January 6, 2009 by Marianne

January 6, 2009 • Filed Under: Bacon Reviews , Bacon, coffee, maple syrup, pancakes

It was way back in November when we featured Boca Java’s Maple Bacon Morning coffee. I think I ordered it that very day, it just sounded too irresistible. When it arrived, I was thrilled to find it had a one-way air release valve so you could squeeze the bag and get a whiff of it’s not-so-delicate aroma. More like a smack in the face with a fluffy, maple-syruped pancake. The bouquet on this bag is definitely delicious, but I was careful not to squeeze it too many times. Save some maple for the cup!

I planned to take the coffee on a camping trip that never materialized, so my husband and I finally busted into it this week. I tried to take photos to capture the experience, but the only camera I had on-hand just didn’t do it justice. So try to visualize: the beans were of medium darkness, and shone like polished gems. They looked like they were actually coated in maple syrup. I was afraid it would leave lots of sticky residue in our coffee grinder, but to the contrary it actually lifted out the leftover grinds that were already there. Curious!

The smell: not just maple, but warm pancakes with butter and fresh, warm maple syrup. If I wasn’t hungry before I made this coffee, I was now. But where was the bacon?

The taste: My husband said he couldn’t taste the bacon immediately, but as he kept sipping, it became more apparent. Almost overwhelming. He didn’t know if he could drink anymore. But then he made another, stronger pot this morning, so he must have gotten over it. As for me, I never did taste the bacon in the cup. I definitely tasted the pancakes and they were delicious, like something out of Willy Wonka’s factory. But that’s where it ended. I was disappointed, but had one more thought. I ate a bean. And there it was. The shiny bean was not sticky, but coated with a sweet and smoky oil that brought the whole thing together. It was bacon, syrup, and a pancake that was very nearly burnt. I suppose my palate is not very refined if I actually had to crunch a coffee bean to get it’s full flavor.

Overall, I really liked the coffee, and loved the aroma that filled my kitchen. Two hours later I can still smell it on my hands! I wouldn’t consider it an everyday flavor, but it will be a great treat on the weekend. And hey, next time I’ll just serve it with some bacon and get the whole experience. If you like to indulge in the occasional flavored coffee, I can recommend this one without reservation.

November 20, 2008 by Marianne

November 20, 2008 • Filed Under: Bacon Gifts , Bacon, coffee

I think there are people out there who consider coffee to be their morning fuel. Can’t get started without it. Must have caffeine to function. I’m fortunate not to be in this classification. I no longer drink coffee every day and, in fact, sometimes go weeks without a cup. But when I do drink it, it’s usually just to delight my senses and treat myself. It’s given me a deep appreciation for the coffee or espresso drinks that I enjoy, and allows me to go all out when I do indulge.

This lovely Maple Bacon Morning blend from Boca Java intrigues me. Will it have the very present aroma of maple and bacon like vanilla and hazelnut coffees do? Will I sense smoke as well as sweetness? Most of the reviews it received were very positive, and people expressed surprise that it did indeed deliver on the syrup and bacon aroma. In fact, one person suggested this is the best coffee for a camping trip, and I can see that perfectly. My husband and I plan to do some winter camping, and I’m anxious to give this suggestion a try. Look for my personal review in the coming months.