Hey there, coffee lover! As a certified fashionista and caffeine aficionado, I‘ve sipped my way through countless coffee shops and brands over the years. But there‘s one name that always stands out from the rest – La Colombe.
I first discovered this Philly-born brand when I stumbled upon one of their chic cafes during a trip to the City of Brotherly Love. From the moment I walked in, I was enchanted by the aroma of freshly-roasted beans and the effortlessly cool vibe. And after tasting their signature blends and draft lattes, I knew I had found my new coffee obsession.
Since then, La Colombe has become a staple in my daily routine and my go-to gift for fellow fashion-forward friends. I‘ve spent countless mornings savoring their various blends, afternoons perking up with their canned Draft Lattes, and evenings unwinding with a decaf pourover.
So I figured it was high time I shared my love for La Colombe with all of you! In this in-depth review, I‘ll be spilling the beans (pun intended) on everything from the brand‘s fascinating history to my personal favorite products. Whether you‘re a coffee connoisseur or a casual sipper, I‘ve got you covered.
From Philly to the World: La Colombe‘s Stunning Success Story
But first, let‘s take a quick trip back in time to where it all began. La Colombe was founded in 1994 by Todd Carmichael and JP Iberti, two coffee-obsessed friends with a shared vision of turning the coffee world upside down.
Tired of the subpar brews being served at high-end restaurants, Todd and JP set out to create a coffee that could stand up to the most exquisite meals. They started small, roasting beans in the back of their Philly cafe. But as word of their incredible coffee spread, so did the business.
Fast forward a few decades, and La Colombe has become a household name among discerning coffee drinkers. With cafes in major cities across the country and a thriving wholesale business, they‘ve come a long way from their humble beginnings.
But even as they‘ve grown, La Colombe has never lost sight of their core values. They remain committed to ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and supporting coffee-producing communities around the globe.
One of the things I admire most about La Colombe is how they go above and beyond to make a positive impact. Co-founder Todd Carmichael even has his own Travel Channel show, Dangerous Grounds, where he travels to the farthest corners of the earth to find the best beans and build relationships with farmers.
And then there‘s the Haiti Coffee Academy, a project near and dear to La Colombe‘s heart. In partnership with the Clinton Foundation, they‘ve invested over $350,000 to help revitalize Haiti‘s coffee industry and support local farmers. Since the program began, participating farmers have seen their yields increase by an average of 300%! Talk about using business as a force for good.
With all these incredible initiatives and a dedication to quality that borders on obsessive, it‘s no wonder La Colombe has become a leader in the third-wave coffee movement. They‘ve racked up countless awards and accolades over the years, including being named one of the best coffee roasters in America by publications like Food & Wine and Thrillist.
But awards aside, what really sets La Colombe apart is their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and elevating the coffee experience. From their inventive draft latte cans to their limited-edition micro-lot blends, they‘re always finding new ways to surprise and delight us coffee lovers.
Sip Your Way Around the World: A Tour of La Colombe‘s Top Blends
Speaking of blends, let‘s dive into the delicious details of La Colombe‘s coffee offerings. One of the great things about this brand is the sheer variety – there truly is something for everyone.
As a self-proclaimed coffee nerd, I‘ve made it my mission to try as many of La Colombe‘s blends as possible. And let me tell you, it‘s been a delicious journey. To help you navigate the options, I‘ve put together a handy chart of some of the most popular blends:
| Blend Name | Roast Level | Tasting Notes | Origin | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corsica | Medium | Cherry, chocolate, honey | Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia | Everyday sipping, pairs with pastries |
| Nizza | Medium-Dark | Nutty, brown sugar, dried fruit | Brazil, Colombia | After dinner, with dessert |
| Monaco | Medium | Toffee, almond, citrus | Ethiopia, Guatemala | Brunch, with savory dishes |
| Afrique | Light | Floral, berry, wine | Ethiopia, Kenya | Special occasions, for adventurous palates |
| Lyon | Dark | Dark chocolate, smoke, black currant | Colombia, Guatemala | Cold brew, iced drinks |
| Fishtown | Medium | Caramel, toasted grain, lemon | Blend changes seasonally | Everyday sipping, for Philly locals |
Of course, this is just a small sampling of the amazing blends La Colombe has to offer. Part of the fun is trying new ones each time you stock up and discovering your own favorites.
One of my personal go-to‘s is the Corsica blend. It‘s like the perfect little black dress of coffee – chic, versatile, and always in style. With its smooth cherry and chocolate notes and hint of honey sweetness, it‘s the kind of coffee I can sip all day long. It pairs perfectly with a almond croissant for a Parisian-inspired breakfast, but it‘s also lovely on its own as an afternoon pick-me-up.
When I‘m feeling a bit more decadent, I reach for the Nizza blend. This medium-dark roast is named after the Italian city of Nice, and it definitely lives up to its luxurious namesake. With flavors of brown sugar, dried fruit, and nuts, it‘s like a gourmet dessert in a cup. I love brewing up a French press of Nizza to enjoy with a square (or three) of dark chocolate after dinner.
But La Colombe isn‘t just about the classics. They also offer an amazing selection of single-origin coffees and limited-edition micro-lots for those who want to explore the unique terroir of different coffee-growing regions.
One of the most memorable micro-lots I‘ve tried is the Kagerurwa from Rwanda. This light roast absolutely blew me away with its complex flavors of strawberry, vanilla, and orange zest. It was like nothing I‘d ever tasted before, and I savored every sip.
If you‘re not sure where to start, I highly recommend signing up for La Colombe‘s coffee subscription service. You‘ll get a rotating selection of their best blends and single-origins delivered right to your door, so you can expand your coffee horizons from the comfort of home.
Perk Up On-The-Go: La Colombe‘s Crave-Worthy Canned Creations
As much as I love the ritual of brewing a perfect pourover or French press, there are times when I need a quick caffeine fix on-the-go. That‘s where La Colombe‘s canned coffees come in clutch.
Their signature Draft Latte line is like a barista in a can. These frothy, creamy drinks come in a range of flavors to suit every mood and season. The classic Draft Latte is a personal favorite – it‘s like a perfectly pulled espresso with steamed milk, but in a convenient portable package.
For those who like their coffee with a little something extra, the seasonal Draft Latte flavors are a must-try. From the cozy Pumpkin Spice in fall to the refreshing Honeysuckle in spring, these limited-edition lattes always hit the spot. And with both dairy and non-dairy options, there‘s a Draft Latte for every lifestyle.
But La Colombe‘s canned creations don‘t stop at lattes. They also offer a line of single-origin cold brews that let you experience the unique flavor profiles of different coffee regions.
One of my favorites is the Brazilian Cold Brew. With its nutty, chocolate notes and smooth finish, it‘s the perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day. I like to pour it over ice and add a splash of oat milk for a creamy, refreshing treat.
For those who like their cold brew with a little extra kick, the Extra Bold Brazilian is sure to perk you up. It has all the flavor of the original, but with a higher caffeine content for those days when you need a serious boost.
And let‘s not forget the Pure Black Cold Brew, a classic option for those who like their coffee straight-up. Made with a blend of hand-selected beans from Colombia, Mexico, and Nicaragua, it‘s smooth, balanced, and perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for your favorite coffee cocktails.
La Colombe‘s canned coffees have become a staple in my fridge and my on-the-go life. And judging by the rave reviews and loyal following they‘ve amassed, I‘m not the only one who‘s obsessed.
Brewing the Perfect Cup: Tips and Tricks from a La Colombe Lover
Now that you‘re up to speed on all the delicious options La Colombe has to offer, let‘s talk about how to make the most of them at home. As someone who‘s spent years perfecting my brewing technique, I‘ve learned a thing or two about coaxing the best flavor out of these amazing beans.
First and foremost, invest in a quality grinder. Freshly ground coffee is the key to a flavorful, aromatic cup. I‘m a fan of burr grinders, which give you a more consistent particle size compared to blade grinders. La Colombe actually sells a great hand grinder that‘s perfect for small-batch brewing.
When it comes to brewing methods, the possibilities are endless. I‘m partial to pour overs for their clean, bright flavor and French press for a bolder, full-bodied cup. But whether you prefer drip, Chemex, AeroPress, or anything in between, the key is nailing the right water-to-coffee ratio.
As a general rule, I like to use about 15 grams of coffee per 8-ounce cup of water. But don‘t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds. La Colombe‘s website has a great guide to brewing ratios for different methods.
Another tip? Don‘t skimp on the water quality. Coffee is over 98% water, so if your water tastes funky, your coffee will too. I always use filtered water to ensure a clean, pure flavor.
When it comes to serving temperature, aim for somewhere between 195-205°F. Too hot and you risk scorching the beans; too cool and you won‘t extract all those delicious flavors.
But brewing a great cup of La Colombe is about more than just technique. It‘s about the whole experience. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma, the color, the mouthfeel. Savor each sip and let yourself get lost in the flavors. Coffee is a sensory journey, and La Colombe is the perfect guide.
The Verdict: Is La Colombe Worth the Hype?
By now, I‘m sure you can tell that I‘m a bit biased when it comes to La Colombe. But after years of enjoying their coffees and seeing the positive impact they‘ve had on the industry and the world, I feel confident saying that yes, they are absolutely worth the hype.
In terms of quality, flavor, and variety, La Colombe is hard to beat. Whether you‘re a die-hard light roast fan or a dark roast devotee, an espresso fiend or a drip coffee diehard, they have a blend that will speak to your soul. And with their constantly rotating selection of micro-lots and limited editions, there‘s always something new to discover.
But what really sets La Colombe apart, in my opinion, is their commitment to ethics and sustainability. In an industry that‘s often plagued by exploitation and environmental destruction, La Colombe is a shining example of how to do things right. By investing in long-term relationships with farmers, supporting community development projects, and pioneering eco-friendly packaging, they‘re using their success to make a real difference.
Of course, all this goodness does come at a bit of a premium compared to your average grocery store coffee. But in my experience, the extra few dollars are more than worth it for the quality and peace of mind you get in return. And with La Colombe‘s subscription options and bulk discounts, it‘s easier than ever to keep your pantry stocked with the good stuff.
So if you‘re ready to upgrade your coffee game and support a brand that‘s making a positive impact, I can‘t recommend La Colombe enough. Whether you start with a bag of Corsica, a 12-pack of Draft Lattes, or a coffee subscription, I have a feeling you‘ll be hooked after the first sip.
Life‘s too short for bad coffee, so why not treat yourself to the best? Join me in raising a mug to La Colombe – the coffee of choice for fashionistas, foodies, and world-changers alike. Trust me, your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
