Generally, I'm not much of a coffee drinker unless it tastes like candy, and even then, I indulge only occasionally, typically once a quarter or when I'm feeling extremely fatigued. However, a recent encounter changed my perspective entirely. I had the pleasure of meeting Ali, the creative mind behind Madison Cold Brew Coffee Co, who graciously offered me a sample of his cold brew coffee. It was my first experience with cold brew, and from the first sip, I was struck by its robustness. Though initially strong, it revealed delightful undertones of dark chocolate and an earthy richness that appealed to my palate. As a devout dark chocolate enthusiast, I found myself increasingly captivated by each sip. My aversion to coffee stems from childhood memories of waking up to the aroma of Folgers brewing, signaling the start of another dreary morning. I've never been one for early mornings, and likely never will be. Moreover, traditional coffee tends to disagree with my stomach, often leaving me jittery and disrupting my sleep. However, this cold brew offered a refreshing departure from the norm. Not only did it sit well with me, but it also failed to induce any unwanted side effects. I appreciated its compact packaging, presented in a reusable glass bottle adorned with a minimalist label that spoke volumes. Beyond the beverage itself, I relish the opportunity to connect with new people and engage in genuine conversations, particularly when it involves discussions about food in Madison. read more