Here I give you my take on my latest coffee experiences
93 Points!
Propeller proudly advertises this roast as receiving 93 points (out of 100) in 2021. For comparison sake, Hula Daddy's Karen J boasts a 96 point review, and retails for $124.45 CAD. Hula Daddy has repeatedly won top awards at Kona Coffee competitions.
Propeller Coffee Co. has also won Roaster of the Year from roast magazine in 2016. Just some food for thought... I would expect a very nice espresso at 93 points.
Classic Cup
When my father, or father in law tells explains that they like "coffee flavored coffee, not that fancy stuff" ***Not a direct quote. The word "stuff" was not utilized. This is what they mean by coffee flavored coffee.
If you're looking for something traditional, is not overly fruity or acidic, punches through milk drinks allowing for flavor to shine through cappucinos and cortados, this is a good option. I also enjoyed this as a morning Americano.
Final Thoughts
Beyond a good cup of coffee, the shipping was lightning fast, I really dig the artwork on the bag the roast date was as it should be, and they have a wide variety of options on their website. On a whole I would certainly order from Propeller Coffee Co. again, however this roast I don't find particularly unique, and is something I could find from other roasters.
This is a highly popular roast from Toronto's Pilot Coffee Roasters.
Not Traditional
If you're someone that is looking for that traditional espresso flavour, this isnt what you're looking for. The tasting notes should be the first clue. It also describes something quite different from the norm, and those looking for something unique, this is a great roast to discover.
As much as I enjoy traditional milk based espresso drinks and their flavour profile, Ana Sora brings a new dimension to your morning espresso by presenting balanced, intriguing flavors to your cup.
Not Flavoured Coffee
There is a common misconception for those new to specialty coffee that tasting notes mean that the roaster has added flavourings to the coffee to produce such flavours and aromas, much like flavoured coffee. Rest assured this is not the case. It can be helpful to think of tasting notes in coffee, the same way you'd think of coffee notes in wines. No vitner is adding hints of stone fruit and current to their wines. These flavours come from the grape (in this case coffee) varietal, as well as altitude, terrior and the way the coffee is processed.
Ana Sora has such an obvious, but not overpowering note of strawberries, one can be forgiven in thinking Pilot has added a little magic in the mix in the way of flavourings. Not at all! These flavours are indicitive of the region. Ethiopia is famous for such tasting notes, and I would encourage you to explore that growing region more if Ana Sora is to your liking, such as another popular region in Ethiopia: Yirgacheffe.
Final Thoughts
This is a fan favorite for a reason. I dialed this in this morning, and created a lovely cortado. I chose a cortado as I find it the right ratio of milk to espresso to allow the flavours of the coffee to still shine, and provide the comfort and enjoyment of the steamed milk.
The strawberry jam notes are sublte, and the most prominant of the reported tasting notes. This by no means is a strawberry forward note, more of a pleasant, gentle surprise that presents itself after a few sips. This for me is a 4/5 espresso and something I will go back to again and again when available.