sugar. Surprisingly the addition of a sweetener changed the taste of this coffee to more of that of tea. With eyes closed, it would be very easy to mistake it for tea especially since the aroma is so light.
With the bitter taste that hits the tongue the first time you sip, you tend to expect a bitter after taste. The good news is it doesn’t have one. This coffee went down smoothly and just got better the more you sipped.
It really is best to drink it while it is still hot. This is not a coffee to linger over as the bitter taste becomes more intense as the coffee cools. This is a cup that is meant to warm the drinker. This is probably one that would be enjoyed by those who are in a rush and just need that quick jolt of caffeine and a bit of warmth.
A most interesting cup, and one that must be tried at least once. It has so many contrasts, it is surely an experience.
Originally posted on June 19, 2006 @ 8:59 pm