Crowfoot Valley Coffee, Castle Rock
I think it is worth mentioning that I find myself becoming more of an expert on coffee-type things than those who enjoy it regularly.
I awoke this morning to a gorgeous day on the Rocky Mountain front range. I am often playing tourist, but rarely do I get to actually be a tourist. As I have blogged my way through the coffee shops of Denver, I rarely get the true picture of the coffee shop experience. I’ve made an effort to visit at times when business is slow, and when I have time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Today, that was not the case. Waking not long after the sun, I considered the full day ahead with anticipation and a touch of dismay. It’s going to be a long one. First things first… COFFEE! Is this what it feels like to need one’s coffee in the morning? I suppose it is, though I probably enjoyed the experience more than most. Like all things coffee, the simple act of going out for coffee to begin one’s morning is unique in and of itself.
Crowfoot Valley Coffee was a delight to find nestled at the foot of the mesa which gave Castle Rock its name. The sign announced its dual purpose: Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crow Bar. Those with me, who had not as yet joined me for my coffee adventures, found this anachronism to be fascinating. I think it is worth mentioning that I find myself becoming more of an expert on coffee-type things than those who enjoy it regularly. Perhaps it stems from having set out to pursue the study of coffee as a discipline, rather than a casual acquaintance. I knew, therefore, that some coffee shops double as bars in the evenings, but this was startling news to my companions.
Jason, owner and operator of Crowfoot Valley Coffee, gave no hesitation when he suggested the Trio – made with chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. He said it’s one of his favorites, because it is not very sweet and allows the coffee flavor to come through. He wasn’t kidding. The coffee was just barely masked by the sweetness of chocolate and vanilla. In all honesty, if I had been asked what flavors had been added, I would not have been able to identify them. What I tasted was coffee.
To get the full effect, I ordered another cup of the house blend, black. I considered this to be especially important, because Jason roasts his own beans. He sources them through various connections, but they are roasted on-site. The house blend was very dark. My first impression was a heavy burnt taste. From what I have heard, this is very popular in our current society. I’m told that Starbucks roasts its beans very darkly, and, as I’m sure you know, they don’t lack popularity. I don’t really like the dark burnt taste, but I would not discount its quality.
As you know if you’ve read my blog for any length of time, I have always hated coffee. Though I am trying to change that, it has been ingrained into the fabric of what I always considered to be me. That old coffee-hating me cringed at the first taste. I try not to make horrible faces in public, but when nobody was looking, I indulged the impulse. In fact, even as we return ed to the hotel room, I found myself continuing to mutter, “yech,” under my breath. I know I wasn’t being fair. I’m aware that I stand at the end of a personal era. I can no longer truly say that I hate coffee. It’s sad, I know. I don’t yet love it either, but I can see equally the perspective of the lover and the hater, and recommend options for both. My vitriolic exclamations, therefore, were by reflex alone.
Crowfoot Valley Coffee has quite a few unique selections, and has a very enjoyable, retro-urban, community feel to it. Nancy, who ordered a Rosso, flavored with chocolate and raspberry, noticed the conversations passing between Jason and his customers. She remarked that the familiarity indicated the small-town location. In opposition, I feel that a good coffee shop will feel like home, no matter how large the surrounding population.
http://www.yjprod.com/sites/crowfoot/
ORIGINAL COMMENTS
Anonymous, June 17, 2011 at 9:29 AM
I drove by yesterday and saw "Crow Bar" so I thought it was a bar(the regular kind). I agree, dark roast is all about tasting burnt beans. Most high quality coffee shops feature almost all light to medium roast beans only; it allows you to actually taste the flavor and nuances of the bean. The "Trio" sound intriguing, I would like to try that! - Lonnie
Anonymous, November 15, 2011 at 9:27 AM
I'm a regular at Crowfoot and can tell you that they alternate through their bean selection every few days for their House Coffee. It gives you a chance to try everything. I love their eggnog lattes, they're made with real eggnog, not that cr** syrup other places use. :)
