Review #31: Lone Oak Coffee Co.

Name of Roaster: Lone Oak Coffee Co.

Location of Roaster (City, State, Country): Winchester, VA Name of Roast: Hulia Organic Colombia (Washed Process) Type of Roast (Light, Medium, Dark): Medium Origin of Beans: Nariño, Colombia (various small farms) Price: $16.58 at HC&R / $18 online (12oz) Brewing Method (Drip, Chemex, AeroPress, etc.): Chemex Time Between Purchase and Brewing (Ballpark is fine): Eight Days Aroma: Opening the bag, we were met with a big scent of fresh baked chocolate chip cookie, warm chocolate fudge, slight red berry jam, and baking spice. On the grind, the coffee’s scents were warmer and brighter, amplifying the aforementioned notes, but particularly the berry jam, highlighting a cherry or raspberry. Scents of caramelizing sugar and toffee were found on the pour. Flavor Profile: This full-bodied coffee had a mid-entry and a lush mouthfeel that languidly proceeded from the front to the back of the mouth. The flavor split into top and bottom notes, with, rich cocoa aromatics on the top and a vibrant molasses underneath. A blend of dark chocolate and brown sugar next crossed the tongue, with a gentle, well-balanced brightness. Soft acidity was found on the tip and sides of the tongue that were dominated at first by the chocolate but became more pronounced on the finish. Pleasant aromatics of warm chocolate cake persist after the finish. As the coffee cools, the bright acidic undertone shows more, tart and lively, like green apple splashed with lemon or crossed with red grapefruit. Overall Impression (What did you think of it? Anything else we should know?): This coffee was surprisingly dynamic, a delicious cup that can stand easily on its own. The tasting experience was elevated by the coffee’s changing flavor profile and supremely pleasant aromatics. For folks pairing, we recommend leaning towards granola and away from yogurt or other acidic items - the latter detract from the aromatics and enjoyment of this rich, striking coffee.

Note: We picked this coffee up at Hopscotch Coffee & Records, a local shop in Winchester, VA, that is a couple of blocks from Lone Oak’s HQ. Lone Oak provides Hopscotch with private label roasts, and Hopscotch our recommended spot to buy Lone Oak if you’re passing through Winchester. That stated, you can find Lone Oak’s beans retailing elsewhere in addition to online. Final Score (1-10, with 10 being the best cup of coffee in your life): 8.2 Where to Buy: Hopscotch Coffee & Records (retail) / Lone Oak Coffee Co. (online) Looking to do a review of your own? Hop over to the Community and get to it!