Can we talk about coffee?

Oh Twitter, how do I love thee? It was through Twitter that I got a message enticing me to taste the difference.  A DM and some emails later, Longbottom Coffee has a customer for life.  As I type this review, I am sipping on a jumbo cup of Harvest Blend Longbottom Coffee.  

Let’s talk about coffee.  Coffee from……. Oregon? Yes my dear.  Coffee from Oregon (not grown in Oregon, but you know what I’m saying).  I have had the pleasure of getting to know the some of the flavors that Longbottom Coffee and Tea has to offer and oh my goodness, I think a trip to Portland is in order! ;)

A bit about Longbottom Coffee and Tea, Inc:  Never heard of it? Me either.  However  Longbottom Coffee and Tea, Inc. has been around for over 25 years.  I’m happy to be in on this secret that Portland has been guarding for so long because evidently they are doing something right!    

Why bother with Longbottom Coffee when there are so many other coffees on the market? All I can say is taste, taste, taste.  Longbottom is a company after my own heart.

From the website: (anything in quotes has come directly from the website).

‘Some primary reasons are;

1. We start with only the finest high grown Arabica available. We do not 'mix' these with lower quality beans and call them blends! Longbottom?s definition of a blend is when 2 or more high quality Arabica Origins are combined for a specific and incredible taste profile.
2. We roast these to their unique taste profile temperatures. With Our superior roasting method, we do not alter, but complement the regions uniqueness.
3. We preserve freshness by shipping to you within hours after roasting.’

Concerned about the green factor?  Longbottom has it covered by using recycled ‘In many cases when deliver locally these recycled boxes are used 10 or 20 times over’ along with biodegradable packaging and small trucks! Small trucks!

Concerned about the social factor? Longbottom has that covered as well by not only promoting and selling fair trade products , they are also a proud sponsor of Coffee Kids, ‘an international non-profit organization established to improve the quality of life for children and families who live in coffee-growing communities around the world.  It makes no difference if this coffee is Fair Trade, organic, co-op, association, or estate - Coffee Kids receives a percentage from every purchase.’   Longbottom also gives to over 12 Portland area charities and organizations.   Wow!

What about their employees? ‘It is our responsibility not only to provide a fun work environment but provide our employees with living wages, generous retirement benefits, and comprehensive health benefits, all of which promote their well-being and self esteem. Many of our employees have been with us for 10, 15, and even 20 years.’ These numbers reflect lifetimes!  Almost makes me want to move to Portland! ;)

Some Roasts and Review:  Longbottom Coffee has an extensive variety of coffees and teas.   Below is a list of the coffees (and espresso) that I had the pleasure of sampling thanks to Gene Anderson.  All I can say is YUM.   Hubby and I sampled each blend made in our French press and sweetened with 2 teaspoons of condensed milk (the way we would drink any other cup o’ joe).  We used the 5 cup rating system.  5/5 is best.  These are our opinions only!  

1. Ethiopian Mocha Harrar-  4.5/5. Smooth.  Like a getting a big hug during the morning commute!

2. Whitelightning Espresso- 4/5- zinnnnnnng! Smooth and so good for first thing in the morning!

3. Harvest Blend- 4/5. Perfect for any time of the day.  

4. Black Satin Blend- 4/5. Wonderful for after dinner

5. Organic Nicaraguan- Hubby really loved this one.  I think it was a little strong for me though!  3.5/5

6. Black Gold Coffee Blend- 4/5 smooth- great for any time of the day.

7. Costa Rican Tarrazu- 6/5. Yes, 6/5.  Roasted in honey!  Everyone needs to try this one.  

All I can say is that when I got to the end of each cup of coffee, I was a little sad because that cup was over.   Every drop of the coffee we sampled was amazing.

I normally don’t write reviews this long, but Longbottom Coffee truly deserves the kudos.  ‘Owner and CEO, Michael Baccellieri, believes in long-term relationships based on truth and mutual respect.Because of this philosophy we make your satisfaction our number one priority.’  Well Mr. Baccellieri, we look forward to a long and meaningful relationship from Oregon to Arizona, with your amazing products.  I have tasted the difference!!!

The Giveaway: 

Do I have your attention?  You want some Longbottom Coffee do ya? Do ya?

Alright then, here are the rules:  I will be giving away a bag of coffee from the above mentioned list to 10 winners (10 bags, 10 winners).  Winner and coffee roast will be selected randomly by random.org. and will be notified via email.  Please leave your email address with your comment if it’s not available via your profile!  Giveaway starts December 14 and will end on December 24.  All winners will have 48 hours to respond.

Mandatory entry (this must be done before I count all other entries):  Go to Longbottom Coffee and tell me one thing you’ve  learned about this fabulous company (something not already mentioned!)  Come back and post what you’ve learned in the ‘comments’ section.

Extra entries: leave a comment in the ‘comments’ section to let me know that you qualify for the extra entries!

1.       Follow Longbottom Coffee @finestcoffee on Twitter.

2.       Follow me @cdnexpat08 on Twitter (click on the link to the left).

3.       Subscribe to my blog reader! 

4.       Tweet about the giveaway! One tweet per day, then leave a comment that you tweeted. Feel free to copy and paste:
Hey! @cdnexpat08 is hosting a @finestcoffee giveaway!  taste the difference! http://tinyurl.com/ybmkrej ends 12/24 #coffee #giveaway RT
5. Grab my button and post it on your blog! Come back with a link. (2 entries!)
6. Subscribe to my blog via email.

7 ways to enter and win! Have fun!

Contest is now closed.  Thanks so much for participating. Winners will be contacted on 12/26 and have 48 hours to respond.  

I'll post the winners next week! 
Enjoy your Christmas/Holidays! :)