Counter Culture Reviews
Durham, North Carolina
4.33(31)
All Reviews(31)
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
5.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
5.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
5.00 - Quality
Hologram is a super excellent blend, one that really highlights coffee blends and how 1+1 = 3. I get maple syrup, milk chocolate, and strawberry/blackberry. Sounds like a dream brunch, right?!
It's also very versatile - I've gotten great coffee in the espresso machine, Moka pot, and Chemex. Definitely different and fun in each. -
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Expert Picks Series376 roasts rated, avg score of 4.96
5.00 - Average
Hologram from Counter Culture is by far the best coffee I've had all year.Cupping Method:This is part of our Expert Picks Series. This pick is from Meg P.
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
5.00 - Average
5.00 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
5.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
5.00 - Quality
Great as pour over and great as espresso. As pour over flavorful, smooth and balanced. For me, I get a fresh white peach/pineapple burst, milk chocolate, Caramel. Also tinkered around and since its an medium roast, made espresso with it. Came out balanced, with citrus/fruity notes mid palate. Wife very happy with her latte. over flavorful, smooth and balanced. Awesome blend that shows how 1+1 = 3. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
5.00 - Average
5.00 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
5.00 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
5.00 - Quality
Great aroma out of the bag. Awesome crema on espresso. Definitely get the caramel and peanut notes. Stone fruit and tea at the end. Nice linger on the palace. My wife loves the cappuccino we make with this. Our two local cafes sell this blend, and it is a staple for us. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
Fabulous as a espresso. All the good characteristics of a dark roast with some acidity, structure, and natural sweetness. Medium/heavy crema. -
Expert Picks Series
376 roasts rated, avg score of 4.96
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
This coffee was very good, and possibly one of the best Indian coffees I've ever had. At least it has that potential. I do not think it was well-cared for by the barista, as it was made very hot. Pretty sure it had to be 100C based on how difficult it was to drink when I got it. I won't call out the neighborhood coffee shop responsible, but Counter Culture at one point was supposed to be a leader in training coffee shops what to do.
The coffee itself...very smooth with milk chocolate, citrus, and subtle tamarind notes, lots of natural sweetness. A little bit of malt ball to it. Almost creamy like a warm cup of milk and chocolate chip cookie in terms of satisfaction. Or ovaltine with a lot of milk. It has a slight nuttiness, perhaps peanut mid-palate. I do wonder if this coffee made at a lower temperature would have more nuance and complexity. -
Victoria S-C829 roasts rated, avg score of 4.34
4.50 - Average
I thought this was pretty good! A sweet pourover. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I recently had the pleasure of trying Counter Culture Uganda Kabeywa coffee, and I must say, it left quite an impression. This coffee is a testament to the exceptional quality potential of Ugandan coffee.
The prominent notes of orange peel, chocolate, green apple, and strawberry created a symphony of tastes, bringing a unique and exciting profile to the cup. The balance between these flavors was exceptionally well-executed, resulting in a coffee that is both refreshing and satisfying.
One of the standout characteristics of Counter Culture Uganda Kabeywa is its smoothness. It effortlessly glides over the palate, leaving a velvety sensation.
While the overall experience of Kabeywa is highly enjoyable, it's worth noting that the orange peel notes come with a very slight bitterness. This bitterness, however, is minimal and is unlikely to deter most traditional pourover drinkers from appreciating this coffee's unique flavor profile. It adds a subtle complexity to the cup, enhancing the overall drinking experience without overpowering the other delightful flavors.Cupping Method:Pourover from Haute Coffee, in Concord, MA
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I recently enjoyed a pourover of Cueva de los Llanos coffee from Haute Coffee in Concord, MA.
The pourover showcased a notable smoothness and a well-balanced flavor profile. The acidity was pleasantly low, allowing the other flavors to shine through without overwhelming the palate. I detected subtle hints of strawberry, caramel, brown sugar, black tea, and pineapple, adding complexity layers to the cup.
Comparing this pourover to the information provided by Counter Culture, it aligns with the expected characteristics of a light roast coffee from Narino. The washed process and the blend of Caturra, Castillo, and Colombia varieties contribute to the clean and crisp flavors of the coffee.
I'd say the Cueva de los Llanos pourover from Haute Coffee delivered a satisfying experience, showcasing the unique qualities of this Colombian coffee. It's worth a try for coffee enthusiasts seeking a smooth and well-rounded cup and available from the Counter Culture website (at the time of this review for $23).Cupping Method:Pourover from Haute Coffee in Concord, MA. Drank half in the car and then poured the rest into a small glass jar (tasted better cooler and in the glass).
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.00 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
Lively light roast that is smooth and balanced. I get more of fresh berry character, albeit not too tart along with some nice natural sweetness. There is a touch of nuttiness that is quite subtle. Its fairly direct as I find Rwandans tend to be, drinkable rather than complex.Cupping Method:Iced and hot from Haute Coffee in Concord, MA
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
This is a balanced, easy-to-drink light roast with some unique character and some complexity. It has a strong black tea character, a nutty kick (almond?), and then a tropical fruit late palate and a clean finish.Cupping Method:Pourover, Hario v60 at Haute Cafe in Concord, MA
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
A really nice Colombian from Counter Culture. I got a ton of that chocolate orange you got on your holidays or birthdays 20 years ago. Smooth, balanced, good acidity.Cupping Method:Pourover
Traits: chocolate orange -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.00 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
As described as a pourover molasses: warm spices, lots and lots of chocolate. Medium roast. Good balance. Apricot and blackberry in the trailing acidity. A hit, just a tiny one of bitterness (for me, pleasant).
Massive hit of acidity and dark bitter chocolate as an espresso. Roast is great but balance not quite there. I get it, not an espresso roast necessarily but I tinker with medium roasts as espresso (Countercultures Field Trip works really well). But it made GREAT espresso drinks, i.e. cappuccinos.
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The above were my notes. Bought this at the local cafe, Haute, in Concord. After trying as pourover assumed it was a medium roast and played around with it a bit in espresso machine.
I think the net of it is that this is a versatile light-medium roast.Cupping Method:See above description.
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Victoria S-C
829 roasts rated, avg score of 4.34
4.50 - Average
Very good for milk drinks!Cupping Method:Latte at Haute in Concord
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.00 - Value
4.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
La Golodrina is very good - super smooth with nice acidity and balance. Has a nice nutty/vanilla characteristic mid-palate. I don't get any fireworks but it goes down light a great Colombian. The only thing I will say is that it was something like $25 and I think that Counter Culture has other some better values. -
Heiny Blargwood2 roasts rated, avg score of 4.75
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
3.50 - Value
4.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
3.50 - Acidity
3.50 - Balance
This is the go-to at our house. I love the CC exotic roasts that we get via subscription, but this one is the standard in my book. It's what your every day coffee should taste like.Cupping Method:at home, all over Durham, NC :)
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
Fast Foward is pretty consistent for a seasonal blend. Very versatile as filter, espresso, and Moka. Always well-balanced and chocolately with the right amount of acidity for a medium roast.Traits: chocolate -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
5.00 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
4.50 - Quality
Had pourover at Haute Cafe in Concord, MA which always does a very professional job. This is an outstanding light roast that is very smooth with just a hint of balanced acidity. I think Counter Cultures description of cherry, vanilla, and juicy are quite accurate here, as well as some black raspberry. I get just a hint of caramel sweetness towards the end of the palate, and a very clean finish with a pleasant and mild aftertaste.Cupping Method:Pourover from local cafe
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
3.50 - Finish
4.50 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
Solid and versatile medium roast. Makes a good espresso, and can be used for Moka or a pourover. I did expect something a bit lighter based on what the roaster described but no complaints. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
3.50 - Value
4.00 - Finish
4.00 - Flavor
3.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
This is a solid Ethiopian coffee that is well-balanced and smooth. Cantaloupe or honeydew along with a jasmine background are the most prominent notes. It's smooth and clean but lacking a brightness that's been making Ethiopian standout. It could be my slight bias against melon, which tends to be more sweet than bring bright acidity. The strength of the coffee is the sweetness, which is honeyed, smoothed and well-integrated and balanced through the palate..Cupping Method:I had this coffee at Haute in Concord, MA. It's always been a Counter Culture shop. A lot of the times they make pourover too hot. I wonder if this coffee would benefit from a more delicate approach. Counter Culture is supposed to do a lot of barista training, but sometimes I wonder if that's fallen off.
Photo is of bag of coffee from store.
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
Found my old notes. A nice chocolatey, earthy coffee. Made good espresso and good pourover but not standout for either.
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.00 - Finish
3.50 - Flavor
3.50 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
Nutty, earthy espresso that is enjoyable to sip, though it could benefit from a touch of bright acidity to balance its slightly overpowering earthiness.
I included the same review on the Ole & Steen page.Cupping Method:Ole & Steen Bryant Park NYC as espresso
Traits: earthy -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
2.00 - Value
4.00 - Finish
4.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I was excited to see the GEM Series from Counter Culture. I've been a Counter Culture drinker for a long time but feeling like their scale has resulted in them being more steadily good than outstanding.
I thought this was a good cup of coffee but not exceptional and not worth the upcharge at my local coffee shop.
So this coffee...well, Gesha, SL28, Java - a pretty unique set. It's an interesting coffee to come from Honduras. I think overall, this tastes like a light medium-washed Ethiopian, with some florality but a bit too much of a grapefruit note washing out tea/stonefruit character. For me, the biggest thing it's missing is a bright acidity note.Cupping Method:Pourover from Haute Coffee in Concord, MA
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
3.50 - Value
3.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.00 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
Concord grape, blueberry. Very smooth. Balanced acidity. Not super complex but easy to drink . Natural sweetness. A bit of grapefruit zest and lemon water at the end that wasnt bad but not quite ideal. Was pricy for a Counter Culture pourover.Cupping Method:Pourover at Haute Coffee in Concord, MA
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
4.00 - Value
4.00 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.00 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
Green grape with a bit of nuttiness. A little brown sugar and black tea. Smooth, good flavor characteristics, without a lot of complexity.Cupping Method:Pourover from Haute Coffee in Concord, MA. Was selling for $23/bag, pourover was $5.50.
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Victoria S-C
829 roasts rated, avg score of 4.34
4.00 - Average
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
Smooth, chocolatey. I like Ecuadorian coffees. Not bitter. I want to try it again to get the subtleties.Cupping Method:Pourover black from Haute Coffee.
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.00 - Flavor
4.00 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
think theres one note in this roast that keeps it from being great, just the slightest hint of overrroast for a light coffee. Otherwise I like the smoothness, plum, blood orange and milk chocolate notes I get.Cupping Method:Pourover from Haute in Concord, MA
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Emily Carter6 roasts rated, avg score of 4.75
4.00 - Average
4.00 - Value
4.00 - Finish
V60: refreshing, mid-bright, tangy flavor -
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This is a solid Ethiopian coffee that is well-balanced and smooth. Cantaloupe or honeydew along with a jasmine background are the most prominent notes. It's smooth and clean but lacking a brightness that's been making Ethiopian standout. It could be my slight bias against melon, which tends to be more sweet than bring bright acidity. The strength of the coffee is the sweetness, which is honeyed, smoothed and well-integrated and balanced through the palate..
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This coffee was very good, and possibly one of the best Indian coffees I've ever had. At least it has that potential. I do not think it was well-cared for by the barista, as it was made very hot. Pretty sure it had to be 100C based on how difficult it was to drink when I got it. I won't call out the neighborhood coffee shop responsible, but Counter Culture at one point was supposed to be a leader in training coffee shops what to do. The coffee itself...very smooth with milk chocolate, citrus, and subtle tamarind notes, lots of natural sweetness. A little bit of malt ball to it. Almost creamy like a warm cup of milk and chocolate chip cookie in terms of satisfaction. Or ovaltine with a lot of milk. It has a slight nuttiness, perhaps peanut mid-palate. I do wonder if this coffee made at a lower temperature would have more nuance and complexity.
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Hologram from Counter Culture is by far the best coffee I've had all year.
