Untold Coffee - Coffee Club - Box 2

Phoar, look at me go, blogging a few times a month??? So unheard of!!! 


If you missed my previous post about box number 1 from the Untold Coffee Club Box, click here to give that a cheeky read before reading number 2





Much like the first box, I've kept it consistant with 16.5g of coffee and 245ml of water. With the same timings of 1.45 minute brew with a 30 second bloom and a 30 second plunge 






Bunaberry





Avon, Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Process - Washed
Flavour Notes - Maple Syrup, Summer Berries

Dry Bean Aromas - Syrupy and sweet fruits

A delicious Guatemalan with such a syrupy flavour, it was super fruity, light and sweet and perfect to brew with any ratio (and super yummy in a cold brew!!) 





Girls Who Grind Coffee





(I think were going to have to accept the fact that in every post, I will forget to take at least ONE photo, sorry!!!)

Kenya AA Microlot 
Gichuna, Kiambu
Varietal - SL28, SL34, Ruiru I I, Batain
Process - Washed
Flavour Notes - Raspberry Wine Gums 

Dry Bean Aromas - Sweet Spices

This Kenyan is super good, super light, super fruity, you can definitely taste berries. I actually finished this 100g bag in 2 days which proves how yummy it is.  


Carmo De Minas, Brazil



Varietal - Yellow Bourbon
Process - Natural
Flavour Notes - Apricot, Almond Brittle

Dry Bean Aromas - Nutty

This Brazilian is super yummy, super fruity and nutty, deliciously smooth as both a filter coffee and espresso (which was had at Bestival last month) 



Untold Coffee



Marica Maria Sarto
Sul De Minas, Brazil
Varietal - Topazio
Process - Natural
Flavour Notes - Stewed Plum, Almond, Milk Chocolate

Dry Bean Aromas - Chocolatey

So fruity and chocolate-y, this Brazilian is a perfect afternoon pick me up, it's super smooth, and also amazing as espresso!!! 




Fresh Drip 



In the box, was 2 fresh drip packets, one Brazilian, and one Ethiopian. 
I was so, so, so intregued by these that they were the first things I tried from the box. 

Now don't shout through your computers (or phone lets be real) I didn't write any notes on these, they were good, don't get me wrong, but I really struggled to distinguish any specific flavour notes on these. I'm sure they have them, but it was early morning, I needed coffee and then I just got too side tracked by how amazing the invention of these are to even sit down and write things down about the flavour




















Both tasted quite light, I opted for the Ethiopian and gave my boyfriend the Brazilian blend. 
I was amazed at how these little contraptions work, like actual genius invention.

They basically just unfold and magically (yes magically) hook over whatever cup you're using, and pour some water over, let it bloom, pour some more water, and boom, done. Amazing. 
Hats off to the creator, because DAMN these need to be everywhere!!!









Look out for box number 3, coming out shortly!!! 


With every box I will have one invite code into the secret coffee club box, if you want in, drop me a message on instagram (@jassgoodman) for a special invite code













If you want to help me keep doing what I do, you can donate me a "coffee" here



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Teas I Am Loving At The Moment

Every now and then on The Coffee Life, I like to mix up the coffee posts with some tea post. Today is one of those days.

Like most people, before even trying coffee, I was a big tea drinker. Specifically herbal teas.
I was a big tea enthusiast and would spend a big majority of my money on new teas (most which I am still trying to get through to this day. Expiration dates mean nothing right? 



So today I thought as a side step from coffee's, I'd do a little post about the tea's I am loving at the moment.






I have been loving a whole variety of teas, including the newest addition of Twinings cold infuse (more on those later) 




We'll start with Pukka, just because it's the brand I have been absolutely loving this entire year, and I cant get enough of.

Night Time - pretty self explanatory, I don't drink "night" teas every night, but when I feel a bit anxious or a bit crappy, I stick my essential oil difuser on and sit and have a calming cup of tea. I'm a big self care is never selfish kind of person.


Wild Apple and Cinnamon - the newest addition to my tea collection and a big favourite, the apple gives it a real sweetness which hits the sweet tooth hard, curbs some (SOME, come on let's be honest, I'd demolish a chocolate bar if it was put next to a cup of tea) cravings for junk food, but delicious and got to be healthy right?


Liquorice and Cinnamon - hear me out on this one, I discovered this tea last year at the Eden Project at a Pukka Tea Tasting session. I was certain that I would hate this tea because I hate, hate (hate) liquorice, BUT oh my, if you asked me what the best tea I've had, it would be this. Without a shadow of a doubt. The liquorice and cinnamon combined gives it such a unique sweetness, YUM




Whittard

Dream Time - A really nice alternative to Pukka's night time, I originally had the "instant tea" version of this, but on discovery that like 80% of it is sugar, I opted for the more sugar friendly version. It's such a soothing tea, and instantly makes you feel sleepy (just me maybe)



Good and Proper 

Hibiscus - This tea has actually featured on this blog before (here) you can read my more in depth review on it, through that link. But yes, this is still a very big favourite of mine, and such a beautifully coloured tea!! 


Bluebird Tea Company

Earl Grey with freeze dried strawberrys and papaya - I am a big earl grey drinker, and I was kindly gifted this tea, it's strong and over brews really quickly, but makes a gorgeous fruity cup of earl grey (the best kind) It's a really nice twist on a basic earl grey (as you know some times it just tastes very same-y) 



Twinings

Cold Infuse, Strawberry, Watermelon and Mint - Phoar, well where do I start with these? 
I first tried them at London Coffee Festival, and after speaking to one of the Twinings employees for about 10 minutes, she proceeded to shove loads of samples of all the flavours into my bag (hey, who's complaining? I'm definitely not) I got to try three of the six flavours they offer, and my favourite was definitely this one, its so fruity and refreshing. It's great if you don't really fancy water but you know you have to keep hydrated (anyone else?) but damn, if you haven't tried these yet, you're missing out.









If you want to help me keep doing what I do, you can donate me a "coffee" here




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CBD Cold Brew

The newest trend that seems to be everywhere at the moment, is CBD oil, in pretty much everything.
I wasn't even aware it was a huge thing, before I saw pretty much everyone posting about it on Instagram and Facebook.

I jumped on the bandwagon (obviously) and tried out High Tides CBD Cold Brew, and instantly new that I had to go out and buy some CBD oil to try and make my own, after a few unsuccessful takes, and just ending up giving up for a few days, it finally worked the way I wanted it too.






CBD Cold Brew became popular because of the fact that coffee can give you that "high", and CBD responds with a "low" giving it the perfect balance to have as a drink, it minimises anxiety that a lot of people get with drinking a lot of caffeine.




To make your cold brew coffee, you want to get some super yummy single origin coffee (it doesn't have to be single origin, but it'll come out a lot smoother)

I ended up using Brazil, Recanto from Horsham Coffee Roasters which I received in box number 1 of Untold Coffee's Coffee Club, read that post here

To make the cold brew, you typically want to use anywhere between 50-65g of coffee to 500ml, and 60-100g of coffee for every litre. I ended up using my litre cold brewer, and went with about 95g of coffee.

I also let it brew for 16 hours, a lot longer than I'd usually let it brew for just normal cold brew (lets pretend I didn't forget about it in the fridge) 



Once you've brewed your cold brew, you want to add the CBD oil, the typical recommendation for the amount of CBD oil a day is around 10 drops, but because this is a whole litre of cold brew, I did about 25 drops, which averages at about 6.25 drops per 250ml.





If you're still not convinced by CBD oil, here are a few amazing benefits:


- It can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, CBD has the ability to act on the brains receptors for serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates mood and the social behaviour.

- Lowers inflammation, and decreases chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid system (ECS), reducing inflammation and interacting with the bodies neurotransmittors.

- Reduces stress, a 2010 study shows that CBD oil acts as an antioxidant and has neuroprotective qualities. So CBD oil can reduce neurological damage caused by free radicals (stress)

- It has antipsychotic effects. Studies have suggested that CBD oil may help people with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia by reducing the psychotic symptoms.

- Anti-tumour effects. CBD has demonstrated anti-tumour effects, and has been shown to prevent the spread of certain cancers.



Also like most things in life, it can come with a few side effects if you've taken too much or it's your first time trying the oil:

- Nausea

- Dry Mouth

- Vomiting

- Bloating 





Mixed with coffee, CBD has some more amazing effects, as CBD is a non psychoactive oil, it can put the balance between the "high" from coffee, making it a perfect pre and post workout drink.

- It boosts stamina (also perfect for workouts) 

- It helps lower anxiety

- It's a natural energy boost

- Helps pain relief

- Helps with stress levels

- Improves natural appetite control

- Boosts immune system

- Powerful antioxidant 



What do you think of CBD? Have you tried it? Will you? 
Is this just another phase in the health world? 

Let me know your thoughts!










If you want to help me keep doing what I do, you can donate me a "coffee" here




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Untold Coffee - Coffee Club - Box 1


It's no secret, that I could ever turn down an invite only coffee subscription box,
so James being as clever as he is created a monthly box, completely invite only, and I felt great that I was one of the lucky ones he asked.
(we're also going to ignore the fact that this blog post is over a month late at this point)


Being the first box, I wasn't sure what to expect, but oh my, I was definitely not disappointed.

This lovely box included 6 (yes 6!!!!) coffees, 3 100g bags, and 3 200g bags.



To keep it relatively easy, I ended up using the same recipes for all coffees the first time round, all using the Aeropress. 

I used 16.5g of coffee to 245ml of water, all brewed for 1.45 minutes with a 30 second bloom and a 30 second plunge.




Horsham Coffee Roasters





Brazil Recanto 
Region - Chapadoa de Ferro, Brazil
Varietal - yellow Catuai 
Process - natural 
Flavour Notes - Ameretto, Fudge, Dates 

Dry bean aroma - sweet cacoa 

This Brazilian had really sweet aromas when brewed, and tasted real sweet and syrup-like, it was super smooth and had a really light mouthfeel.




Los Nogales el Robles, El Salvador
Varietal - Boubon Pacas Hybrid
Process - natural 
Flavour Notes - blueberries, Parma violets, fig 

Dry bean aroma - fresh berries 

I'm very new to El Salvador coffees, but mmm this one was good, it had a really strong flavour of dark fruits, a real full bodied coffee with a smooth and crisp finish. 



Bunaberry 


(the only one I didn't take a photo of apparently)

Ethiopia Adado, Yirgacheffe 
Varietal - Ethiopian Heirloom 
Process - fully washed 
Flavour Notes - apricots and peaches 

Dry bean aroma - fruity, like stone fruit

I love me some Yirgacheffe, and this coffee didn't disappoint, all I wrote down for the notes was "fruity af" so that's an indication that I enjoyed it too much to even try and make more notes on it.


Untold Coffee 




Jack in the box 
Timana, Huila, Colombia 
Varietal - mix of Colombian varieties 
Process - sugar cane decaffeination 
Flavour Notes - caramel and sweet spices 

I first tried this one at Bestival when I was on a caffeine ban (that went really well fyi) so I was playing around with recipes a lot, but oh my, this decaf was LUSH... It was so smooth, light and syrupy with a gorgeous crisp finish, and sweet spice aftertaste. 





Love potion 
40% Costa Rica
40% Honduras 
20% Kenya 
Flavour Notes - cacoa and berry muesli 

Dry bean aroma - sharp, chocolatey 

I was unsure if this would work as a filter coffee due to it being a blend, but surprisingly it worked so well that I've now finished the entire bag in less than 3 days. It was so chocolatey, with a smooth finish and a dark chocolate after taste. 







Tutti Frutti Smoothie 
Bwishaza, western Rwanda
Varietal - Red Bourbon 
Process - thick natural 
Flavour Notes - blackcurrants, cherry, strawberry 

Dry bean aroma - fresh berries 

This one again, was one I wrote "fruity af" on the notes, but this coffee literally had no acidity to it. It was so so sweet and syrupy, I could literally drink it like water, which could get slightly dangerous, but you know, isn't that just any Barista's way of living??? 
It had a super light mouthfeel to it, and was super smooth. 






Seeing as I'm so late for this blog post to publish ... Look out for box number 2's blog post to be out in the next few days (oops, yay time keeping) 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and hopefully I won't be so crappy at actually publishing posts once again (yes that's the fifth time I've said that...) 












If you want to help me keep doing what I do, you can donate me a "coffee" here




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