John Brown

This medium-dark roast coffee features a deep chocolate aroma and velvety body complemented by juicy acidity. Dark chocolate is prominent in the cup, with a syrupy black cherry sweetness and a pleasant finish of pipe tobacco.

Details

Our Surly Activist blend has a bold heart and rich character. A medium roast and a dark roast combine to create this blend, making it a unique member of our lineup.

John Brown is available on tap every day at our cafes and in single-serve pour over pouches for travel!

The Signature Story

In the mid-1800s, famed abolitionist John Brown took direct, and often dramatic, action to free enslaved people in the States. Arrested for treason and sentenced to death, Brown's dignified bearing in prison and at his trial moved many spectators. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that Brown's death would "make the gallows as glorious as the cross." Today he is depicted in a massive mural in Topeka's State Capitol.

The John Brown selection, roasted by PT's Coffee Roasting, presents a profile defined by deep, resonant characteristics. With tasting notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, and pipe tobacco, this coffee leans into a classic, robust flavor spectrum often associated with traditional processing methods that emphasize body and sweetness. These descriptors align with the darker, earthier segments of the flavor wheel, which categorizes complex sensory experiences ranging from roasted nuts to dried fruits and spices.

While individual lots vary based on origin and preparation, coffees featuring these specific notes are frequently sought after by those who appreciate a structured, full-bodied cup. The interplay between the tartness of black cherry and the savory, grounding qualities of pipe tobacco and dark chocolate creates a balanced experience. This particular offering highlights the roaster's approach to developing depth, providing a sophisticated option for drinkers who prefer a rich, lingering finish in their morning brew.