Hi there —
New roaster alert! This one’s personal. Meet my friend and colleague Peter Jones, co-owner of Idle Hands Roasting Company out of SLC. Their First Light blend is my new summer staple, with silky, sweet, and floral profile that tastes like cherry limeade and honey-drizzled summer fruit. Try not to finish the whole bag in two days like I did.
Tastes Like: Honeycomb, Nectarine, Red Berries, Lime, Floral
Why I'm Obsessed: It’s a happy day! Ever since I first tasted Idle Hands coffees, I knew they needed to be a part of Bean Box, and they’re finally here. But before I tell you about Idle Hands, let me tell you about their coffee. I’m into fruity profiles on these hot mornings, and First Light is what I’ve been reaching for every morning since it arrived on my doorstep. Don't let "light roast" fool you. First Light is silky, balanced, and satisfying in a way that defies the category: rich and creamy where you don't expect it, vibrant and juicy where you do. A natural Ethiopia brings the fruit-forward lift and floral aromatics; Latin America and Brazil ground it with structure and body. The initial honey note made me raise my eyebrows, super smooth and sweet, followed by a nice cherry-lime vibe. As it cools, you’ll taste those florals come through, but they don’t overwhelm the cup. In short, it might just be the perfect summer breakfast blend. You heard it here first!
Idle Hands is one of those small, yet impactful roasters I LOVE the opportunity to showcase here at Bean Box. I came to know Peter through our shared work on the Cup of Excellence board – and, if you know me, you know that when a roaster is that invested in the COE mission, I pay attention. COE exists to find and reward the best coffee in the world at origin, and the roasters who show up for that work are the ones who are serious about what's actually in the cup. Idle Hands launched in SLC in 2021 with a commitment to full pricing transparency and direct relationships with producers, paying above what farmers ask, not just what the market sets, and giving back, not just to nonprofits like COE, but associations at origin that improve the lives of producers and communities. When it comes to making a difference, I guess they aren’t so idle after all!
Bottom Line: You’ll love this coffee if you love caramel sauce, cherry lime rickeys, or want a goldilocks, “fruity-but-not-too-fruity” breakfast blend.
|