Okay, fellow coffee obsessives, let’s dish about a brew that’s been buzzing in light roast circles: Intelligentsia’s House Blend. You know me, I need a decent cup to get my engine revving in the morning – and, let’s be real, sometimes to drag myself through that afternoon slump! So, naturally, I was itching to try this one. I’ve been on a bit of a light roast adventure lately, trying to ditch the super-dark, in-your-face flavors I used to swear by, and this seemed like a promising contender.
First Sniff: The Aroma & The Promise
The first thing that hit me when I tore open the bag? The smell! It wasn’t that deep, smoky thing you get with darker roasts. Nope, this was bright, welcoming, with a hint of sweetness that whispered promises of good things to come. Intelligentsia boasts about “milk chocolate, citrus, and apple” notes, and you know what? I swear I could almost pick them out just from that first whiff.
Brew Time: A Flavor Fiesta
I took Intelligentsia’s advice and went with roughly 2 tablespoons of grounds for every 6 ounces of water in my trusty pour-over. The brewing was a breeze, and the coffee that resulted? A gorgeous, light amber color.
Now, the moment of truth: the taste. The first sip was…well, interesting! It definitely lived up to the “light roast” hype. The body was light as a feather and clean as a whistle, and the acidity was there, sure, but it wasn’t going to knock your socks off. I definitely got the citrus – a lively, almost lemony zing doing a little dance on my tongue. The milk chocolate was more of a background player, a creamy undertone adding a touch of something special. And the apple? I’d say it was more of a general “fruity sweetness” than a straight-up apple flavor, but it was hanging around in there.
I totally get why Intelligentsia calls this their “every day blend.” It’s seriously easy to drink. I could picture myself sipping this on a lazy Sunday morning, maybe with some toast and jam. It’s not the kind of coffee that’ll punch you in the face with flavor, but it’s a nuanced, tasty brew that’s perfect if you like a more delicate cup.
A Couple of Things to Keep in Mind
Now, heads up: if you’re a ride-or-die dark roast devotee, this might not be your jam. It’s missing that boldness and earthiness you expect. Also, I noticed the flavor can be a bit finicky depending on how you brew it. Mess with your water temp or grind size, and you might end up with something too acidic or a bit weak.
The Final Word: A Light Roast Winner
All in all, I’m giving Intelligentsia’s House Blend a big thumbs up. It’s a balanced, flavorful light roast that’s perfect for your daily grind. It might not be the most mind-blowing coffee I’ve ever had, but it’s a solid, enjoyable brew that’s earned a spot in my rotation. If you’re curious about light roasts, this is a fantastic place to jump in.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.