49th Parallel El Salvador

[woodchuck]

My wife was up in BC last week and I convinced her to stop by the Elysian Room to try out their coffees. I believe they serve coffees roasted by 49th Parallel. They also have a Clover or two there. Anyways she brought home an El Salvador Finca Monterey Bourbon roasted (well I think it was roasted) just to City if that. The coffee actually tasted OK in a press pot. Lots of citrus and maybe some spicy wood like cedar. Espresso wise - not a chance. Could have peeled paint with this roast (I had to try). As an Americano OK - again lots of citrus and fresh cut wood.

What surprised me most was the really light roast. Is this something peculiar to Elysian or 49th?

Cheers

Ian

PS I had to almost powder the grind to get a decent pour

[wildlyesoteric]

49th has a tendency toward to lighter, showier roasts. In some circles behind closed doors they get some flak for it -- but this is the new school baby! I wouldn't even try tweaking in these light roasts for espresso, maybe to experiment with milk, but it's generally gonna be a waste of time and coffee. To further answer your question: I'd venture to say that at the cupping table tasting a number of large-scale quality specialty roaster coffees, you'd stand a good chance picking out the 49th coffees just by the extra bit of green shining through.