Coffee, Cigars & Pipe Tobacco

As far as I know there are two different and very distinct types of coffee: Arabica (Coffea Arabica), which is the Jamaican, Brazilian, Hawaiian, Columbian and so on. It has a vanilla, caramel, nutty round taste to it. Planted in a semi- tropical or temperate environment, purple soil and closer to mid mountain level. It is smooth and mellow. It has a rich round flavor, with delicate complex notes. It is originally from the Ethiopian Highlands.

Because the Arabica fruit or cherries fall to the ground and spoil, the trees must be carefully monitored and picked at different intervals, making its production more expensive.

The second type is the Robusta (Coffea Canifera) exclusively grown in the eastern part of the world. It likes equatorial and low altitudes. It’s fruit remains on the tree, producing a less expensive bean. The Robusta has twice the caffeine of the Arabica and is very acidic, bitter. Its what most restaurants offer. A kick in the proverbial pants…lol

How does one make a good cup of coffee? The first thing to consider is if you like your coffee bitter or smooth. Arabica or Robusta. The second is how do like your roast? Dark like the French? Or medium like Brazilians? I prefer mine Arabica with a medium roast ground medium to fine, brewed in a French Press. A Hawaiian Kona, Jamaican Blue Mountain or a Brazilian Café do Ponto. Then comes which way to make it?

Brazilians still use a cloth filter. They grind their coffee fine and give it a medium roast. 1 tblsp of coffee per cup (a demitasse) of water. Also called a cafezinho.

The French like their coffee brewed in a “French Press”, espresso machine (makes a very strong brew) or the Italian volcano; it’s like an espresso but stovetop. They roast their coffee dark. The Italians are the same

But if you just like a good cup of java, American style, then go for a medium grind, use a drip coffee machine or automatic coffee maker. Oh, and get your coffee with a medium roast.

A good cup of coffee, a great bowl of tobacco or cigar is sometimes a better pairing than alcohol. A good smoke doesn’t always call for liquor. And the idea is to compliment the cigar or tobacco, not over power it.

If you like a Sumatra or Java wrapper, like a Zino Classic, an Avo XO or an English Pipe Tobacco blend, a Bennington #5; a dark roasted coffee made in a volcano or espresso machine would be a great combination.

If you prefer an Arturo Fuente Short Story cigar or Partagas Regular (they both carry a Cameroon wrapper, sweet and medium) and a mild to medium non-aromatic pipe tobacco like a Bennington #23; a medium roasted Arabica would be your best bet. Made in a French press or automatic machine.