Rosie's Coffee Roasting Co. - Ethiopia Yirgacheffe

I planned to review this one a week ago, but I've been allergy muddled and I can't review what I can't taste!  I mean I drank it and it was good, but getting hints of this or tastes of that just was not going to happen while the allergens had control of my life.

Much improved thanks to finding the right medication and now I can breathe and taste again.  

While searching for coffees from all over I came across Rosie's Roasting  and that name alone was enough for me to check it out. I didn't see a way to buy it online so I wrote.  Turns out they don't sell online, but focus on local markets and stores. Local is Sioux City, Iowa with a couple of places in Nebraska and South Dakota.  Lucky for me Tracy was happy to send me a bag.  I was very excited and the kid was excited too - she loves iconic image of strong women and the opportunity to take this photo made her happy.  

If you've ever read my blog you know I'm a sucker for good packaging and Rosie's didn't disappoint.  I like the iconic Rosie photo of course, but I also really liked the Sioux City Fire Department photo.  I am saving all my bags and when I have enough I am going to cover an old table in them.  I'll be using both sides of this one.

Ethiopian coffees are my favorite.  Sweet and citrusy with a hint of cocoa in most.  This was a light roast so I didn't really pick up any chocolate flavors, but the fruit came through wonderful and strong.  It was also kind of floral when I opened the bag and that scent carried through to the cup.  I didn't pick up on blueberry or darker fruits like I do with some Ethiopian coffees.  This one was light and bright and happy - think peaches and sunshine.  

The mouth feel was lighter than many with an acidity that lingered.  I would call it a sprite coffee.  It doesn't taste like Sprite, but it's lively and bright like the soda - unlike 7up which just lays there syrupy and heavy in your mouth.  I like Sprite.  :-)   There's a nice acidity to it but unlike some light roasts I didn't find it bitter and bitey.  I guess the word I'm looking for is crisp.  It was crispy and fresh.  

I fixed this one mainly as a pour over - because that's how I drink my coffee.  I found I liked it better with the Beehouse but also used the Kalita Wave several times.  

I liked it with my afternoon salad and also when I was snacking on some blood oranges and a raisin coconut mix.  I didn't care for it at all with my grilled cheese sandwich or breakfast oatmeal.  I also didn't like it with a salad that was heavy on cucumbers.  It was pretty good with my curry and rice dishes though.  

Know what I like as much as coffee?  Law & Order.  I have yet to find a good L&O cup but I did find one with Hudson U on it. (fictional university where a LOT of crime happens)  I liked this coffee enough that I used it to break my new mug in!
If you're traveling through the area (or you live there), swing by one of the retailers who carry Rosie's and pick up a bag or two!