As a coffee professional...

I'm ashamed to admit I've never been to Portland. Considering the sheer amount of amazing coffee in that town it is most definitely on my must-go list.  As part of that pilgrimage visiting the fine folks at Dapper & Wise will be on the itinerary.  Since I've already had a couple of their offerings, and a nice Instagram exchange via our stories I'm sure we'll get along swimmingly.

First off, let me say that even before I tried their coffee, I liked their company.  Their Instagram account is definitely one of my favorites.  It's mainly focused on the coffee, and the people who make it.  I always appreciate that.  I often get tired of accounts that focus on too much on taking fancy staged photos and selling merchandise. They keep it about the coffee, and that is what I'm all about.

I also really like their philosophy, and its also the way I approach specialty coffee in my work as well. For one they are all about sourcing great coffees. Who can complain about that? But also, and most importantly, they aim to teach their "friends and customers about coffee in a friendly un-pretentious way."  Which I think is the key to success at any specialty coffee shop.

As an Ethiopian coffee fiend the first bag I cracked into was the Shantawene.  As I opened the bag a pleasant waft of sweet fruitiness hit me and made me happy.  Since it's a washed processed coffee I had expectations of a crisp, juicy, fruit forward experience and it did not disappoint.  As straight espresso the raspberry really shined, with a nice citrus-like acidity.  Unlike some Ethiopian espressos this one had a nicely subdued brightness.  With steamed milk this espresso tasted like caramel with a nice lingering orange flavor.

The Guatemala Vizcaya is also a very nice coffee.  As with most Guatemalas its standout flavors are chocolate and nuts, and who doesn't like that?  As a straight espresso it comes across clean, sweet, with clear notes of semi-sweet chocolate.  With steamed milk that note turns, not surprisingly, to milk chocolate.  It's just a flat out delicious, crowd pleasing, espresso.

It's been a minute since I've scored one of these with a 'Stock It', but Dapper & Wise hits all the right points for me.  Two very nice coffees. One fruity, one chocolatey, and both clean and sweet with or without steamed milk.  So you heard it here, get yourself to their website and pick up some coffees.  If you're lucky enough to be in Portland, than get yourself to one of their cafes.