27th April 2015
Adventure Guide Part II: Camp Coffee
There’s a saying that everything tastes better in the mountains. Whether it’s the altitude, the scenery, or the chance you had to trudge through the elements to reach your destination, we absolutely agree with this sentiment.
Your morning cup of coffee might be a ritual, or simply routine, but we invite you to take part in our camp coffee adventure (#campcoffee on Instagram) and elevate your morning brew. You don’t have to go far, nor do you need a bunch of equipment. In fact, one of the greatest things about camp coffee is the ability to make it with very little equipment.
Denver may not have the climate the Pacific Northwest does, but camping at high altitude in the Rocky Mountains creates a taste that cannot be matched. It has been the inspiration behind Colorado-based roastery Boxcar’s “Boilmaker”. “Inspired by traditional cowboy coffee we immerse the grounds in boiling water to get the ideal extraction out of every cup.” That’s just how contagious the taste of camp coffee can be.
Even if you can’t escape to the mountains for a prolonged camping trip, here’s a guide for enjoying the finest camp coffee and still be in the office on time. You’ll be caffeinated, sun-kissed, and guaranteed more productive than those who started their day inside a coffee shop standing over a drip coffee maker.
1. Pack your favorite beans (recently, we’ve been really into the Colombia Carmenza from Common Wealth and the Ethiophia Zelelu from Huckleberry…but the options of a primo, locally roasted bean are pretty much endless).
2. Acquire a hand-grinder (the Hario Skerton is a solid option) OR portion out the beans in your electric grinder moments before you head for the hills.
3. Decide what brewing method you’re feeling – if you want to go full-on rustic, go for cowboy coffee. Otherwise, we recommend Aeropress or this handy French Press attachment for your Jet Boil.
4. Living in Colorado, we’re making the assumption you have a camp stove. But if you don’t, get a Jet Boil. Get a Jet Boil anyway, actually (see number 3).
5. Drive to a primo location – one that’s not too far from the city, but the smell of pine is still strong and the air is thin(ner): Chautaqua, Lookout Mountain, Golden Gate Canyon, Red Rocks …
6. Setup your a picnic blanket and some portable chairs or simply open your trunk and let your legs dangle out, welcoming the crisp morning air.
7. Boil your water to 202F if you want to get real exact (6-8oz for 1-cup).
8. Hand-grind your beans or retrieve your as-close-to-freshly-ground-as-it-could-be coffee.
9. With your brewing method of choice, start the sacred process of brewing that perfect coffee, taking in a deep breath of mountain air. Don’t be afraid to let a pine needle fall in your cup, either.
10. Once it’s ready, step outside if you haven’t already, take in the views, and smell your piping hot cup.
11. Sip. Enjoy. Smile. (And take a picture, hashtag it on Instagram with #campcoffee and make everyone jealous).
by Addie Levinsky
