PSA: That trendy third wave cafe in Portland is overhyped

I finally went to that popular spot on Alberta Street last weekend after hearing everyone rave about it for months. Waited 20 minutes for a $7 pour over that tasted burnt and sour at the same time. The barista was nice enough but when I asked about the roast date she got all defensive. Has anyone else had a bad experience at a place that's supposed to be the best in town?

2 comments

2 Comments

paulb984d ago

Hmm, I gotta push back a little here. I've been going to that place for about two years now and my experiences have been totally different. The baristas have always been happy to talk about their roasting process when I've asked, and I've never had a burnt tasting cup. Maybe you caught them on an off day, or maybe that specific pour over just wasn't your style. Their Ethiopian beans are usually really smooth and fruity, not harsh at all. I'd say give it another shot sometime, maybe try a different drink or a different roast.

evanr794d ago

Read an article the other day about how coffee shop consistency is basically a myth. Roast profiles change with every batch, even from the same beans, and what tastes perfect one week can be way off the next. I've had that Ethiopian you're talking about and yeah, it's usually super clean and bright, but I've also had a cup that tasted like someone forgot to rinse out the French press. Maybe that's what happened with the original poster, just bad luck. I'd probably give it another shot too, but I get why someone wouldn't want to waste money on a maybe.