#dotcross

Tim Wendelboe. 'nuff said.

Actually, no. Tim Wendelboe's a legend in the specialty coffee world, and is a WBC champ. He's part of the Nordic movement that started ultra light roasts that aimed to up-end then-existing notions of what coffee could be. They remain one of, if not the lightest, roasters in Oslo (and probably in most of the specialty coffee world). The idea of sourcing for fresh coffee directly from farmers and cooperatives was also put into action by him and his peers. Pretty stellar stuff.

All brews are done by Aeropress here "for consistency".

The shop space is kinda small, particularly because their roaster sits right in the center of it, but is really homely. They roast weekly, so be sure to check that out if you're ever in Oslo.

This particular Nekisse Shakisso from the Sidamo region in Ethiopia, as sourced and roasted by Coutume Paris, must be one of the best coffees I've had in a while.

It's a pretty interesting natural processed coffee, but without the off-notes of over-ripe fruit. Instead, you get a nice hint of blueberries and white flowers, with a mild but present acidity. Awesome stuff.

Supreme Roastworks in Oslo's hip district of Grünerløkka. We had an incredibly subtle and sweet brew here, and is probably one of the better cups we've had in a while - sugars, honey and a slight hint of fig. This was on a day where we were just going from one coffee place to another, and it was a shame that we couldn't taste their entire selection. 

We spoke with the baristas, and they mentioned that they roast each bean batch uniquely, designed to best showcase its flavor. Also, they happen to roast the "second lightest in the city", after the famous Tim Wendelboe. 

Kaffeverket in Stockholm, sited in what used to be the former stables for the neighborhood. Get it? Neigh-borhood. (ED: Aaron's humor.) On a more serious note though, this is probably one of the last remaining stablehouses left in Stockholm, and the cafe shares the space with a cool apparel shop and a ton of local artwork.

We had a chat with the barista and learnt a little about the roasting scene here in Northern Europe. Kaffeverket uses coffee from Stockholm Roasters (we had their Stockholm Syndrome blend - great stuff), and a few other roasters, including De Matteo of Gothenburg. .

We also learnt why almost every window has a lit star or candles.

"It's just a tradition, no reason."

And also why there are two candles outside every building's entrances.

Kaffebrenneriet in Oslo, Norway. When we found it, it was tucked in a little corner right by a Christmas Market (with Elk Burgers right around the bend, oh Norway). It's one of many in a chain around Norway, and we did see multiple other stores and locations while walking around.

Appreciation of coffee and everything around it, updates daily around 9pm CT. Based in but not...