Cafe Du Monde

My friend Darlene brought me some Cafe' Du Monde from New Orleans to try. The object of this coffee is that it has a Chicory additive which is a flavor developed by the French in New Orleans during the Civil War and a shortage of coffee proper.

So I eagerly brewed some up as I looked forward to yet another coffee experience. Although it is not my favorite, it has a very unique flavor. So unique in fact that if I were used to the chicory flavoring in my coffee I would notice its absence and likely be unhappy with just plain coffee.

This was a very dark roasted coffee, darker than anything I try to roast. I suspect that this roast is very close to charcoal. Which explains its use. Chicory was added to very dark roasted coffee as a way of taking the "bitter edge" off. I understand this because when coffee is over roasted the sugars first "carmelize" then they scortch. This scortching actually burns the sugars and oils and creates a bitter/burned taste. So the chicory is added to take the edge off.

The only way that I can explain the aroma is by telling you to try and remember what the wood-shop classroom smelled like when you were in school. It was woody and dominant. The taste was basically the same - wood shop in a cup. I am not criticizing the flavor nor am I suggesting that I did not like it but that is just the way it was.

All in all, I am happy to have the experience of the chicory. Would I buy it for myself? Not likely. Would I turn this brew down at a friend's home? No. What I will say for it was that it was indeed tasty and UNIQUE.