While getting ready to pick a winner in our Keurig B60 Brewer giveaway I sat down with a cup (ok, lots of cups) of Emeril’s Big Easy Bold (which I’m fairly certain is made by Timothy’s).  Just like our Keurig giveaway, my review of Big Easy Bold is sponsored by the Internet’s favorite coffee shop, Shoffee.com.  We’re going to be working with Shoffee quite a bit in the coming months, but rather than spend a lot of time here telling you about how awesome Shoffee.com is, or telling you to check out Shoffele on Facebook, I’m going to jump right into the review.

The Description

Emeril’s Big Easy Bold Keurig K-Cups are a classic Parisian roast. Emeril’s Big Easy Bold a thick, hearty blend. Its deep, dark color and invigorating aroma will definitely kick it up a notch. Emeril’s Big Easy Bold uses a minimum of 50% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans.

The Aroma

Thankfully Emeril’s Big Easy Bold doesn’t smell like Emeril.  Well, actually, I have no idea what Emeril smells like, but let’s be honest here; he’s a big guy who works in a hot kitchen all day long…I’m just sayin’.   Also, it doesn’t smell like New Orleans (The Big Easy) either.  Well, actually, I’ve never been to New Orleans, but a friend of mine went down there for Marti Gras a few years ago, and accidentally (at least I hope it was an accident) stepped in human feces.  I can’t imagine that smelled good either.  Anyway, the actual aroma is somewhat muted for a dark roast, but it’s pleasant…oh, and there’s just a hint of spice.

Drinking it Black

The flavor, like the name sort of suggests is deep and dark, but the key thing is that it’s not bitter – which is somewhat rare when dealing with an unsweetened dark roast.  I found that letting it cool down just a bit (which happened by accident – I get distracted), I was able to detect a subtle hint of dark cocoa flavor to go along with a light smokiness.  I downed just about the entire cup without adding anything, so I guess that means I like it.

With Cream and Sugar

So I brewed a second cup, and BAM! I spilled in some cream.  Then BAM! I tossed in some sugar.  And then BAM! I started drinking it.  I guess the drinking it part really wasn’t a bam moment, but nevertheless, I’m enjoying g a slightly lighter sweeter cup with my first.  I’m warning you here, don’t go nuts with the cream and sugar, because 1) you’ll ruin it, and 2) Emeril will fight you.  If he finds out you put too much cream and sugar in, he’ll actually show up at your doorstep and BAM! punch you in your sugar-loving mouth.  Big Easy Bold is not a cup that wants to be made light and sweet, and Emeril’s not going to allow it.

Flavor-wise, it reminds me a little bit of Green Mountain’s Dark Magic, albeit without the rich caramel flavor I love so much.  Big Easy Bold is obviously a very good coup of coffee as evidenced by the fact it’s completely gone.

Final Thoughts

Emeril’s Big Easy Bold is one of the most popular (and most highly rated) K-Cups at Shoffee.com.  Count me among the other reviewers who give it 5 stars.  Well, actually, I’d probably give it 4.729 stars, but I went ahead and rounded up.  While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s my absolute favorite, it’s definitely in the mix with Van Houtte’s Eclipse Blend, and the a fore mentioned Green Mountain Dark Magic.

Shameless Plug

Emeril’s Big Easy Bold (and another 200+ varieity of coffees and teas) are available at Shoffee.com at prices less than what you’re paying at the supermarket or Bed Bath & Beyond.  Seriously…do the math.  Yeah, the supermarket box costs about $1.50 less, but you get 6 fewer K-Cups.  It’s true, supermarket boxes only have 18 K-Cups, Internet boxes have 24.  Why?  I don’t have any idea.  When you’re done placing your giant money-saving order at Shoffee.com, I suggest you check out the Shoffee Blog for all of your K-Cup related news, and maybe CupOfTheWeek.Net for some additional savings on those 24 ct. Internet boxes I just mentioned.

While you’re here, check out all the reviews in the K-Cup Challenge.