Category: Reviews / Coffee Beans
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A Happy Interruption
Even though I mentioned in my previous review of the El Salvador Orange Geisha that I would be reviewing the Panama Elida Catuai next, I decided to make a change today. The Panama bean is still sitting on my shelf, but something happened last night that made me want to hit pause on the schedule.
A friend of mine stopped by unexpectedly. He didn’t stay long—just a quick two-minute conversation to say “Happy New Year”—but he didn’t come empty-handed. He had just returned from a trip to the Adirondacks and, knowing how much I love coffee, he picked up a bag from Origin Coffee Co. specifically for me.
That short visit brought me so much unexpected happiness that I decided to brew this gift first.
The Morning Brew: Costa Rica Monte Brisas Danto from Origin Coffee Co
This morning, I pulled out the Chemex to see what this surprise gift had to offer.
The bean is the Costa Rica Monte Brisas Danto. There isn’t much information about it online—it seems to be a small-batch roast that you might have to visit the shop to find—but the bag lists tasting notes of Simple Syrup, Black Tea, and Cocoa.
The experience started the moment we began grinding. My wife immediately commented on the aroma—she picked up a really distinct, savory scent that filled the kitchen.
Two Perspectives in One Cup
We sat down to drink it together, and it was interesting how differently we experienced it.
My wife absolutely loved it. From the first sip, she tasted a berry-like flavor mixed with sweetness. I didn’t quite catch the berry notes myself, but I definitely got the sweetness. For me, it wasn’t the complex puzzle that some coffees are; it was just a solid, enjoyable bean that fit perfectly into a relaxed morning.
Why This Cup Mattered
Sometimes, a coffee isn’t just about the “washed process” or the altitude it was grown at. It’s about the friend who remembered you while they were traveling and the quiet morning you spend drinking it with your family.
The Panama Elida Catuai is still next on the list (I promise!), but today, I’m glad I took this pause to enjoy a gift from a friend.
Bean: Costa Rica Monte Brisas Danto
Roaster: Origin Coffee Co. (Saranac Lake, NY & Lake Placid, NY)
Vibe: Unexpected Happiness