Words About Things

Did you know that there are 16 key flavours and 18 aromas you could potentially find in a good cup of coffee? Coffee produced in different areas will have different characteristics just as wine from different vineyards are distinct. The tasting chart below was produced by Ted R. Lingle of the Coffee Quality Institute and features tastes and aromas (acidic, fruity, spicy, chocolatey) as well as comparisons with other foods such as Toast and Garlic!

Some of the flavours may sound a bit pretentious but if the beans are good enough (and preferably from a single estate) then the resulting brew should taste of more than just coffee. I have noticed that Indian coffees such as Monsoon Malabar tend to be smooth and chocolatey and African beans more fruity with hints of spice although I’m certainly no expert.

If you are drinking decaffeinated instant half and half then I’m afraid that the only flavour you are likely to taste is brown water. It’s also worth bearing in mind that as fresh beans cost more it’s more likely that the grower will receive a decent price for his crop if you buy the good stuff.

Aromas

Tastes

I have yet to have any coffee that I would call Nippy or Phenolic but some of the aromas certainly ring true.

Travel agents are beginning to worry about the future of their businesses but it’s not all bad news. Despite news that many companies are ill prepared to ride out the recession some areas are doing rather well. Camper hire is taking off as people stay in the UK during their holidays to save money. More people are choosing to hire vans such as the VW California to explore areas closer to home rather than fork out for overseas travel.

VW van hire has always been popular during the summer months (in particular the Run to the Sun event in Newquay) but is now becoming more popular at other times of year.

Amir Kahn will attempt to put last September’s fight against Breidis Prescott behind him once and for all in March when he takes on seven times world champion Marco Antonio Barrera. Kahn’s disappointing fight lst year resulted in a loss in just 54 seconds leading many to say that Kahn was over rated or trying to take on too much too soon.

He improved his performance in time to take on and beat Oisin Fagan (another person who sounds fictional but isn’t) in December although Barrera is likely to be a tougher opponent. Barrera hopes to become the first Mexican ever to win a title in 4 different weight divisions by taking the lightweight title.

Hopefully Kahn has learned from his mistakes against Prescott and will have worked on taking punces under presure. Perhaps he should do some training with Carl Froch who is much more steady on his feet. Online betting site bet365 have Kahn at 8/13 with Berrera at 6/5 on their sport betting page.