by johnlannon » Tue Oct 16, 2007 5:32 pm
I'm certainly not qualified to elaborate on the subtle differences between Jackson's and Sunergo's roasts, however, one area in which Jackson's really shines is iced cofee.
The first time I ordered iced coffee at Sunergo's, the barista politely explained that they don't do that and offered to prepare an iced Americano (which was delightful). I can only assume that their reasons have something to do with the fact that cooling hot coffee (as many of the coffee shops that offer iced coffee do) tends to produce a bitter, acidic and otherwise bland, brown juice. Only with a great deal of sugar and cream (i.e., The Dunkin' Donuts treatment) can one make such a beverage palatable. So, it's good that Sunergo's doesn't offer an iced coffee...
However, Jackson's gladly serves an iced coffee. And it's a revelation. The secret is cold brewing. In simple terms, one just throws the grinds in a bucket of water and waits, allowing the two ingredient to commingle over night. It sounds primitive. It is. And, when done right, it yields a powerful, almost sweet, concentrated coffee flavor without a bit of bitterness, tannin or acidity. Jackson's definitely does it right.
If you're looking for iced coffee, Jackson's is, without a doubt, the best in town.