My year in coffee- 3/04/15 Madcap Coffee Lake Effect Blend

I was awful about keeping up in February - the result is that I have several coffees with review notes but no reviews.  This isn't one of them.  :-)  I guess I technically got this one in February (the 28th), but I didn't drink any until March.

Madcap Coffee Company Lake Effect Blend  http://madcapcoffee.com/

This isn't my first cup of Lake Effect Blend  - it's just the one I'm going to review.  I chose a mug that reminded me of one my grandfather had. It was heavy and warm and just seemed like the right mug for the coffee.

I'll start with the packaging.  I'm a sucker for a good package and I define good in a lot of different ways.  I like decorative, but I also like simple.  The one goes towards simple and elegant, black bag with simple block coloring.  I like the fabric label on the front.  It came in a nice valved bag that I will reuse for my home roast when I have finished this tasty blend.  I actually don't see the coffee on the site anymore - it's a seasonal blend and if you didn't get any you may be out of luck.  Grab it next year.  I know I will.

I brewed it using a pour over like I do pretty much every morning of every day.  There was a nice aroma from the beans even before grinding and it was pretty intense in the freshly ground coffee.  I love the smell of fresh coffee steam as it comes off of the pour and this one didn't disappoint.  I'm sure I look a little silly smelling my coffee as it brews but the only one who sees me is Dennis the dog, and he doesn't care.  The smell was rich and warm full of promise of deep flavor.  Again, I wasn't disappointed. 

My first taste was brighter and more citrus than I expected.  It filled my mouth and I got a hint of spice and rich deep red fruits.  I don't know what fruits exactly, but I would say red.  Dark and rich and juicy with flavor.  Red might not be a flavor like purple, but maybe it should be.  There was a lively acidity to it that didn't overpower and didn't approach bitterness and harshness.  As the cup cooled a bit I got a warm hominess.  My husband came in late and got a slightly cool cup.  I asked him what he thought and he said.  "I don't know if this makes sense, but even though it's not super warm temperature wise I would still describe it as warm."  I knew what he meant.  It's a warm comforting drink.   Madcap describes it as being a great coffee to cozy up to next to the fire and I think that's spot on.  

I am down to half a bag and that won't last long with the coffee hounds in this house, but I'll enjoy it while I can.  I will order next years Lake Effect for sure and I'm already planning to try the Spring Fling blend.