I read an article recently from Consumer Reports.  It was a coffee taste test that mentioned the poor quality among blended coffees and suggested that 100% Columbian was the way to go if you like your coffee black.  Based on what is available in the grocery stores this is probably an accurate assessment.

But Steven Clark, renowned Seattle coffee expert, had a chance to taste the beans we use in our coffee blends.  He remarked that our Columbian beans are the best he’s tasted in over 10 years!  And he also commented on our Sumatran beans.  He said they are the best he’s tasted in over 25 years!  Clearly Consumer Reports did not get their hands on North Star Fine Coffees.   

For the Columbian coffee enthusiasts, a number of our blends do contain Columbian coffee…

North Star Black Label (blend of Colombian, Sumatran, Costa Rican)
America’s Cup (blend of Colombian, Costa Rican, Sumatran)
Seattle Reign (blend of Costa Rican, Colombian)
Simply Decadent (blend of Colombian, Guatemalan) *Also, available in decaf
Decaf Royale (100% pure Columbian Supremo)

Go ahead and try any of these coffees black.  We’ve heard it suggested that you’ll find them so rich and filled with flavor that you won’t want to ruin them with cream or sugar.  There’s nothing in the flavor you’d want to cover up.

I’m excited to point out that our blends are all premium #1 coffees getting rave reviews.  Take a look at what others are saying about these coffees on our coffee testimonials page.  Then try some for yourself.  You’ll discover what the taste testers at Consumer Reports didn’t know!

Kick Coffee is the first ever specialty coffee made especially for soccer fans!  It was first featured in Seattle for the MLS Cup and pre-MLS Cup party, hosted by Prost Amerika. 

And now,  Kick Coffee is the newest “starting player” of North Star Fine Coffees award winning line up of 5 star rated, premium grade 1, Seattle coffees.  It is available for purchase on our main website.

Kick Coffee is made as a blend of the finest Costa Rican and Guatemalan coffees.  Costa Rican coffees are prized for their high notes (bright citrus or berry-like flavors in the acidity) with distinct nut to chocolate roasty flavors, and Guatemalan coffee is revered as one of the most flavorful and nuanced cups in the world.

Combined in perfect proportion, with a medium-dark roast, Kick Coffee scores the winning goal in flavor.  Try some today.

Go team!

by Matt Charney

The clinical definition of addiction, according to the DSM IV, includes several considerations.  The shrinks say that among these factors, addiction exists in situations where the user begins to plan their life around the substance in question, devoting inordinate time and resources to obtain the user’s drug of choice.  Meeting both these criteria, for purposes of diagnoses, establishes an addiction.  Therefore, it’s time to make a confession: “Hi, my name is Matt, and I’m addicted to coffee.”

I’m not talking about 7-11 sludge, or the crystalline instant variety.  An addict like me doesn’t even consider these coffees; they’re more like a methadone supplement until I can get my fix. 

No, I’m talking the good stuff: The type of coffee with an aroma that can fill a room and wake you up just by taking a whiff.  The type of coffee with a smooth, sweet taste that doesn’t require 8 packets of Splenda to make it palatable.  The type of coffee that you can drink a cup in the morning, get the jolt needed to face another day of reality, and not worry about headaches, shaking and irritability three hours later. 

If you know coffee, you know what I’m talking about.  The perfect pot.  For us addicts, it’s something we spend years chasing after, spending big bucks and driving all over town to specialty retailers and out of the way coffee houses in pursuit of.  Most of these trips end up in disappointment (or a Starbucks, as an absolute last resort).

I’m happy to report, however, that I’ve scored probably the world’s best hook-up to feed my addiction.  North Star Fine Coffees isn’t only the good stuff, it’s the best stuff: quite literally, the most outstanding coffee I’ve ever tasted.  I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way.

I no longer have to run around town looking for that perfect cup; instead, North Star delivers directly to my front door.  North Star takes the time to grind the beans especially for my French Press to make it even easier.  Breaking through the airtight packaging releases an aroma that instantly transforms my living room into Juan Valdez’s hacienda (note: doubles as an air freshener). 

Boil some water, and a few minutes later, I’ve got the perfect cup.  A few hours later, I’m still going strong, without that nasty afternoon crash I’d come to expect as an inevitable trade off for caffeine escapism.  Plus, one bag costs about as much as three trips to Starbucks, only lasts way longer (and without having to break out the pseudo-Italian).

The best part of switching to North Star Fine Coffees?   I no longer spend time pursuing the perfect coffee, have been saving a lot of money for my gourmet fixes, and no longer experience any withdrawal after going on a binge.  That means I’m no longer an addict.  I’m a connoisseur, thank you very much!

by Nate Silverman, Silverman Consulting LLC

The coffee is amazing.  Unfortunately, it arrived the day after Christmas, but it actually worked out for the best.

Everyone gathered around as we opened the bag and let the fresh aroma escape.  I pointed out that all the beans were perfect – they are!   The whole process – measuring, grinding, brewing and pouring – was like a sacred ceremony for the group of us.  We enjoyed every moment of it.  Then, the moment of truth…

The first taste.  We all sipped at once and it was great to see the various facial expressions.  Raised eyebrows.   Smiles.  Nodding heads proving the doubts were overcome.  Surprise that there is no bitter after taste.  Even my wife, who does not like coffee, wanted a whole cup – then another. 

The adults were like kids on Christmas morning.  That’s why it was best we were able to do this the day after Christmas – so we could focus on our gift, not the kids and theirs.

I understand what you mean by “great coffee experience.”

I’ve been looking forward to my morning cup of coffee ever since.  Not just for my wake-up “cup of ambition” but also because it tastes great!

Thank you!