Beantree Coffee, Aurora
The roast was not necessarily burnt, but definitely charred around the edges.
A sunny little corner shop in Aurora calls itself Beantree Coffee. Brightly colored umbrellas are arrayed over the little patio, providing shade for patrons and friends. The windows advertise a multitude of offerings, including smoothies, pastries and WiFi. Though the name, Beantree Coffee is on every sticker and poster, I noticed immediately that coffee was not one of the items advertised on the building’s exterior. I suppose it goes without saying, but it was slightly curious.
John, who owns the little seven-month-old shop with his wife, suggested their biggest seller as my first selection. It is called the Caramel Crunch. The Caramel Crunch is based on a latte, with milk and espresso, topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and toffee pieces. I am always interested to see what a barista will offer first to a non-coffee-drinker. Some want to go straight and dark, to give the full effect. Here however, John offered me what I like to call a “pansy drink.” There is nothing wrong with that per se, since it is the best seller. I just find the contrast very interesting.
As John prepared the Caramel Crunch, he told me about his coffee. He tested espresso from ten different coffee roasters before deciding on Silver Canyon – a Boulder based company. The brewed coffee is provided through Coffee Bean Direct. They will soon also have blends from Peaberry Coffee available as well.
I noticed that the equipment used was very traditional. I don’t suppose I would have noticed that a few weeks ago, but since I have visited several unique coffee shops, I have come to realize that the equipment is very important to coffee connoisseurs. The espresso machine and coffee makers are what you would find in a standard Starbucks. I don’t necessarily find fault with that, but it stood out to me.
The Caramel Crunch was warm, but it didn’t really seem to taste like much to me. Somehow, the espresso was masked by the caramel in such a way that neither flavor stood out. There was a time, not too long ago, that I would have detested even that little hint of coffee, but I found myself wishing for more flavor. I couldn’t taste any nuance of character. If I were a coffee drinker, especially one who enjoys coffee for the additives, I’m sure it would have enjoyed it as a perfectly palatable way to ingest my daily dose. However, I thought it was a bit boring.
For a more traditional taste, John brewed a fresh pot of Indian Monsooned Malabar – a light, rich, and creamy coffee. I’ve been told that the traditional taste bud map has been disproven; you can actually taste sweet, salty, and sour with more than certain regions of the tongue. I find it fascinating then, that when I take the first sip of coffee and let it sit for a moment between my teeth, I taste nothing. There is only warmth and texture… until I swallow. Indian Monsooned Malabar is different than other coffees I’ve tried. I could tell a difference in the smell when it was brewing. It does seem earthy, but not as dark as my previous coffee experiences. In that place in my mind where impressions and sensations meet, the other coffees have seemed to be different shades of dark brown. This taste seemed to have a hint of green – perhaps like moss. I know that analogy makes no sense to most people, but I can only describe what I experience. It was a bit sharp, but had a quickly fading aftertaste. The roast was not necessarily burnt, but definitely charred around the edges.
I will be interested to see what becomes of Beantree Coffee as it matures, changes suppliers, and develops its personality.It may be, as John hinted, that the coffee-free offerings, unique and varied, actually build the clientele base.
http://www.silvercanyoncoffee.com
http://www.coffeebeandirect.com
http://www.peaberrycoffee.com
ORIGINAL COMMENTS
D.j. Mattern, May 6, 2011 at 3:29 PM
How do you put coffee between your teeth? I want to know. You must try a cold coffee drink or even blended.
Unknown, May 18, 2011 at 4:37 PM
Wow, their coffee beans came from Boulder, where you couldn't find a single coffee shop??!!
There must be a good couple of coffee shop's out there... I'll keep you posted.
As for the Beantree, I have seen that before. Next time I'm in the area I'll stop in.
