Review: Savor the Complex Flavors of Starbucks' Guatemala Casi Cielo Coffee
Coffee lovers, listen up! Starbucks has done it again with their limited-edition Guatemala Casi Cielo whole bean coffee. This medium roast blend from the rugged hills of Guatemala offers a nuanced flavor profile that will excite your taste buds. If you're looking for your next great brew, Casi Cielo is a specialty coffee worth trying.
In this comprehensive review, we'll give you a deep dive into Casi Cielo's characteristics, taste, and best brewing methods. You'll learn all about this incredible single-origin coffee—from its tasting notes to consumer reviews. We'll also cover when and where you can buy Casi Cielo to bring home this gourmet experience. Grab a fresh cup and let's get started!
An Overview of Guatemala Casi Cielo Coffee Beans
Guatemala Casi Cielo first entered the scene back in 2004 as an exotic addition to Starbucks’ Reserve program. This medium roast highlights beans grown exclusively in the remote Antigua Valley of Guatemala, known for producing exceptional coffee. "Casi cielo" means "almost heaven" in Spanish, an apt name for these rare beans harvested at elevations up to 5,900 feet.
The result is a well-balanced coffee with floral aromatics, deep caramel sweetness, and a crisp, clean finish. The harmony of flavors evokes the volcanic soil and misty climate where Casi Cielo originates. This is a special coffee that stands out from typical blends.
Tasting Notes: Bright Citrus, Cocoa Nibs, and Stone Fruit
When it comes to tasting notes, Casi Cielo dazzles the palate with its multidimensional flavor profile. You'll notice a vibrant acidity reminiscent of Meyer lemon and lime zest up front. As you continue sipping, sweeter notes of toffee, brown sugar, and milk chocolate emerge. Subtle hints of stone fruit like apricot and cherry round out each sip.
The finish is smooth and creamy with little aftertaste—a sign of a perfectly balanced medium roast. Reviews consistently praise Casi Cielo for its complex yet approachable array of flavors. It's bright and nuanced without being acidic or overpowering.
The Medium Roast Perfected
Starbucks roasts Casi Cielo to a rich, saturated brown with oils just beginning to appear on the surface of the beans. This puts the roast firmly in medium territory, where the origin characteristics shine through beautifully.
A medium roast showcases the coffee's inherent flavors rather than dramatically transforming them through further roasting. You can expect a harmonious brew that is both smooth and vibrant. The brightness of the coffee remains intact, tempered by mellower notes of sugar and cocoa.
This roast style also yields a satisfyingly full body. The ample texture makes it a joy to drink black or with just a dash of milk. From the first sip to the last drop, Casi Cielo offers a consistent and balanced drinking experience.
Tantalizing Aromas and Zippy Acidity
Let's dive deeper into Casi Cielo's sensory experience. This exceptional coffee practically jumps out of the bag with its intensely floral aromatics. You'll notice jasmine and bergamot notes as you inhale the beans.
Once brewed, that floral scent transforms into an enticing citrus bouquet. Guatemala's prime growing conditions allow Casi Cielo's natural vibrancy and acidity to develop fully.
The taste bears this out, with a sparkling acidity reminiscent of limeade. There's also a slightly tart edge akin to ruby red grapefruit that cuts through the sweeter undertones. This makes for an invigorating cup that really activates your taste buds.
Brewing Methods to Try
The complex flavor notes of Casi Cielo lend themselves well to manual brewing methods. This allows you to tease out the coffee's nuances to the fullest. Let's look at some of the best ways to experience this coffee at home.
Pour-Over Perfection
A pour-over method like the Hario V60 is ideal for highlighting Casi Cielo's clarity and acidity. The clean, bright cup lets those floral aromatics shine. Just be sure to use a light to medium hand when pouring the water.
A fine grind paired with multiple pours brings out the sweetness more fully. Keep your water just off the boil and focus on consistent, even saturation. With a methodical pour-over technique, you can achieve a balanced, complex cup that sings with acidity.
Coaxing Out Richness With a French Press
Want to dial up Casi Cielo's body and cocoa notes? Reach for a French press. The full immersion of the grounds amplifies the coffee's inherent richness. Use a medium-coarse grind for the best extraction.
Let the coffee steep for 3-4 minutes before slowly pressing down the plunger. This prevents over-extraction while still allowing those sugary undertones to develop. Add a dash of milk to round things out, if desired. Your taste buds will swoon over the chocolatey decadence.
Iced Coffee That Stuns
Iced coffee is a great way to harness Casi Cielo's refreshing qualities on a hot day. Brew it hot and strong, then pour over ice to create an invigorating chilled treat. Cold brewing is another option that spotlights the coffee's citrusy qualities.
For best results, use an iced coffee maker and grind the beans on the coarse side. This prevents bitter or overly acidic flavors. Customize your drink with a dash of milk or flavors like vanilla for a creative twist. Now you can savor chilled sips bursting with Guatemala goodness all year long.
When and Where to Buy This Outstanding Coffee
One downside of Casi Cielo is its limited availability. As a prized seasonal offering, Starbucks only releases small batches for a short window each year. Supplies typically run out fast, so you have to act quickly to secure this coffee.
The good news is that Casi Cielo makes a return each spring, usually from March through May. Set a reminder on your calendar so you don't miss out! Most locations sell 12-ounce bags of whole beans ranging from $18 to $22. Prices may vary by region.
You can call ahead to confirm your local Starbucks Reserve store carries Casi Cielo stock. It's also available on the Starbucks website for home delivery while supplies last. Sadly, Starbucks does not offer subscriptions for this specialty coffee. The best approach is to buy early and often during release season!
Rave Reviews From Coffee Lovers
From novices to experts, Guatemala Casi Cielo receives glowing reviews across the board. On Starbucks' website, it earns a 4.5 out of 5 star average with over 500 positive ratings. Many hail it as their all-time favorite Starbucks coffee.
Fans rave about Casi Cielo's complex flavor and aroma. Words like "bright," "vibrant," and "lush" commonly describe this coffee's taste profile. Yet it remains accessible and balanced enough for daily drinking. For many, Casi Cielo strikes the perfect chord between acidic excitement and chocolatey comfort.
Coffee snobs also approve of this high-quality single origin brew. They appreciate the immaculate growing conditions and processing that allows Casi Cielo’s inherent flavors to shine through. The medium roast beautifully accentuates the coffee's origin characteristics.
Based on feedback, Guatemala Casi Cielo stands shoulders above Starbucks' standard house blends. It offers a truly special experience for both casual coffee drinkers and hardcore aficionados. This rare coffee deserves a spot on your brewing bucket list.
Savor the Gift of Casi Cielo’s Craftsmanship
For coffee lovers, few pleasures compare to discovering an exceptional specialty brew. Starbucks' Guatemala Casi Cielo offers one such gift for the senses. Sourced from a small region of Guatemala, these beans yield a coffee that delights and surprises.
Savor a cup to experience Casi Cielo’s bouquet of citrus, flowers, and ripe fruit backed by chocolate richness. The medium roast strikes a flawless balance suitable for daily drinking. Yet the complex flavor profile satisfies even hardcore coffee snobs.
From manual pour-over to French press, you have many options to draw out Casi Cielo’s nuances. This limited-edition coffee makes its fleeting annual return each spring. So be sure to buy a bag during release season to treat yourself to "almost heaven" in a cup. The craftsmanship shining through each sip is sure to brighten your day.
