Daily Shot Of Coffee Best Coffees Of 2012

Is it really almost 2013? What happened to 2012? This year flew by! 2012 was an amazing year for me for so many reasons, one of those reasons was all of the amazing coffee that I tried. There were so many great coffees that I had a chance to try that it was hard picking out my favorites from all of them, but I think I was able to pull together a short list of what I’m calling the Daily Shot Of Coffee Best Coffees of 2012.

Putting together this list gave me a chance to look back at the coffees that I’ve reviewed over the past 365 days. Only looking back can I see trends in my own tastes in the coffee world. 2011 was filled with Ethiopians and other delicious coffees from Africa. 2012 was filled with coffees from Central America and darker roasts that weren’t like the ones you find at Starbucks.

Just for the record, these are in no particular order. These were the best of the best, there’s no way I could rank one of these over another.

Fara Coffee – Holiday Roast
This coffee not only kept me caffeinated this holiday season, but it reminded me just how much fun coffee could be. It was full of flavors and kept my tongue entertained to the last drop.

Barista On Duty – Cameroon Boyo AA
What can I say about Barista On Duty that I haven’t already said. If you get a chance to try this one or any of the others from this roaster, try them!

Desta Epicures Guild – Ethiopian Harrar
In 2011, Ethiopian coffees were my favorites hands down. This one was a reminder in 2012 of just how great a coffee could be from this African country.

Sea Island Coffee – Jamaica Blue Mountain
A lot of coffees that are surrounded by hype and high prices, are often disappointing. This one wasn’t disappointing at all and really showed me what all of the hype was about.

Sea Island Coffee – Geisha, Costa Rica
Another coffee surrounded by hype. Coffee roasters from all over the world fight over this coffee, bidding hundreds of dollars just for a pound of it. I still think that’s a little bit out of control, but I can understand why they go to such great lengths now.

The Secret Squirrel – Cold Brew
It’s the first time that a cold brew coffee made the list. I didn’t see that coming, but then again this wasn’t just any ol’ cold brew. This one was definitely a stood out from the rest and one I’m looking forward to again next summer.

Boca Java – Kenya Cruising
This was a thick, strong coffee, stronger than I thought a coffee from Kenya could be. It would be a great every day kind of coffee.

Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company – Lighthouse
I had never heard of this roaster until 2012, now I can’t wait to see what they have to offer in 2013. This was a light roast blend that I couldn’t get enough of!

Velton’s Coffee Sumatra Lintong Sanggul
I tried a number of amazing coffee from Velton’s this year and it was hard picking my favorite. This one stood out because it wasn’t like any Sumatra that I’ve had before. Most of them are dark and strong, this one wasn’t like that at all. It was a taste experience that I won’t forget for many years.

Thank you to all of the roasters and coffee companies that sent their coffees in for review in 2012 and make this all possible. Coffee roasters, if you would your coffee reviewed in 2013, please send us a message via the contact form.

Huge thank you to all of the awesome readers that are reading these reviews. What were your favorite coffees of 2012?

Make sure to check out Drew’s Best Coffee of 2012 over at the Corner Of The Cafe.