A Manly Valentine: Eros Blend at Intelligentsia

As the older sister of three brothers, I have a lot of material to draw upon when humorous anecdotes are in order at big family occasions. One of the recurring bits my youngest brother exploited for guaranteed laughs was based on the Irish Spring commercial in which an attractive redhead coos, (in a broad, blarney-and-begorrah brogue), "A manly scent, but I like it, too!" A 13-year-old with knitted brows, cracking voice, and lifeguard-inspired flexing poses, my brother kept us in stitches. Now, as a father of three, he still chuckles at his antics and seems glad that I remember them.

So, it is with a sense of affection and nostalgia that I frame my recommendation of Intelligentsia's February coffee, Eros' Blend.
It seems wrong to me that Valentine's Day gifts should be a rote regurgitation of Hallmark brand romance by dutiful boyfriends and husbands. What could be less erotic than obligation? Indeed, freedom and desire have a synergy that cannot be matched.

So, what to give the man you love?

Intelligentsia Eros' Blend coffee risks overpromise, it is true. But it does not disappoint. In fact, I found the aroma arresting at first grind. Thinking I might have overreacted, I regrouped and made a second pot. Then I looked into the matter. Intelligentsia staff told me that the blend of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Peruvian beans gets its spice from special ripening practices. I'm now on pound #2, and I'm seriously thinking of laying in a supply for the winter. I feel sure that even the most romance-resistant fellow would appreciate a gift of this coffee.

It has a manly scent, but I like it, too.

I almost bought a pound on friday...do you know how long they will have this blend?

Barbarella, I'm not sure how long it will be in the stores, but it is available now to order from the Intelligentsia website if that is better for you.