Hold the soy: Alterra Delta Mud

If I squint real hard I think I can see Vincent Van Gogh wearing thick-rimmed glasses. There's no booze in there, I swear.

I apologize for my lack of…brand diversity in my Hold the soy series, but it’s hard when any blind stumble will likely land me across the street at Barriques. At this point I might as well just try every Alterra bean Barriques Fitchburg offers.  Slowly conquering the world – one half-pound bag at a time.

Delta Mud, as it’s name would imply, is a darker full city to Italian roast – slightly oily yet not quite black.  These beans produce a rich shot with a robust charred bitterness rounded by sweet cocoa notes that fool the palate into thinking you’re drinking a mocha instead of a cappuccino.  Acidity is definitely on the low side which leads to a smooth, easy drink with a lingering roasty aftertaste.  The overall impression is certainly muddy, but think more Mississippi mud  pie than 3am Denny’s.  A great bean for espresso drinks.