For over 40 years, Starbucks has been offering Jamaica Blue Mountain, and we celebrate it’s return to reserve stores next month. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting room in Seattle generally has coffees a good few months before reserve stores have them, and because I am very spoiled, I am able to try them before they are released to stores. Typically, Jamaica Blue Mountain is not a coffee I get excited about. First, it is pretty expensive, at $35/a half pound, but second, it has never dazzled me the way it has others.
Coffees from Hawaii and Jamaica are special. If you think about it, most people haven’t been to Kenya or Colombia, but many have been to the Hawaiian islands and/or Jamaica, so they forge a connection with these coffees. Last year, I was lucky enough to spend a day on a coffee farm in Maui, and every time I drink coffee from Hawaii, I remember being back there, the warm salty breeze, the smells, the memories we created. One of my partners went to Jamaica earlier this year, and when I told him we would soon be tasting Jamaica Blue Mountain, I watched his eyes light up. That is why I love coffee. We are constantly creating memories and sharing our experiences with others. …
#notacoffeecup
I really wanted to make campfire oranges to pair with the 
I have really been enjoying this years Christmas Reserve. I love the flavor combinations of the mulling spices and orange, layers of flavors unfolding with each sip. This year, Christmas is so different for me. This is my first white Christmas, and while I am not particularly fond of the snow, I think it has boosted my holiday spirits.
Colombia El Peñol is back! This coffee was one of my favorite offerings from 2014, in fact, I created one of my favorite pairings with this coffee (which never made it to the blog. Maybe I’ll recreate it with this new offering!) This coffee randomly appeared on the scoop bar at the Roastery for a short time in mid October, and is the 
