Let's get to know our extra dark roast, Cranesville Swamp. This roast is named after the Cranesville Swamp that is 1,774 acres of beautiful coniferous trees and wetland plants protected by The Nature Conservancy. When you visit Terra Alta, enjoy nearly 2 miles of marked trails to guide you through this amazing West Virginia gem.
This wholly African blend is excellent for drip or espresso brewing. These beans from Kenya, Burundi, and Ethiopia Yirgacheffe are carefully sourced and roasted especially dark for a smooth finish.
There are several ways to brew espresso, including using an espresso machine, a stovetop espresso maker, a French press, or an AeroPress. Espresso machines use pressure to extract the coffee, while stovetop espresso makers use steam. French presses and AeroPresses use immersion brewing methods, where the coffee is steeped in hot water for a certain amount of time before being pressed or plunged. Each method has its own unique characteristics, producing different flavors and strengths of espresso.
Espresso is a popular coffee drink that is used as a base for many other popular drinks. Some of the common drinks made with espresso include cappuccino, latte, macchiato, Americano, and mocha. A cappuccino is made by combining equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. A latte is similar to a cappuccino but with more steamed milk and less foam. A macchiato is a shot of espresso with a dollop of steamed milk on top. An Americano is a shot of espresso diluted with hot water. A mocha is a latte with added chocolate syrup or powder.
Some foods that complement Cranesville Swamp include dark chocolate, caramelized nuts, hearty oatmeal, toasted bread with a thick spread of butter, and spicy breakfast sausage. Additionally, strong cheeses like cheddar or gouda can be a great choice. If you stop in the shop, it would also pair well with many of our locally made fresh pastries!
You may be asking yourself, is there really a difference between a dark roast and an extra dark roast? The main difference between a dark roast and an extra dark roast is the amount of time the coffee beans are roasted. Dark roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period of time than medium or light roast beans, resulting in a rich, bold flavor. Extra dark roast coffee beans are roasted even longer than dark roast beans, creating a very strong and intense flavor with a smoky undertone. The longer roasting time also results in a darker color and sometimes a slight oiliness on the surface of the beans.
If you don't know which blend to try, we recommend trying them all! Stop in Tuesday — Friday, 6am — 11am or Saturday 6am — 1pm to try one of our handcrafted drinks, or check out our online shop if you can’t make it in!
Cranesville Swamp is 15% off for a limited time if you want to give it a try, and you know you do. Use code Swamp at checkout. Happy brewing!