Roaster: French Press Coffee Roasters
Location: 692 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, V9K 1S7

Wush Wush is less of a culinary experience and more a shot of spiritual euphoria. I had the pleasure of first tasting this as a feature espresso at White Rabbit Coffee Co. in Nanaimo. Following the barista's recommendation (shout out to Max!), I drank it as a cortado instead of a latte to prevent the more delicate notes from being washed out. From the first sip, it was bliss: cherry fruit on the palette while breathing in and dark chocolate on the breath out. Treat yourself to a Wush Wush cortado at White Rabbit Coffee Co. if you pass through Nanaimo in April or go straight to the source and order from French Press Coffee Roasters in Qualicum Beach.

Roaster: The Stick Specialty Roasters
Location: 6715 Eustace Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0H1

Fruity and well balanced, I immediately did a double take after my first sip of Tsunami Espresso from The Stick Specialty Roasters. I usually add cream to my espresso drinks but this extracted so perfectly that I drank it black - a rarity for me! Serve Tsunami Espresso Americano-style as the perfect compliment to either an early-start breakfast or a classic West Coast brunch. Suggested as a welcoming entry for those who want to start exploring the wild world of espresso-based drinks.

Roaster: Regard Coffee Roasters
Location: 1925 Bowen Rd #2, Nanaimo
Availability: Limited
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1920 MASL
Variety: Red Caturra
Producer: Amparo Botina
Origin: Nariño, Colombia

Amparo packs a punch. The rich fruit tones hit like a bold brass band blasting salsa melodies, so those looking for a cup full of flavor will not be disappointed. I reserved this for my afternoon pick-me-up, brewing with an Aeropress and adding a dash of cream to round out the fruity notes. Suggested for those who like to live with flair.