The best part of waking up on a chilly fall morning isn’t just the promise of warmth in a hot mug of coffee—it’s the adventure that comes with every sip.

Coffee isn’t just coffee; it’s a story, a journey, a taste of somewhere else entirely. Whether it’s the chocolatey depth of a Guatemalan coffee or the smoky boldness of a French Roast, every cup has something to say about the place it came from.

That’s what makes coffee so exciting—it’s not just a drink; it’s an experience. And that’s why I’m thrilled to introduce our brand-new Explorer Packs, designed for the curious coffee drinker who wants to taste, learn, and explore the world of coffee from their own kitchen.

What Makes Coffee Taste Different? It’s All About Terroir.

If you’ve ever wondered why one coffee tastes fruity and bright while another feels rich and earthy, the answer lies in something magical: terroir. Borrowed from the wine world, terroir refers to the environment where coffee is grown—its soil, altitude, climate, and even the care of the farmer. These factors all influence the flavors of the coffee beans, creating a unique “taste of place.”

Think of it this way: tasting coffee from Guatemala is like stepping into its sunny mountains and volcanic soil, while a coffee from Ethiopia might transport you to its lush highlands where some of the first coffee plants were ever discovered. And now, with our Explorer Packs, you can experience these flavors side by side and compare them for yourself.

My Favorite Explorer Pack: Bold & Cozy Winter Vibes

I’ll admit it: I’ve got a soft spot for dark roasts, especially this time of year. There’s just something about a strong, bold coffee that feels like a warm hug on a cold morning. My personal favorite is our Dark Roast Explorer Pack, which features three blends that perfectly capture those comforting, full-bodied flavors:

• Waypoint Blend: A rich, chocolatey coffee with a smooth finish. It’s one of our Compass classics, and I love that it includes beans from our long-time partner Alfonso, a third-generation coffee farmer in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. I recently visited Alfonso’s farm and was reminded of just how much care goes into every step of the process, from the way the coffee is grown to the meticulous sorting and drying of each bean. The result? A coffee that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
• French Roast Blend: Smoky, intense, and unapologetically bold. This one’s perfect for days when you need an extra kick to get going.
• Holiday Blend: A seasonal favorite that balances the strength of a dark roast with festive notes of spice and sweetness.

When I brew these coffees in my French press, I like to go a little stronger than usual—it really brings out the deep, satisfying flavors of the roast. For me, the best part is tasting each coffee side by side, noticing how one blend might have a little more sweetness while another leans more into smoky richness. It’s like getting to know the personality of each cup.

Taste, Compare, and Build Your Coffee Palate

The fun of the Explorer Packs isn’t just the coffee itself—it’s the opportunity to dive into the details and learn what you love. Each pack gives you three tins of coffee, curated by roast level or region, so you can taste them all and build your coffee-tasting skills. Maybe you’ll notice the citrusy brightness in a coffee from Africa or the nutty, caramel sweetness in one from Central America. Or maybe you’ll realize that light roasts make your morning shine, while dark roasts are your cozy go-to for afternoons.

The best way to get the most out of these packs is to take your time. Brew each coffee, sip slowly, and think about what you’re tasting. Don’t worry about being “right”—this is about discovery. Over time, you’ll start to recognize the nuances that make each coffee unique.

We’ve got a variety of Explorer Packs to choose from, including:

• Light Roast Explorer Pack: Perfect for those who love bright, fruity flavors.
• Medium Roast Explorer Pack: A balance of sweetness and richness.
• Regional Packs: Explore specific origins like Central America, Africa, or Southeast Asia.

There’s truly something for everyone—and every palate.

A Festive Note for the Season

As Thanksgiving rolls around, there’s no better time to share coffee and a sense of discovery with friends and family. Whether you’re introducing someone to their first dark roast or bonding over a cup of something new, coffee has a way of bringing people together.

So this holiday season, why not give yourself (or someone you love) the gift of exploration? Grab an Explorer Pack, brew up something new, and enjoy the journey of tasting the world, one cup at a time.

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy brewing!