I found a surprise on my porch the other day from my friends at Shoffee.com.  I was expecting a few more boxes of K-Cups as part of Shoffee’s continuing support of the K-Cup Challenge.  What I wasn’t expected was a box of Caribou’s new Mahogany blend.

Overall I’ve been very satisfied with the Caribou Blend and Caribou Sumatra that I’ve reviewed so far.  I count both among a select few that both my wife and I can agree on (she prefers easy drinking light coffees, while I prefer the richer flavors most commonly found in darker roasts).  Thus far Caribou has proven to be excellent middle ground.

I’ll admit that I had taken notice of the Mahogany Blend at Shoffee.com, but with Caribou Decaf already on my list, I was afraid that I might get a little Caribou heavy.  All that said, I’m not one to look a gift horse (or gift Caribou) in the mouth, so the unexpected arrival of Caribou Mahogany leads to an unplanned review of Caribou Mahogany.

What it says on the box

Bold molasses, spice and semi-sweet chocolate flavors combine with notes of aromatic woods and leather to create a comfortably rugged and robust dark roast blend.

What I really got a kick out of is my wife, who after reading the description, blurted out “why would anyone want to drink coffee that tastes like leather and wood”?  Let’s find out, shall we?

Additional Description

Caribou Coffee Mahogany Keurig K-Cups produce a dark brew that is rugged by nature and roasted to perfection. Coffees from Sumatra, Guatemala, and El Salvador are combined to achieve a perfectly balanced blend.

The Aroma

In this reviewers opinion, Caribou Mahogany smells a bit like a catcher’s mitt.  As difficult as it may be to believe, I actually mean that in a good way.  Anyone who has ever played ball most likely has an affinity for the smell of an aged, but well conditioned glove.  It’s the smell of rugged class, and Caribou Mahogany has it.

Drinking it black

This is the part where I really try and compare the flavor sensations I’m feeling, to what the box says I can expect.  Drinking Caribou Mahogany black I’m getting leathery, with a hint of spice.  I actually thought the finish was spicy, that is until about 15 seconds after my latest sip I started tasting a bit of molasses – just like it says on the box.  It’s strange…there is a delay before this otherwise very deep and dark blend finishes sweetly.

Mahogany is the by far the darkest of the Caribou blends I’ve sampled so far.  It’s somewhat reminiscent of a French Roast, although there’s more character here.  It’s about as subtle as a board to the head, and although not bitter, it may be more than those who prefer their coffee light and sweet will want to handle black.

With Cream and Sugar

Caribou’s Mahogany blend does not want cream and sugar, and fights it off admirably.  It’s does smooth it out a bit, but does little, actually nothing as far as I’m concerned to improve the flavor – nor does it need to.  The leather tones remain intact which is good, and perhaps the sweetening will bring it to a more comfortable place for your average coffee drinker, but…

Caribou Mahogany is a cup of morning anger, and my feeling is it’s best when consumed black.

Final Thoughts

Despite its bite, and unwillingness to play nice with cream and sugar, there is something I really like about this blend that I just can’t put my finger (or tongue) on.  Maybe I just like saying cari-boo.  Whatever it is, I keep going back for cup after cup of this unusual, and borderline spectacular blend.

I’ll concede that this coffee isn’t for everyone, and for most there are probably more appealing dark roast alternatives, but all the same, I’m drawn to it and look forward to my next cup.

We’re definitely bucking the Caribou trend, however, as there is absolutely no way my wife will ever finish a cup of this stuff.  There is no middle ground on this one, which is fine.  That leaves more Caribou Mahogany for me.

Shameless Plug

You want Caribou Mahogany, but you don’t have Caribou Mahogany.  This really isn’t a problem because my friend Joe at Shoffee.com does.  Joe can hook out up with Caribou Mahogany or any of the other Caribou Blends I’ve reviewed so far.

Coincidentally, Shoffee also happens to have one of the best selections of K-Cups anywhere on the net, so even if Caribou isn’t for you, with all of the Coffee and Tea for Keurig Brewers, I guarantee you’ll find something you like.

I would also encourage you to check out the Shoffee blog at CupofTheWeek.com.  Each week you’ll find a new box of K-Cups for only $8.99.

While by now it should probably go without saying; while you’re here, check out the growing list of reviews in the K-Cup Challenge.