I willingly confess to not being a fan of Singapore kopi. It is usually served sweet, often white. The milk I enjoy, however the sweetness is not my preference. Additionally, something about the taste is confusing. It is not like coffees from other parts of the world. Partially due to roasting, partially due to something I cannot quite identify.
As a result, two bags of beans have sat for three months in a dark storage area. As I ran out of the alternatives, I decided to give the beans another chance. I did not expect anything. From the look of the beans, they were different. The nutty smell reminded me of a Kopi you could find in a local shop near any HDB housing project.
There are instances, this being one of them, where I come to realize how blind I am. My bias drives my behavior. In turn, I lose out. These beans produce a great cup of espresso, a fine latte, and a wonderful experience! They have a nutty aroma. The taste is smooth and heavy. The espresso is muddy, reminds me of a refined Turkish cup without the grit in the bottom.
I am amazed.
I have taken the liberty of blindly sharing the coffee with visitors. The reaction is universal. Young, mature, novice and coffee veterans all react with surprised enjoyment. The taste is different than what they expected. The smooth deep flavor easily wins them over. As they begin to relax, the questions always come. Where did the beans come from? Did I source locally? What do I think?
“A lot of them became believers, including many Greeks who were prominent in the community, women and men of influence.” (Acts 17.12)
Today dawns and I am sipping a Singapore latte. The smell takes me to hawker stands, great food, and friends. I miss Singapore kopi. What I really miss are the friends, food, and experience that come with it. We will link up again. Until then, I will relax, enjoy a latte, and embrace the spirit infused in the beans.
