Hi Guys!
So, finished up the Kuuipo this am.
I tried it two different ways. One was the beans themselves. The second, I ground the coffee beans with the vanilla bean (I forgot it was in the bag when I ground the rest of it).
The bottom line: I like the vanilla bean addition. It adds a wonderful aroma without overpowering. Even with the bean ground in, I didn't get an overwhelming vanilla flavor. Hints and notes, but it's not like I was drinking a vanilla shake or something.
I'm not sure if it's the roast or the vanilla bean, but I did notice a difference between this Kuuipo and the bag I purchased before. Through and through, this one had a very smooth mellow flavor beginning to end. Previously, when there was no vanilla bean added, the coffee was good, but the vanilla smell was stronger and there was a slight bitterness to the finish. Mandy and I both noticed it on the earlier/no bean batch.
This last bag though had no bitterness. Just a pleasant morning cup all the way. Is the vanilla bean going to be a new addition?
Thank you for the opportunity to try it!
Mahalo,