I got a "wine-like aftertaste" today using my small (one cup) French press and two ounces of coarsely-ground beans.
When I purchased this coffee at Phoenix Coffee on Lee Road last Wednesday (1/16/08), the tall, lanky fellow behind the counter made it sound like this coffee might be a life-changing experience for me. I know some about peaberry coffees from my favorite-coffee-of-all-time, New Guinea Peaberry, a Starbucks offering some years ago. What I heard on Wednesday and didn't know (and still don't believe) is that because the berries are so small, there's twice the coffee in each berry. Nope, I don't believe it. Nice verbal marketing, though. I do, however, get the sense that the coffee's tenderness is in proportion to the size of the bean.
This coffee seems to want to be enjoyed being brewed by the cup; when I try to make more than one cup at a time, it ages right before my lips whilst sitting in the press. (I generally consume a five-cup press in less than half an hour, so it's not waiting too long.) Is it a reaction to the air that's aging it or continued contact with the grounds? I'm not sure. Until I have time and desire to find out, I'll just take the extra effort to make it one cup at a time.
[Update 1/25/08: It also ages while in the cup, perhaps five minutes from press & pour to tasting stale. Does this coffee not press well?]
Is this a bad coffee? No. Is this a good coffee? Yes. Is it a great coffee? I wasn't able to make it be that. Could it be a great coffee for someone else? Probably. Would I purchase another ten ounces at eight dollars and change? Not before trying a few other of their offerings.
