What I’m Drinking – Mystic Morning By Marley Coffee

The Drink: Mystic Morning By Marley Coffee
Type: Whole Bean
Roast/Body: Medium Roast With A Medium-To-Full Body
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cups

Last week, I was contacted by Rohan Marley via Twitter (@RoMarley) of Marley Coffee and asked to review their new line of premium coffees. Turns out, Marley Coffee is actually founded by the great Bob Marley’s son, Rohan and his friend Shane Whittle.

Unbeknownst to most of his fans, Bob Marley always wanted to return to his farming roots, but never had the chance. Now, Rohan is carrying on his father’s dream and spreading joy and coffee to the world.

All of the company’s coffee is certified organic and the beans are sourced of the highest “Class One Specialty grade.” In fact, Marley Coffee’s founding philosophy is based on ITAL, which is Rastafarian for “vital.”Rastafarians see food as a way to be one with nature and also as medicine for the body. ITAL food is organic, natural, pure and clean.

Currently, they have five coffees, all named after Marley’s fan favorite songs, like “Jammin’” Java, “Simmer Down” and “One Love.”

What I’m drinking today is a play on Marley’s hit “Misty Morning.” I picked the perfect day to sample this blend since today was actually grey, overcast and drizzling, for once. I found myself singing “Misty mornin’, don’t see no sun; I know you’re out there somewhere having fun,” as the coffee brewed and the warm cocoa-rich aroma started to fill the room.

Before I continue, I have to confess, I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about this coffee line. I was worried that they might be relying on the Marley name and reputation alone and that the coffee would be a mass produced generic blend.

For once, I’m actually happy to admit that I was very wrong! As soon I poured my first cup, I knew this was going to be a great coffee experience. Along with the cocoa, there were hints of cedar and cinnamon mixed with a sweet overtone of maple syrup.

The taste jumped out at me in the first sip. It was almost too bold, too spicy, but it did what the bag promised: it kick-started my day! My eyes were wide open after that first pop of flavor in my mouth.

As it cooled down, it really became an unforgettable cup of coffee. Very smooth and not at all bitter. And all of the flavors blended harmoniously together; none of them overpowering each other. I could finally pick up on the cooked pumpkin that the bag mentioned. Plus, there was a grassy or earthy taste mixed in. But again, they were all just mild hints on my tongue and very subtle.

This may sound odd, but there was a slightly “dirty” feel to it, like I was driving down a dusty road. I know that makes you cringe a bit and not want to take a sip. Who wants a dusty, dirt filled mouth? But somehow it really completed the overall experience.

Overall, Mystic Morning was well deserving of an above average four-out-of-five cups rating. An outstanding blend that I could see myself drinking in the morning to perk up. Preferably somewhere on the coast of Jamaica while listening to Bob Marley….

Mystic Morning in available at the Marley Coffee site for $16.99 per bag. Each blend is roasted in small batches and bagged on demand to ensure freshness.

Marley Coffee was kind enough to send all of their blends to sample. Join me over the next few weeks as I journey all over the world, reviewing one coffee at a time! Marley’s blends come from Central and South America, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.

Tagged as: Bob Marley, Marley Coffee, Mystic Morning