Turtle Beans
Bordentown, New Jersey
4.78(7)
South Jersey specialty craft roaster with Costa Rican heritage and a fondness for turtles
Show moreTurtle Beans is a coffee roaster from Bordentown, NJ United States. We have 4 cataloged roasts with 7 total reviews with a score of 4.78.
| Name | Roast Level | Bean Source |
|---|---|---|
|
4.63(4) |
Medium | Costa Rica |
|
5.00(1) |
- | - |
|
5.00(1) |
Light | Kenya |
|
4.50(1) |
Light Medium | Costa Rica |
Top Reviews(7)
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor1408 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29
5.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
5.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
5.00 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
I usually walk into a coffee shop and get an espresso right away, and that helps me decide how much time I'd like to invest into the shop. I ended up spending 2 hours here and drinking 5 coffees which should give you a sense of what I thought!
Turtle Beans had an outstanding, perfectly pulled, medium-roast espresso with a ton of complexity. Great mouthfeel, some natural caramel notes, and subtle nutty and blackberry notes.Cupping Method:Double espresso at Turtlebeans in Bordentown, NJ
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1408 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29
5.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
5.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
5.00 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
This was an outstanding Kenya that I had as pourover at Turtle Beans in Bordentown. It was so good that I ordered it to go but had almost finished it before I went. This I am almost certain (I'd have to go back through the notes) was my favorite Kenyan of the year (there was another from a Danish roaster that was also outstanding).
The highlight of this roast is the immense tropicality that almost resembles a Central American gesha. Kiwi, pineapple, passionfruit were notes I got, along with black tea. There was no savoriness that sometimes offsets Kenyan coffee's winning characteristics. This was a great roast.
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1408 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29
5.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
5.00 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I really enjoyed this Costa Rican coffee from a Costa Rican roaster. I think of it as an omniroast and I'm grading it as such. I think where it really shines though is as sipping espresso, where the florality and bergamot really shine through. As espresso it drinks nicely within bound of acidity and bitterness but with a lot of complexity. You get blackberry, cherry, earl grey, chocolate, and a touch of nuttiness. It was also very versatile and my wife preferred the lattes I made with this roast over 2 renowned roasters.
As pourover, it drinks more black cherry with a little bit of earl grey/bergamot. It's very smooth and balanced. I wouldn't say those are typically my favorite notes in pourover but with low bitterness and the black cherry more crisp and acidic than you get sometimes, it's a nice morning cup.Cupping Method:Espresso at 94C on my A53 La Spaziale
Pourover at 203 F worked best
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Scott Greenaway169 roasts rated, avg score of 4.26
5.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
5.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
A well-crafted roast! This roast leans medium to medium-dark, with a thick mouthfeel. The flavor profile runs with a hint of cherry sweetness, rounded out with an oak-infused nuttiness.Cupping Method:pour over
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1408 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I really enjoyed this coffee and it was as described on the coffee notes. It's grapefruit led but not in a bitter/rindy way. II picked up slightly savory notes, which could have been because it was made with a siphon which is pretty hot for a coffee this subtle. But overall it didn't feel overextracted.
But it was very smooth overall with a mid-palate hint of bergamot.Cupping Method:Siphon at Turtle Beans in Bordentown, NJ
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Emily Schadler93 roasts rated, avg score of 4.24
4.00 - Average
The cherry flavor came in strong for me, with a tart ending.Cupping Method:Chemex pourover
Editor's Overview
One of the standout features of Turtle Beans Coffee was the multi-talented roaster, Steven, who also assumed the role of a skilled barista during our visit. His expertise was evident as he crafted exquisite pourover and siphon coffee, each cup a testament to his dedication to the craft. The espresso was a revelation, with a rich and robust flavor that left a lasting impression.
I couldn't help but appreciate the festive spirit that enveloped the entire shop, as it was beautifully adorned for Christmas. The twinkling lights, cozy decorations, and a touch of holiday magic made the experience all the more enchanting. As if that wasn't enough, our visit coincided with a talented musician who graced us with their presence, adding a harmonious note to the already charming ambiance.
Bordentown, New Jersey's Main Street is a historic and picturesque thoroughfare lined with beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, offering a window into the town's rich past. It is a bustling hub of quaint boutiques, local businesses, and diverse dining options, making it a charming and inviting destination for residents and visitors alike. That plus Turtle Beans makes it a great little day trip for a coffee lover.
You never quite know how this type of shop will do as it scales up production and popularity, but...
In a world where chain coffee shops dominate the landscape, Turtle Beans Coffee is a shining example of what a small-town coffee shop should be. It's a place where the art of coffee is celebrated, where community and culture converge, and where every visit feels like a warm embrace. Every town should be fortunate enough to have a gem like Turtle Beans Coffee. If you happen to be in Bordentown or nearby, please pay this exceptional establishment a visit. You won't be disappointed!
-Ted Chan, Managing Editor
