The little coffee elves will be taking a 2 week leave of absence after our last delivery on the 22nd December when you’ll find us laying on the floor gasping and muttering “Where am I – am I still driving?”
Because the last week will be a crazy schedule, we would appreciate getting your orders for it set up early.
The Salvdorian Organic is still available and is a medium roast and mild at $17/pound.
Java Estate has been returned to the fold and is of course welcomed like the prodigal daughter she is. At $18/pound she's worth the accolades and fanfare she receives.
old standbys are great choices too so if you're enjoying what you have...
We are launching our new and improved web site that satisfies even the most erudite and savvy web browser. It is reliable, fast, with up to date options and if it were a car, it would be called Volvo S60 2010. The web site address is www.cricklecreekcoffee.com where one can order coffee, email or mess with us by blog, view and comment on our photos, and generally hang out. No animals were harmed in the making of this oeuvre but typing fingers were worn to the bone.
Although Crickle Creek did not attend this, the annual Specialty Coffee Trade show (this year held in Anaheim), we had our moles in situ. Highlights of the show included roasting trends, coffee shortages, Fair Trade, Sustainability, Organic, Responsible, Rainforest Alliance, etc… If there is a cause, there will be an association to make it legit.
There was a lot of suspicion and moaning about whether these associations are actually using the fees extorted from the coffee buyers to build schools and educate the growers of the best growing practices. The growers, whose exalted beans we purchase, are the stewards of their land and are quite concerned about what should occur under their tenure. They take very seriously the practice of pesticides or harmful fertilizers ensuring the health of the land. In order to comply with these beneficial associations regulations, growers must adhere to strict guidelines. In Colombia, for example, 85% of the rural population is illiterate and could benefit from an educational system not currently enforced however promised by these associations.
We are delighted to hear from our sources that major roasting players are finally coming around to our way of thinking. Yes, indeed, our edification and promotion of the medium roast has been widely accepted into the big smoke’s lexicon showcasing the beans best attributes. I can go on ad infinitum arguing the delights of medium roasts but basically the bean’s nuances and flavour profile can be lost in a dark roast making Africans indiscernible from South Americans. I like strong coffee, so I grind it finely and use about 2 tablespoons per serving in a French press. The litmus of a well-brewed cup is the grit-plastered smile resulting from draining my mug.
Coffee shortages are a perennial issue of concern and this year is no exception. Some coffees will not be available this year due to civil unrest and harsh weather. Mexico’s production is down 40%, Colombia down 38%, Africa 42% and the list goes on. We are currently out of Kenya AA and Tanzania Peaberry but are thrilled with the Congo Kivu which cups at 85 points (much like wine rating). Our new web page will feature a “Coffee of the Month” which we encourage the CCC Community to vote on by either electing it to be a permanent selection or to be jettisoned like a badly behaved MP from the menu. Democracy is at work at the Crickle Creek Caucus.
We reuse any returned bag should it be in good shape and we’d prefer that the top be not ripped off fun though it may be…as they are zip locked only.
More news to follow, as this is only the start of a beautiful relationship with ongoing coffee chats…
Cheers from Nancy, Kelly, Ana, Bruce, & Larry