Keeping up on the latest trends is the only way to stay on top in this crazy busy world. We hear a lot of different product requests in the shop, some reasonable, some not to be mentioned. Recently, we've been listening to a lot of talk about something called "white coffee." Those who try ordering a white coffee espresso drink are sorely disappointed when we explain we don't carry it and then they go on to tell us how delicious it is. This led us to do a little research and explain to those not in the know what the deal is with this popular trend. Let's talk.

When we open up a 150lb burlap bag of coffee, the color of the unroasted bean is greenish. They are dense and contain the same components as a roasted bean, but lack the taste. As we roast, the bean goes through several color changes from a whitish-yellow, to tan, to light brown, to varying degrees of brown depending on the roast preference of the particular varietal. At one point, the coffee resembles a peanut in color, and it is this under-roasted stage that is referred to as the "white coffee." As coffee beans expand and change density the longer they are roasted, the white coffee bean is much harder and often breaks household grinders. Basically, this is the main reason we have resisted carrying white coffee because you may as well pour rocks in your grinder.

Where every varietal has its own distinct flavor profile, the general consensus on all white coffees is that the brewed taste is distinctly nutty, like almonds. Those that despair at our not offering the white coffee option explain that the deliciousness of the drink is matched only by its ability to overstimulate. The more a coffee bean is roasted, the more the bean burns off caffeine. Thus, white coffee beans, being only slightly roasted, contain more caffeine than the fully roasted bean, making it ideal for those who desire an extra dose of caffeine in their coffee. Coffee brewed from white beans can also appeal to non-coffee drinkers, as its nutty taste may prove more palatable than the usual bitter brew.

In general, we are not against trying new coffees. In fact, we love to hear suggestions on different origins and we have discovered some wonderful coffees from Peru to Burundi to Honduras to Mexican, we are pretty much willing to try anything (save that stuff crapped out by a rodent). However, we were reluctant to offer white coffee because we didn't want to break our grinders and we didn't want to under-roast a variety and have it not turn out so great. But, your cries have not fallen on deaf ears! Kelly and I have discussed the white coffee trend, and we have decided to offer white coffee espresso drinks for the month of December. Yes, folks, its going to be a white Christmas! So, go ahead and order your white coffee white chocolate mochas and white coffee lattes and take on the world because you'll be so hyped up on caffeine, you'll get all your holiday shopping done in record time!