Thomas Hammer Signature Blend Coffee

With this tasting, Thomas Hammer Signature Blend, emphasis is on the three attributes graphed on the package: roast, body, and acidity. In my previous article (blog post) I went over my understanding and research of these attributes and how they contribute to a coffee’s overall flavor. To better understand how these attributes affect the way coffee flavor and tasting are experienced, I have purchased not only Hammer’s Signature Blend but also Hammer’s French Roast. Comparing the graphs on these two coffees shows that Signature Blend rates the three attributes nominally at their mid points while French Roast rates roast and body at max, and acidity at bottom.

For this critique, I have tried Hammer’s Signature Blend. When I opened the package, I shoved my nose in and took a big sniff. The scent has a very enjoyable coffee smell. It is not overpowering and is very clean, and I had to smell it a couple of times because I enjoy it. For my first cup, black and unsweetened, I was pleasantly surprised. The medium roast target on the package graph seems to have nailed the flavor attribute as discussed in my previous post. There is nothing weak or strong regarding the roast, and it is exceptionally smooth.

The second attribute of body, again, excelled with this tasting. The brew was not weak or light. It did not seem excessively sticky or heavy. My experience with its aftertaste left me with enough time to enjoy a mix of semi-sweet chocolate and at the very back end, a raisin finish as expressed by the tasting notes.

The third attribute of acidity, in my opinion, was most difficult to sense. The package graph rates it at medium. I did not detect any acidity. I can only guess that there was some acidic dissipation at the end of the finish with a nearly undetectable raisin like citrus taste.

Regarding the tasting notes, I would not express having experienced anything spicy and if there is a toffee aspect it is only the brew’s richness.

My final word on this coffee is it has been one of my favorites of my coffee tasting journey, and I would recommend it as a daily pick-me-up for its consistent and to my tastebuds, enjoyably enduring flavor.

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