Crack open a bag of Komodo Dragon Blend® and one thing will stand out immediately – a strong aroma that smells a little like a garden or baseball field after a fresh rain.
This earthy characteristic is always my first clue that I’m about to enjoy an Asia/Pacific coffee. It’s a dominating scent that distinguishes the region’s coffees quite well. While the press steeps and as I pour my glass, I let my nose take it in. There’s no denying that this is a big, bold blend. My mouth begins to water in anticipation.
Smell is only the first of four steps in the coffee tasting experience, so I dive right into the next – slurp. Proud of a noisy effort that would make my mother cringe, I let the coffee hit my entire palate and enjoy the flavors. Very herbal or loamy – think mushrooms – with hints of spice. The resemblance to this coffee's more famous Asia/Pacific cousin, Sumatra, is there.
The third step is locate – to detect where on your tongue the flavors really pop. This is where you find what makes Komodo Dragon Blend® so special… In addition to the semi-washed beans that are characteristic of the region, it’s also blended with washed beans that have gone through an additional fermentation step. This gives it a crisp acidity, detectable on the sides and tip of the tongue, giving an extra layer to the coffee.
Lastly, in step four we describe what we’re tasting. I’m loving the assertive body, and the way it balances out with the crisp acidity. Suddenly I find myself craving something with cinnamon. Now it’s your turn. Head down to your favorite Starbucks store this week, order up a cup of Komodo Dragon Blend®, and come back to MSI to let us know what smells, tastes and experiences it evokes for you.
Whether your palate is highly refined or you’ve never tried this before, that’s ok – there are no wrong answers. Coffee tasting is a journey, and I’m glad we’re all taking this one together!