Good morning everyone! Have you ever heard the phrase “But First Coffee?” I think that is my morning motto because getting a cup of coffee is the first thing I do in the morning. What about you?
Last week I posted about my trip to the Made In America show. I got to meet so many great people while I was there from different company’s and organizations across the country. A highlight of the show, for me, was meeting some of the veterans from Scars and Stripes Coffee.
Special Note: This post is not sponsored – just my honest opinion about Scars and Stripes and their coffee!
Scars and Stripes Coffee
Scars and Stripes is working to empower veterans to build their own businesses. The products they sell are high quality and the coffee is roasted in the USA! You can read more about the organizations mission here. I was so excited to purchase a bag of “First Light,” a medium roast, whole bean Kona coffee. On “First Light’s” product page, they describe it as having notes of “Strawberry, Chocolate, Sweet Cream, and Hint of Spice.” I’m funny about coffee, I love the smell of it as much as the taste. I always want to be the one to open a new bag to get that first whiff of the beans. This coffee did not disappoint, my whole family passed the bag around because it has such a wonderful aroma!
Note: I use a hand grinder when making whole bean coffee. An electric one would probably be simpler (OK…it would definitely be simpler!) but I love the process of grinding it by hand and this one fits really well in the camper and can be used even when we don’t have electricity.
Make it by the Campfire
Coffee is a morning must at our campsite but how we make it depends on the day. We have a traditional drip coffee maker inside the camper for when we’re in a hurry the weather outside isn’t the best. We also have a percolator that we use on the stove top or over the campfire. I can also use the percolator pot to heat water for a french press or pour over depending on what I’m using.
I brewed “First Light” over the campfire the first time in the percolator (because honestly coffee over a campfire tastes the best in my opinion) but I have continued to make it at home in my drip maker and it continues to be delicious no matter how I brew it.
What I Loved About This Coffee
What I loved about the “First Light” was how smooth it was. It had amazing, rich flavor without being bitter like some coffee can be. I usually drink mine black so I really prefer a rich, not bitter, taste. As I mentioned before it smelled wonderful as well, and continued to have that great aroma as it cooled in my cup. It happened to be a cooler morning, so sitting and holding that warm cup was a perfect camping morning in my book. I also loved the fact that my morning coffee was supporting an organization that’s working to empower our veterans and their families.
I’m not going to lie, “First Light” cost more than I normally spend but if you love coffee it’s flavor is definitely worth trying. This was one of my favorite cups (and I drink a lot of coffee). Scars and Stripes has several different coffees at lower price points so don’t let the price of “First Light” stop you from trying them out. I’m definitely going to be trying some of their other coffees (and I’ll probably order a T-shirt too because they are awesome).
I really hope you’ll head over to their website and take a look around to learn more about their mission.
Happy camping,
-Jess
The description of the coffee made me wish I could smell it. I will be going to their site for sure! Bitterness is what usually turns me off coffee, I don’t like having to “doctor” it. Thanks for the info on Scars and Stripes, always looking for ways to support our vets.