I recently tried an Ethiopian bean, but I found the acidity to hard on my stomach and the overall taste too weak for my preference. One coffee I have found that I truly love is Kicking Horse Hoodoo Jo, and it makes for excellent coffee and I absolutely love the smell of the wet grind after I've drank it, the overall aroma is of melted chocolate . So if from that anyone can make any recommendation for good beans to look at in the Vancouver area or B.C. I would be obliged.

I have heard tremendous things about 49th parallel roasters and Discovery, but I believe they are in Victoria. If you are willing to ship I went recently to Fratello in Calgary and they mean business. I have also heard good things about Cuppers in Lethbridge. Hope it helps.

Lubby wrote:I have heard tremendous things about 49th parallel roasters and Discovery, but I believe they are in Victoria. If you are willing to ship I went recently to Fratello in Calgary and they mean business. I have also heard good things about Cuppers in Lethbridge. Hope it helps.

Hey Darren, 49th is in Vancouver, or there is another one of the same name at least. I hadn't realised they were roasting their own bean though, which would be great as they do a lovely Americano.

Does anyone know how often Cafe Argentiano roasts? I love the taste of their espresso but the quantity of bagged beans on the counter makes me slightly wary (rightly or wrongly?).

Yes, Cupper's is good. I'm working on my 4th bag of their "San Franciscan" blend (which was a pain to dial in, but oh, so worth it.). I also like their "Rocket Brand" and their "Dirtbag".

I haven't been very impressed with Fratello. I have yet to receive coffee from them that isn't older than 14 days. Although I did get 2 lbs of their competition blend that, although not as fresh as I'd like, was very nice considering. Very fruity.

49th Parallel is, arguably the best in the country. It's probably the same place. I'm not sure if Artigiano roasts their own, or not. It's good, if you can get it fresh, but that's hard to do. Try JJ Bean, or Ethical Bean. I have a friend who used to work for JJ Bean and now works for Ethical, both companies are really serious about great coffee.

Cherry Hill Roasters, out in Kelowna, also looks promising. They roast to order, and have a number of different espresso blends. They also have a few single-origins for espresso.

Transcend, in Edmonton, is another one, if you don't mind shipping.

But, if you live in Vancouver, you shouldn't need to order beans. If I lived there, I'd get my coffee from 49th Parallel. Grab some of their Epic Espresso. Heavy chocolate and blueberry. You'll thank yourself.

Quite right Bruce,
49 parallel is in Vancouver, but Discovery is in Victoria. My wife just brought some 49th Parallel from Vancouver and they are tremendously good. I have heard great things about Discovery but have yet to try them.
Also another Calgary Great is Phil and Sebastian. We were just there and grabbed a Latte, it was probably the best we have ever had. My wife who normally uses 2-3 sugars needed none. Will be buying their beans in the future for sure. Not sure if they ship but definitely worth checking into.

BruceB wrote:Does anyone know how often Cafe Argentiano roasts? I love the taste of their espresso but the quantity of bagged beans on the counter makes me slightly wary (rightly or wrongly?).

Artigianos doesn't roast their beans, like most of the decent cafes in town (Elysian, Bump&Grind) they buy 49th beans.

49th Parallel sells espresso in pounds, not 12oz bags so they end up a couple dollars more expensive per bag than some roasters, but that's because you get 4oz more.

Thanks you all for the recommendations! As my wife works near the 49th Cafe in Kits I'll think I'll be buying my coffee direct I'll be sure to check out some of the others as well though, you know, just to be sure