Costa Rica - Rio Grande Roasters Blend 3 Lb. Bag Whole Bean Coffee

I've been a big fan of piñon coffee for several years, and usually get the red NM brand sent in the big 2 lb. bags from friends & relatives who live in in Albuquerque where that company is based so they get it right from them. I'm not invested in the brand though, and read in one online review that Rio Grande Piñon was a "trusty and reliable staple" in New Mexico restaurants & stores so I decided to try it based on that and good Amazon reviews. This was, it turns out, a mistake.First, the bag says "Proudly roasted by Trilliant Food & Nutrition, LLC", Little Chute, Wisconsin". Makes me think even if it were once a respected, genuine NM brand (though I'm skeptical since everyone I asked in NM says they've never heard of it), it's long since been bought up and moved to Wisconsin. At any rate, it doesn't really matter to me where it's "made", only how it tastes...which was the problem.There's no ingredient info on the package, only that it's "blended with the flavor of" pine nuts. That tells me there's no actual, real pine nuts used but extracts, flavorings and what ever concoctions they use to create "the flavor of". At any rate, if they DO use genuine ingredients they've nonetheless managed to make them taste like they didn't.When I opened the bag the smell was a little strong and odd, like some old baker's cocoa mixed with a big dose of imitation vanilla extract, but I thought it might be better once brewed. Unfortunately, it was terrible. Just...terrible. Sharp, bitter with an unpleasant smell and a chemical aftertaste. I finished the cup and dumped the rest. Tried another pot a few days later, mixing the beans with some good French roast. That helped mask it somewhat, but it's supposed to taste GOOD, not "less awful than it could be". Another pot down the sink.I suppose it's possible I just got a bad batch or they mis-measured whatever "flavor ofs" they dumped in the beans, but it's bad tasting and frankly undrinkable. I dislike it so much I don't really want to try giving it to a friend or relative, so if I'm unable to return it I'll probably just throw the whole 3 lb. bag away. I was holding out on buying more of the other until this came, so it was very disappointing.

I bought this as a lower-cost replacement for the Santa Fe Pinon coffee, as Amazon is considerably higher than Trader Joes, who had discontinued that product.Edited 7/2019After drinking this coffee for some months, I have come to really like it.Also, it stays on my coffeemaker's warmer for a long time without getting bitter, which is great.FYI, the coffee comes from WISCONSIN, not the Rio Grande area as the label implies.

Like quite a few others, I have enjoyed the New Mexico pinon coffee (the Red Bag) for years. Unfortunately, the Costco where I live doesn't carry it (Maui, okay, now no one feels bad for me).Anywho, NM Pinon costs a lot more to buy direct, a LOT more.Why not Hawaiian coffee you say, can't you get it there, and isn't it amazing?Some Hawaiian coffee is, especially the Kauai estate coffee (the Blue Bag), smooth, flavorful and fruity. But it's over $15 a pound. The Big Island plantation I love is over $25 a pound.I took a chance on this, and I love the smoothness and chocolate-y flavor profile. Not bitter at all (I think the guy who got that must have gotten a broken bag and the beans went rancid. I HATE bitter coffee, Kona coffee drives me nuts.I'm not concerned with whether the folks slow-roasted the beans over a pinon fire of their own making in a hand-woven basket. this coffee tastes good, and it treats my ADHD.

This coffee smells amazing and the beans have a nice sheen but it is very acidic. I prepare this coffee using a french press and drink it black. I've ordered about 4 bags now and have finally determined that it just does not add any value to my morning routine. I typically love to take a moment to savour and experience coffee - this brand/aroma offers a slightly unpleasant experience due to the acid. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this coffee. I hate to say that because the coffee really smells amazing but a prepared cup does not live up to that expectation in my opinion.

Ever since Las Chivas coffee roasters wen't out of business its been difficult finding a comparable replacement...until now. Every Christmas my loved ones get Pinon coffee. Originally thought it was a bit pricey however on arrival I realized I purchased the 3lb bags. Everyone I gifted says they enjoy the coffee. I bought an extra bag for myself and agree. The beans are dark brown and have a shiny coat. The smell of Pinon when opening the bag is a welcome aroma. The taste can be on the bitter side if brewed strong and or ground to fine. I will be purchasing more.

I really wanted to like this coffee not only because I love pinon coffee and the price is good but the picture of the cowboy on the bag is pretty irresistible! However the pinon flavor is really artificial smelling and off-putting - very strong and "perfumy" for my taste. I will stick with the more expensive red bag naturally flavored coffee.

Okay, I may sound like a commercial but this stuff is amazing.I saw this on Amazon and took a chance and bought two bags for my husband because on a recent trip to Santa Fe he fell in love with pinon coffee. And that's saying a lot because he's always been a 'regular' coffee guy.... so I called this amazing because Rio Grande Roasters was finally able to get him to step away from the Big Red Can and start exploring specialty coffee.I even got him a burr grinder so now he can be a true coffee snob whenever he wants :-)Plus I get lots of great iced coffee.Side note: he never asks for much (so he's super hard to shop for to begin with) but after his first few cups of this he actually asked me if I'd get him some more. So five stars for opening the doors on a whole new world for the man I love, and also for the super fast delivery and friendly service.BTW ....my first order was for 2 bags and I just ordered and received another 2 bags.....12 pounds of coffee beans. I mean, who has 12 pounds of coffee beans in their house?Thanks Rio Rosters for a great product.....y'all gotta try this!

A rich, lovely tastebuds treat! I even have my neighbors hooked!