The Cup That Will Transport You - Part III

Aileen Sheehan-Wilson, our resident coffee aficionado and my better half, is through her third batch of Joffrey’s Disney Parks Blends. The fourth and fifth sets of reviews will be in shortly, but for now let’s check in with what she had to say about this batch of medium roasts blends! As always, we purchased a pound of whole beans and ground them fresh ourselves for her multi-cup, multi-pot taste test.

Flavors of Africa (Medium) – Our imaginations are as vast as the Maasai Mara Reserve, but we couldn’t imagine another coffee for Boma than this full-bodied Kenya AA. Grown in the volcanic soil on the northern slopes of Mt. Kenya, it’s brisk and snappy in the cup, with a high level of acidity and a splash of fruitiness; a wonderful way to greet both the day and Flavors of Africa’s bountiful breakfast buffet and beef bobotie—a delicious South African quiche. And its dry, winey aftertaste is a welcomed dinner guest for the grilled seafood, roasted meats and house-baked pastries. Flavors of Africa brings you the flavors of over 50 African countries. We picked a 100% Specialty Grade coffee to complement each and every one.

What Aileen Tastes:

I enjoyed this roast but would not put it at the top of my list. This is a situation where my love of dark roasts leaves me wishing this coffee offered more to the palette. The flavor is bright and there is a higher level of acidity than some of the other roasts. However, do not shy away when you hear the word acidity. The overall flavor of this coffee absolutely compliments African flavors. I may not order it for use at home again, but I would absolutely have a cup when visiting Boma in the Animal Kindgom Lodge.

Hollywood Blend (Medium) – We knew this blend had to have wall-to-wall character. After all, the walls of this Tinseltown replica are adorned with caricatures of the famous faces that made the original Brown Derby legendary. Just like the Brown Derby Cobb salad, it doesn’t disappoint. The 100% Specialty Grade Arabica Beans we source from Africa, Indonesia and Central America has a wonderful aroma even the framed Bob Hope could smell. And the rich, full-bodied flavor has a lingering finish ready for its close-up with the caramelized apple cheesecake.

What Aileen Tastes:

This coffee was perfectly drinkable, but I didn’t feel it had a lot to offer in the flavor category. It smelled wonderful (rich and full-bodied) and I had high hopes for my first sip, but it fell a little flat on the tongue. This coffee is fine to enjoy at the end of a meal but do not it does not hold up to the amazing desserts you can have at the Hollywood Brown Derby, in my opinion.  The Hollywood Blend is not on my re-order list.

Kona Blend (Medium) – Travel bloggers are buzzing about this one. “Discerning coffee drinkers, delight! There is authentic Kona coffee to be discovered here.” Well, to be fair, the banana stuffed French toast is pretty spectacular as well. It’s fantastic with the smooth and buttery mouth-feel of the coffee. We blend it with mild Central American beans—just enough to enhance the naturally fruity nuances always present in the Kona. It’s 100% Specialty Grade and also 1000% perfect with the Polynesian’s famous pineapple upside-down cake.

What Aileen Tastes:

Kona coffee, which is created in Hawaii, is on its own, quite expensive. Therefore, it is often combined with other beans in order to make it more affordable. Joffery’s has created a blend that is a combination of Kona coffee and mild Central American beans. As I have stated in past articles, I normally love dark roasts, but Kona coffee is an exception to this rule.  I had the pleasure of drinking this while at Kona Café in September and I can say, the home version and what I had there were extremely similar. The description of this coffee references a smooth and buttery mouth-feel and I have to agree.  This is a roast that lacks bitterness and could entice at least a few non-coffee drinkers. Overall, it pairs well with all breakfast foods, but I have to say, I prefer to enjoy it with pineapple macadamia nut pancakes! This coffee will definitely be in the cupboard again.

Today’s Cup of Disney Rankings:

1 – Kona Blend

2 – Hollywood Blend

3 – Flavors of Africa

Overall Cup of Disney Rankings:

1 – French Bistro

2 – California Grill

3 – Flying Fish Espresso

4 – Kona Blend

5 – Tusker House

6 – Artist Point

7 – Flavors of Africa

8 – Hollywood Blend

9 – The Wave

Previous Reviews: 

The Cup That Will Transport You - Part I (The Wave, Artist Point, and Flying Fish Espresso)

The Cup That Will Transport You - Part II (California Grill, French Bistro Blend In-Room, and Tusker House)