#4. Intrigued by Something Sweet That Doesn’t Taste Sweet: It’s Like Cheating on Black Coffee

Aug 8

***Von Brown Coffee Blog*** *| Brewing Coffee Archives - French Vanila*

“I want something that smells sweet but isn’t actually sweet, and this French Vanilla is perfect for that!”

— VB's Inner Voice

One of my favorite neighborhoods in New York City is the West Village. Nestled there is a renowned coffee seller that's been serving exceptional coffee beans since 1907. During a stroll through the area, my friend pointed out, “That place is one of New York’s top three coffee sellers.” Intrigued, I decided to check out Porto Rico Importing Co., and since then, I've become quite the coffee enthusiast. With such an extensive selection of coffee beans, choosing just one is quite challenging—it's like I want to try them all!

On my latest visit, I picked up four different coffee beans: Guatemalan Los Olivos SHB, Mocha Java, Decaf Vienna Colombian Supremo, and French Vanilla. Today, I want to introduce the French Vanilla. The name alone promises a sweet vanilla aroma. Although I typically enjoy unsweetened black coffee, I have a soft spot for vanilla when I’m in the mood for something a bit sweeter.

Porto Rico Importing Co.'s website classifies these beans as Flavored Coffee. The vanilla scent is incredibly enticing right from the bag. However, the website didn’t provide details on the processing method, which left me uncertain about the best brewing technique. All I know is that it's a French roast, known for its bold, chocolatey flavor with less acidity. Since I prefer vanilla-flavored coffee iced, I decided to experiment and brew it to suit my taste.

The result? A refreshingly sweet vanilla iced coffee that’s simply delicious! Perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking for a flavorful twist without the extra sugar. While enjoying my coffee, I came across a story about the seller's history. It turns out his mother used to serve delicious flavored coffee by breaking up pieces of dried orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and clove. Now, it’s his turn to share that legacy and the love for flavored coffee through Porto Rico Importing Co.

Here are my brewing recipe and the details about the beans: