This week I’m rolling in a second set of beach-themed brew. While walking the Venice boardwalk, I stopped in for a caffeine kick at Groundwork. I overheard someone say how the company originally started in Venice Beach, so I grabbed a bag of beans along with my latte and made a fast break to file my report.
Fun fact, did you know that coffee beans are one of the most toxic crops to grow? The little buggers are so delicate that farmers douse them with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides to ensure a strong harvest. Groundwork wants their dirty water beanie babies as pure as a pipeline barrel, so they only buy organic.
Opening my bag of Venice Dark Roast revealed a mass of shiny nubbins. Their rich scent, with a hit of black licorice, mellowed once ground. Bathed in bubbling water, the flavor glides into a smooth classic ride that settles on the back of the tongue. It strikes me as a perfect perc for mornings when you need a bit extra, but not a complete wipeout of your tastebuds.
My takeaway is that this tasty bean has a regular spot on my shelf. It may not get my adrenaline pumping, but it’s a fun ride. More importantly, it taught me the dangers of beans that may be sourced from cost-cutting places. Sometimes the ride is worth the drive - and the cost of the bean is best when clean.