Saturday, November 1, 2008

Whiff Roasters Aztec

Whiff Roasters is a line of coffee and coffee-flavored candy bars hailing from Lititz, Pennsylvania. The brand is relatively new and, not surprisingly, delicious.
Aztec is one of many in a vast array of flavored coffee beans sold by Whiff Roasters. Cinnamon, cocoa, and vanilla nut are fused together in a smooth and sweet smelling beverage. Half the pleasure is derived from the scent of the coffee, which is vaguely similar to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns. The blend tastes good black, but it really shines with some sugar and cream. A small dose of sweetener seems to bring out the character in Aztec's flavor. It can also be used to create an iced coffee beverage with a distinct and unusual taste.
Whiff Roasters Aztec is one of my favorite flavored coffees. I would recommend this beverage to any coffee enthusiast. The pungent, wafting aroma is invigorating in the early hours of the morning. The simple act of brewing a pot of Aztec will awaken even the heaviest of sleepers. I drink a few cups of Aztec a week and the flavor has yet to grow old.

Whiff Roaster's has a long line of flavored coffee, as well as many other coffee products. Check them out on the web and give Aztec a try:

Whiff Roasters

Click here for Whiff Roaster's Aztec

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Monster "Mixxd"


Monster Mixxd is a red grape flavored energy drink made with 30% real juice! I had high hopes for this one. Sadly, this combination smells nothing like real juice and tastes nothing like real juice. Only the slightest hint of juice is detectable over the overwhelming mixture of stale aluminum and energy drink bitterness. On the bright side, Mixxd scores highly in the caffeine category, providing a much needed lift when the going gets rough.
The potent monster energy blend will have you weaving through traffic at 110 miles per hour. No real juice could ever provide such intense focus and energy. Mixxd is not undrinkable, the flavor is consistent and the idea of real juice makes it somewhat refreshing. Compile a strong flavor with a substantial buzz and you have a quality product. This drink contains little carbonation and is definitely tailored to individuals who enjoy real juice, but also require the satisfaction of caffeine.

Click here to check out Monster's website for more information.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Coffee, Caffeine, and Blood Pressure

Being a severe caffeine addict, I sometimes feel it is necessary to consider the health effects of my habit. Here is a list of information compiled from sites with relevant articles on the effects of caffeine on blood pressure:

1) A study documented at WebMD has drawn a direct correlation between caffeine intake and increased blood pressure. Subjects we're given a dose of caffeine equivalent to four cups of coffee throughout the course of the day. When compared to a group given placebos, the caffeinated group had a noticeable increase in blood pressure, the average being 3-4 points.

2) The American Heart Association has concluded that men who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to the cardiac effects of caffeine. It was noted that men who already suffered from hypertension experienced 1.5 times the increase in blood pressure than men who initially had healthy blood pressure. Those who are already being treated for high blood pressure may find it necessary to curb their appetite for caffeine, as the drug may be increasing their risk for heart attack and stroke.

3) The good folks at Harvard conducted their own study, and it did not find any connection between coffee consumption and high blood pressure. Inversely, the consumption of caffeinated sodas was found to increase blood pressure. It turns out coffee may be a healthier way to get your daily fix.

4) Although large doses of caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure, moderate caffeine intake does not have the same effect. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, moderate doses of caffeine cause a small increase in blood pressure for about 2 hours after consumption. For most people, except those with abnormally high blood pressure, a cup of coffee may not be harmful.

From what I have found, the connection between caffeine and blood pressure is a debated topic. Effects can vary between individuals depending on caffeine sensitivity and tolerance. Those who regularly consume caffeinated beverages may not experience the same physical effects as a person who has little experience with the chemical. Overall, caffeine's effect on blood pressure seems to be negligible, but present. Individuals concerned with their blood pressure should monitor their caffeine consumption and consult a physician for medical advice.

Friday, October 24, 2008

A Brief History of the Coffee Bean

As many of us know, caffeine, the stimulating chemical present in coffee and tea, is one of the world’s most widely used psychoactive substances. The beverage has been gradually gaining popularity since its discovery nearly three thousand years ago. Ethiopian nomads ate the mysterious beans from the coffee plant noting that they experienced a burst of energy and increased stamina. Today the world runs on caffeine, making coffee one of the world’s most precious commodities.

This clip is the first in a series about the history of coffee. The rest can be found on youtube. Check it out!


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Java Monster Irish Blend

I recently grabbed a Java Monster Irish Blend energy drink...needless to say, I was impressed. It turns out all it takes to please me is a metric ton of sugar, some coffee flavoring, and enough caffeine to kill a child. It's amazing that one, two dollar energy drink can send your taste buds to java heaven and deliver the same punch as a strong cup of joe, or two. I'd like to thank the fine folks who made this drink for actually making coffee, or at least something that resembles coffee, taste good out of a can. However, coffee lovers must be warned that this energy drink DOES NOT compare to the real thing. For the same amount of cash you can grab two cups of plain old drip coffee. To put it bluntly; this was nice to try, but I could never see myself buying a Java Monster instead of a cup of coffee.
As is expected of all energy drinks, the Java Monster did give my tired ass the energy to go to work. After a few hours I forgot all about the Java Monster and grabbed a cup of coffee. Needless to say I was wired until the wee hours of the morning. I think its safe to say massive caffeine consumption is filling the void the crack epidemic left behind. All the energy you could ever need can be found in a brightly colored aluminum can. Hell, I'm sure the can is half the reason I ended up trying this out in the first place. Everybody loves pretty colors...


PEACE, LOVE, AND COFFEE!!!!

Friday, October 17, 2008

I just made a cup of tea....

...and was reminded why I drink coffee. Nothing beats the harsh acidic bitterness of a good cup of joe. Jitteriness and over stimulation are what get me and thousands of Americans through the day. This overconsumption of coffee's chemical constituent caffeine is the driving force behind nearly everything that gets done on a daily basis. Without caffeine-fueled, ten hour work days, how could the human race have ever accomplished so much?

A decaffeinated workforce is a dead workforce. I propose a new solution to the world's economic blunders -> forced caffeination. The coffee industry should be subsidized by the federal government. Mass capital should be invested into this already blossoming niche, in effect making coffee more affordable than the water in which it was brewed. This country NEEDS someone who will step up to the plate and give the global economy the boost it needs.


Caffeine for President 08!