Coffee Updates

There are a lot of new coffees arriving in our shop this time of year, and we would like to share a quick update:

In case you didn’t know, we split our menu between selections from New Harvest Coffee Roasters in Pawtucket, RI and Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Brooklyn, NY.

First off lets mention the coffees we are saying goodbye to until the next season’s crop.  From Latin American, the last of Guatemala Santa Clara for the year now sits on our shelves.  We hate to see it go but think you will be just fine with the incredible Guatemala Finca El Injerto as a replacement.  At this time  we also bid adieu to one of our all-time favorites, Honduras Los Portillos.  This was our second year carrying Los Portillos and our pride in serving such a distinct, small-lot coffee was only heightened by meeting the coffee’s producer at last year’s MANE Coffee Conference.

We will also be saying goodbye to Stumptown’s Organic Indonesia Gajah Aceh.  This coffee will return after the next harvest as a smaller, more refined lot that we greatly look forward to.  The good news is that those of you seeking that distinct Indonesian flavor profile now have TWO options at the bakery:  Gajah Aceh has been replaced by a wonderful Organic Sumatra Blend, and in addition, after years off the menu Sulawesi Toarco Peaberry has returned to our shelves and is better than ever.  The peaberry is remarkably complex with both sweet and savory tasting notes wrapped up in a full body.  Look out for it on our pour-over menu soon.

On the topic of new arrivals, say hello to Rwanda Huye Mountain and Ethiopia Guji Shakiso.  Guji is bright and sweet with a floral aroma, everything you’d expect from an Ethiopian coffee.  Rwanda Huye Mountain builds on those characteristics and adds a strong chocolate flavor in the finish.  We’ll be brewing these in store for several weeks on our Pour-Over Menu.

Whisper!  All of our espresso drinks at HBCo feature the Whisper espresso blend as their core ingredient.  We are pleased to share that the blend will be featuring new coffees beginning this week.  It will be comprised of Organic Honduras Marcala and Kenya Kii Estate.  These components will provide for a fruit-forward profile and a clean finish.  If you haven’t tried our espresso on its own please give it a shot (no pun intended), it just might blow your mind.

NOTE: After months of cleanup and rebuilding following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, Stumptown is back to roasting coffee in Red Hook, which means that our coffee will once again be arriving just 24 hours after roasting.  Thanks for sticking it out with us while the folks at Stumptown put their roastery back together!

Complimentary Coffee Tasting

As you may know, we here at HBC care an awful lot about our coffee.  Using beans from two of the nation’s finest specialty coffee roasters (Stumptown & New Harvest) can mean we often have tough decisions about what to brew (they all taste so good!).  That is why, beginning this October we will invite You to help us decide what coffees to stock for the coming season.  We will be hosting a free and casual coffee tasting to coincide with the upcoming major release of coffees from Stumptown.  As we brew samples from all the major growing regions we will welcome your feedback.  This is an opportunity not only to help us decide our menu but also to appreciate the differences between these diverse offerings from Stumptown.  Feel free to stop by for a cup and to ask questions about how and why these coffees are so unique.  See you there!

WHEN: Tuesday 10/16 2:30 -4 PM
WHERE: Our retail cafe 625 New Park Ave West Hartford

Pour Over Workshop

Learn to brew the perfect cup of coffee at home!

We are thrilled to announce the first of what will be an ongoing series of coffee education courses.  On Sunday, July 15th at 2:30 PM, the bakery will host a workshop on pour over coffee-brewing methods.  The class will include hands-on instruction with both the Hario V60 and Chemex coffee maker.  We will brew, taste, and compare coffees, all the while discussing the variables that can affect your brew.
To reserve your spot, RSVP with your name and email to alex@hartfordbaking.com.

DATE:    7/15/12 2:30-4pm @ Hartford Baking Co.  625 New Park Ave, West Hartford
Attendance cost:  $20
(Includes %15 discount on all whole beans and brewing equipment)