It’s odd that i grew up in Richmond, yet i spent so little time visit Charlottesville. I guess going to school 60 miles in the opposite direction in Williamsburg turned me into a W&M person instead of a UVA person.
Recently I’ve found a reason to be in Charlottesville more often and someone introduced me to Shenandoah Joes. Good coffee, roaster on-site and not all that expensive either. I didn’t realize that the prices were by the pound (dumb i know, but a lot of places sell 12 oz bags). I bought 2 bags and there’s no way i’ll finish them in their peak. The La Minita is what you’d expect, bright (but less so then some blends) with a roast that looks a little darker to me. The Long Frog i can’t really compare, good cocoa flavors, not much tobacco or smokiness. It’s got good lasting power on the tongue/palate. When i pulled it at home at 5 days off roast the crema was thick and held well after 60 seconds. The flecking and tiger striping is not quite as nice as the Counter Culture Toscana, it also doesn’t have the same sheen either.
I really like this place, good quality coffee without too much flash. It’s a modest space in a strip mall location. They close early (7pm i think) and aren’t open Sundays. The roast day is Thursday and Fridays there’s usually a special blend available. They serve drip pot coffee, as well as single brew cups using the porcelain pour-over filters for slightly more cost. Their espresso pulls are also competent with a nice and friendly staff.
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