In December of 2024, we splurged and treated ourselves to an Advent calendar from Onyx Coffee Lab, an amazing outfit based in Arkansas. For 24 days, we enjoyed delicious beans sourced from Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and roasted at their headquarters in Rogers, AR. I've always been kind of a coffee snob, but this experience was transformational. Along with 50 grams of coffee per day, we received tasting notes, brewing guides, and information on farming and processing.
Onyx elevates coffee to an art, and I was hooked! At the time, my preferred brewing apparatus was a burr grinder and a Chemex pour-over, but I added a gooseneck kettle with temperature control, a scale with a timer, a couple of smaller pots, some fluted drippers, and organic paper filters to my equipment. I also order all of our coffee directly from a roaster, making my selection based on origin, processing (light-expressive, please!), and tasting notes. (pineapple brulee, cocoa nib, or marmalade, anyone?)
It's an expensive hobby! But I am intentional in my brewing, preparing just one serving at a time. (What can I say? I'm retired!) By now, I have the routine down to a science, and even so, I think not relying on a whole pot to replenish my cup makes me slow down. I am never disappointed with that first sip, or any of the later ones, either.
Why take on just one challenge when you can tackle two? This month, I'm using the Action for Happiness Mindful March calendar as a daily prompt for living and writing.
Ah, yes I understand the focus on preparing coffee. I am on a similar path. I have a monthly subscription for freshly roasted coffee beans. I tell myself it is my splurge because I would need to drive 25+ miles to get freshly made coffee.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is an education. This is not me. But I fully support your idea of mindfulness. Whether in that cup of coffee or something else, we all need to find our way there!
ReplyDeleteI like this as a retirement practice! I'm not sure I'd make only one cup, though!
ReplyDeleteI know where my morning walks will occasionally take me once I finally retire: Tracey’s cuppa bar with a side of Milo and Tibby. ☕️ 🐈
DeleteSounds amazing. I like that your retired life allows you to slow down to enjoy the coffee. I glug my half pot down without really tasting it - find our way there, is the truth.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am a bit of a coffee snob. Things to look forward to when I retire--adding it to my list.
ReplyDeleteThese tasting notes are amazing! Must try.
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