Did This Idaho Roast Just Save My Morning?
Spoiler: it didn’t taste like Seattle, but it didn’t need to
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Moving to Wyoming was by and large the best decision for my family. Top schools in the country for my kids. My pocket book loves the rent and we get to be outside constantly. But there are a couple of things that I miss about city life and most especially Seattle. The coffee.
One of my first jobs at 16 was as a Seattle barista. It was my introduction to hospitality and the art of food. And before I transplanted I would regularly visit coffee shops like Aroma in Fall City, Capital Coffee Works in Capital Hill, Victrola on 15th, Storyville at Pike Place Market, Third Culture in Old Bellevue, 5 Stones in Redmond and yes even one Starbucks. The Starbucks Reserve. The original. You can see many of these shops on my Instagram, @theearthandflame, feed still.
My coffee of choice? Oat milk cortado.
I drink oat milk because I'm Japanese American and can't do milk but the cortado is a coffee lovers' drink. If you don't know what that is it is a ristretto aka condensed shot with Seattle cappuccino style steamed milk. The whole beverage equals 4.5 ounces. And I always drink it in porcelain.
So when I moved to Wyoming, home of the original rodeo, my coffee love took a hit. Coffee just isn't as cared about here as it is in other cities. I never hold other cities to the same Seattle standard of coffee. That's just mean. But Wyoming, well… people just don't care about coffee here. At least not like they do in other areas.
I go to Black Dog Coffee on 10th in Billings, Montana for the times I need a decent cortado. But when I'm at home I like my pour overs. I steam oatmilk on the stove and froth it.
This week I had to try something from Albertsons because I ran out before I realized it. So I tried Cafe Mule.
Cafe Mule caught my eye because it was from Idaho and I always prefer to shop and eat local. I mean if you're going to slap a mule on the bag and name your roast Long Fuzzy Ears I'm at least going to give it a shot. Medium roast. Whole bean. Notes of citrus and caramel if you believe the label. I don't usually. But it smelled nice in the store and I was out so here we are.
I ground it fresh and did my usual pour over. Nothing fancy. Just hot water. Patience. A few deep breaths while my kid tried to get yogurt on the ceiling while chasing the puppy, Bear.
The first sip was fine. Like actually fine. Not burnt. Not bitter. It wasn’t going to write poetry on my tongue but it didn’t offend me either. There was a little brightness that kind of tiptoed in like “Hey I'm citrus maybe?” before fading into something that sort of wanted to be caramel but didn’t fully commit.
With the steamed oat milk it mellowed out more. Still drinkable. Still better than most things in the Wyoming grocery aisle. But it didn’t light me up. No spark. No “whoa that’s good.” Just a soft nod and a mental note that it’s better than gas station coffee but worse than memory.
Would I buy it again? Maybe. Especially if I want something familiar that still feels a little new. It’s not Seattle. But it’s not trying to be. And honestly? That’s what made it work.
Final thought: Long Fuzzy Ears didn’t bring me home but it did make Wyoming feel a little less far from it. That counts for something. Maybe even a second cup.
Next review? Kicking Horse Coffee. Because apparently I’m on a farm animal theme now.
Love design as much as your morning pour over?
Check out Not Your Grandmother’s Recipe Cards, chakra food guides and menu templates in the Shoppe!
What’s your current go-to coffee at home? Bonus points if it came from somewhere totally unexpected.
I’ve combined my love for food, publishing, agriculture, and travel to help food artisans, wellness brands, and luxury experiences shine. Whether you’re a chef, restaurant owner, or a brand in the world of wine, coffee, teas, or herbs, I’m here to support you. As a solo traveler with a child, I understand the balance between exploring the world and creating meaningful connections through food and lifestyle. From farm-to-table dining to seasonal living, I’m passionate about sharing unique wellness experiences that inspire. Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover or how I can help bring your brand’s story to life.
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