The pros: Trader Joe's Santa Alina Coffee is new, notable, and worth a try.
The cons: This is pricier than the basic varieties of coffee, but not as ridiculously priced as Trader Joe's Geisha or Kona Coffee varieties. It's small lot which makes me concerned that there may be some consistency issues.
The verdict: I've tried quite a few of Trader Joe's Coffee varieties. So far, Trader Joe's Tarrazu has won my heart. Recently, this little bag has become my go to coffee. This is an easy variety to spot on the shelves as it does not come in a canister, but rather a bag.
The bag itself is bright and distinctly colored. The first time I picked it up, it had that distinct roasted coffee smell that some other varieties seemed to be lacking. Best of all, I could smell it and felt like it was something special. For $8.99 for 12 ounces, it's priced as something special too.
The beans are very small and don't look very oily. However, the size of the bean doesn't matter much when you think about the fact that you are going to grind this product anyway. Brewed it had that wake you up in the morning smell. It was a medium colored brew and not nearly as light as Trader Joe's Lys Kaffe.
When sipping the coffee, it reminded much of Trader Joe's Tarrazu with it's smoothness, mild acidity, and well balance taste. However, there is a pleasant bit of earthiness and creaminess that is hard to explain. It made me smile and greet the morning (and made me look forward to my next cup).
If you are wondering about the price premium as compared to say, Trader Joe's Colombia Supremo, it's completely worth it. If you are a coffee drinker and appreciate the characteristics of a medium roast coffee, then this is worth a try.
The bag of Trader Joe's Santa Alina Coffee:
How Trader Joe's describes this product:
Out of the package you get:
Would I buy this again? Yes. I've purchased it twice now. When the current bag is empty, I'll pick it up again.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for an alphabetized list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
judilyn says
With all of your lovely recommendations for coffees, I see that if I ever get up to Trader Joe's again, I am going to need to clear a space in my freezer just to store the coffees that will jump into my basket.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie! Well, I have ones that are worth trying and some ones I really did not care for. Coffee goes quick in my home. That's how I'm able to try so many.
judilyn says
I've seldom met a coffee I didn't like, although ANY of the flavored ones disturb my intestines considerably. I make a quart in the morning - drink a bit over half right then, and parcel out the other bit from the refrigerator after lunch as iced coffee. Nummies!
Kimberly Eleanor Clark says
Haven't tried it yet, but I will next time I go to Trader Joe's (which I love)