There’s been a lot of talk around Chrome about our current Single Origin Espresso offering, a Guatemalan by Quills Coffee of Louisville, Kentucky
“Damn”
"It’s so silky and light”
“Best espresso I’ve had in a long time"
We agree, we think that this Guatemalan is something special.
In our opinion, the way that it pulls on espresso is nearly perfect; it is light and fully-rounded, leaving an impression of flavor on every part of the mouth. It’s flavor profile is akin to a candied caramel apple with a dark chocolate finish.
Riley Westbrook, Chrome Yellow's lead barista in charge of coffee buying and coffee education, adds that this coffee finishes like whole milk, smooth and rich, and the flavor profile most prominently reminds him of a caramel apple sucker. You know, the candy with the green wrapper?
We took a chance to sit down with him to sip a couple shots of this espresso and to get his opinion on why this coffee is worth our time.
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What went into choosing this coffee for Chrome Yellow?
When I am choosing a coffee, I prefer approachable over mind-blowing. I occasionally will want a really out-there natural sun-dried cup of coffee just to experience something different; but for the most part I just want a good cup of coffee that remains consistent and drinkable day to day. I tried this coffee a few months ago and knew that it would be perfect to bring back to the shop.
You mentioned to me that Guatemalan coffees tend to be your favorite. Why?
Guatemalan coffees tend to have an acid level similar to that of an apple (specifically called malic acid, which is found in fruits such as apples and berries), which I prefer over citric acid found in many other coffees (and found in fruits such as lemons and limes). Guatemalan coffees also have a familiar chocolate back end which I prefer.
What is your favorite thing about Quills Guatemalan as espresso?
It is approachable to anyone. It has the same body that you can expect from most blends and those familiar notes of chocolate, but it has the added bright notes of apple that stick out whether you have much experience with coffee or not.
Does this espresso work well with milk?
Yes, that's actually another reason I recommend this espresso. Some of the espresso offerings we have had in the past would get lost in a cappuccino or latte, but because of this coffee's blend-like body it really cuts through milk and is able to hold its own flavor.
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*Pick up a bag of Quills- Guatemala: Huehuetenango, $18 + tax.
Written by Andrew del Risco