Do you love coffee? Do you like doing coffee reviews? Are you “addicted” to coffee like I am? Ok… I’m not truly addicted, but I do drink 1-2 cups per day, usually one in the AM and one in the PM. I’m one of those people who can drink coffee late at night and still fall asleep (thankfully).
I don’t drink coffee for the caffeine kick. To be honest, the caffeine for coffee (and tea) has no effect on me. That is why I am able to sleep right after drinking coffee. I drink coffee because I find it soothing and comforting. Just like people find a hot cup of tea soothing and relaxing. I have the same feelings when I drink coffee. After a long day, a hot cup of coffee is relaxing to me.
I have tried all different kinds of coffee. I consider myself a “coffee snob,” per say. I can drink diner coffee (usually the worse kind of coffee), but I prefer to drink quality coffee such as the Coffee or Bust recommends, whenever possible.
When I’m out and about, Dunkin Donuts is my coffee of choice. I’m not a fan of Starbucks. When I’m at home I like to mix things up and try different coffees from different brands. The coffee I drink at home can either be inexpensive stuff I buy in bulk at Costco, or coffee that you would expect to get at fine restaurants.
To try the most exotic coffees from around the world, check this review about Atlas Coffee Club, a coffee subscription service. Here, you will get super fresh and good-quality coffee beans.
Recently I had the opportunity to try out coffee from Difference Coffee.
Difference Coffee can be found in 48 Michelin Starred Restaurants and 24 Luxury Hotels & Members Clubs.
Difference Coffee is available in the “pods” or “capsules” that fit Nespresso machines.
Their coffee is sourced from legendary estates, rare varietals and coffee competitions, guaranteeing exceptional aromas and flavors.
Difference Coffee is not too bitter, not too sour. Their roast profiles were curated by Roast Master Johnny England, a licensed Q Grader, as well as a certified World Barista Championship Head Judge.
Just like wine, I honestly don’t know much about specific details like this. All I know and appreciate is how something tastes.
I was sent some Difference Coffee to review. I had to dig out my Nespresso machine. I haven’t used it in years (I use an e-brewer, which is like a Keurig). I’m glad I saved my Nespresso. I knew I would eventually need it again. I’m glad it worked just fine too.
I was sent to review Jamaican Blue Mountain and Panama Geisha. I also received a beautiful little gold cup and saucer, as well as a tiny golden spoon (too cute!).
Jamaican Blue Mountain
The Blue Mountain area in Jamaica produces some of the finest coffees in the world, with a particularly mellow chocolate flavor. For centuries it has been revered as some of the best and, therefore, commands a hefty premium to other specialty coffees. However, not all coffee called Jamaica Blue Mountain is in fact the real deal.
For starters, many roasters create a Blend using Jamaican coffee and that of others which may include as little as 10% of the blend. Others are selling a 2nd grade Jamaican Coffee called Jamaica Supreme, confusing clients. Finally, even within those beans who’s origin is the Blue Mountain, there are many grades ranging from specialty to commercial.
Difference Coffee sources its Jamaica Blue Mountain from Gold Cup Estate, one of the highest elevation farms in the region. Only Grade 1, Which is the largest bean size awarded by the Jamaican Coffee Board is selected, ensuring the maximization of flavors and taste.
Panama Geisha
Most coffee connoisseurs would agree that the most coveted coffee in the world is the Geisha Varietal grown in Panama. The coffee is so unique in its character that shortly after its introduction in 2003 at the Best of Panama Competition, the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama had to create a distinct category for this unique varital at its competition. But, not all Geisha’s are equal.
Difference Coffee is proud to source its Geisha from the original estate that discovered the Geisha bean, Hacienda La Esmeralda. The most prized coffee estate in the world, Esmeralda’s beans are so sought after that their top micro-lots can be sourced only at their annual auction. No wonder our Panama Geisha is currently the highest ranked coffee capsule by Coffee Review.
I had the chance to try both coffees. You can clearly see the difference between these coffees and other types of coffees you can buy in a local store, or even online. This is NOT the same type of coffee you get at a local coffee shop. This is quality coffee. There is a huge difference.
They pack A LOT of flavor in such a tiny pod/capsule.
Each coffee is presented in a beautiful box. Each box comes with a detailed description of the coffee, including information I didn’t realize some people considered important when it came to coffee, like the coffee strength and the altitude in which the coffee was grown. WOW! And I thought I was a “coffee snob.” I guess there are thousand of people out there that take their coffee much more seriously than I do. To them, coffee is like a fine wine.
Each individually pod has it’s own cushy spot in the box, and the pods are beautifully decorated.
It took me a few times to get used to both of the coffees. My taste buds were not used to such fine coffee. I have also never experienced either variety before. I’ve heard of Jamaican Blue, but never tried it.
I am enjoying both coffees, but I think I like Panama Geisha the best.
I drink these coffees as a special treat. If I drank them as my morning coffee, they would be gone by now. LOL!
Difference Coffee is extremely limited in supply and is sold by strict allocation through their dedicated online boutique to members of the Difference Coffee Club. From what I can tell, it’s free to join the club (but the coffee will cost you).
The individual pods/capsules sell from about $2.90 (USD) up to around $5.75 (USD). This is per pod. There are 10 pods/capsules per box. You can see now why I have been enjoying this as a treat and not as my morning coffee. As delicious as these coffees are, they are not “budget friendly” for many of us, myself included.
If you are interested in learning more about Difference Coffee, you can visit them online at DifferenceCoffee.com. The brand can also be found on social media. Their links are found on the bottom of their website.
Do you drink coffee? What is your favorite type of coffee?
Kimberly
*I received free product samples to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.