There is something incredibly comforting about the first quiet moments of the morning.
Before my email inbox fills up, before my to-do list begins, and before the world starts moving a little too fast, I love having a few peaceful minutes to myself. It is a chance to slow down, appreciate the little things, and enjoy a really exceptional cup of coffee.
As someone who works from home, my mornings often set the tone for the rest of my day. That is why I was excited to discover Cigar & Ash Co., a company dedicated to crafting premium, freshly roasted specialty coffees that celebrate quality and craftsmanship in every cup.
About Cigar & Ash Co.
Cigar & Ash Co. specializes in small-batch, artisan-roasted coffees sourced from some of the world’s most respected coffee-growing regions. Their focus is simple: offer exceptional beans, roast them fresh, and let the quality speak for itself.
For this collaboration, I had the opportunity to try two of their single-origin coffees:
- The Midnight – Bali Blue Dark Roast
- The Velvet Leaf – Brazil Santos Medium Roast
Both arrived freshly roasted, carefully packaged, and ready to brew.
Brewing My First Cup
One of the first things I noticed when opening the bag was the incredible aroma. Even before brewing, my kitchen filled with the rich scent of freshly roasted coffee.
I prepared both blends using my Breville espresso machine, and the grounds worked beautifully for espresso. The consistency was excellent, and each shot brewed smoothly with a rich crema that immediately told me this was high-quality coffee.
The Midnight: Bali Blue Dark Roast
If you enjoy a bold, full-bodied cup of coffee, The Midnight is an excellent choice.
Despite being a dark roast, I found it remarkably smooth without any harsh bitterness. It offered the rich depth I love in an espresso while remaining balanced enough to enjoy on its own or with steamed milk.
This quickly became my favorite for those mornings when I wanted something strong, comforting, and satisfying.
The Velvet Leaf: Brazil Santos Medium Roast
For a lighter start to the day, The Velvet Leaf offers a beautifully balanced medium roast.
It has a smoother, gentler profile that still feels rich and flavorful without being overpowering. It is the kind of coffee I could happily sip while answering emails, reading a good book, or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home.
Having both blends gave me the flexibility to match my coffee to my mood each day.
Why Freshly Roasted Coffee Matters
One thing that truly stood out to me was the freshness.
Freshly roasted coffee preserves more of the natural aroma and flavor that can easily be lost in mass-produced coffee sitting on store shelves for months. From opening the bag to pulling the first espresso shot, the difference was immediately noticeable.
It is one of those small details that completely elevates the coffee experience.
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite things about working from home is that I do not have to rush through every morning. I can take a few extra minutes to prepare a great cup of coffee, watch the espresso pour, and enjoy a quiet moment before the day begins.
Cigar & Ash Co. fit beautifully into those moments.
Whether you prefer the bold richness of The Midnight or the smooth balance of The Velvet Leaf, both coffees deliver the freshness and quality you hope to find in specialty coffee.
If you are looking to upgrade your morning with artisan-roasted coffee made with care, I think Cigar & Ash Co. is well worth exploring. Life rarely slows down on its own. Sometimes we have to choose to slow down ourselves. For me, that often starts with a warm cup of coffee, a quiet kitchen, and a few peaceful moments before the day begins. If a coffee can help create those moments while delivering exceptional flavor, that is something worth sharing.
Thank you to Cigar & Ash Co. for gifting these coffees for me to experience. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
