I was standing in line at Twenty Below looking over their new menu options. The barista, one of the omnipresent, super-cheerful millennials working here, sees my overwhelmed expression and asks if I want to try the ‘Coffee Flight’.
Why not? I thought to myself. That sounds like a wonderful idea. I mean, it has a wonderful name, so it has to be good.
The ‘Coffee Flight’ is a series of five mason jars filled with the different blends of coffee that are in stock.
The coffee looks delicious with each cup smelling of the soil it grew in. I take one sip from each cup to start off. My ears perk up a little and I can hear everyone in the room speaking at once but if I focus I might be able to isolate individual voices.
I take another sip. It’s smooth and rich. I begin to sense the subtle flavors that people are always telling me about. I’m beginning to almost taste colors and my mind goes to Ratatouille. specifically the one scene where Remi eats the cheese and strawberry together and experiences euphoria. Another sip swallowed. Time begins to slow down around me. I’m a little thirsty but I don’t really want to stand up to get water. Another sip, this one slower than the rest. I’m hitting transcendence here.
Everyone sitting at my table looks at me strangely and I realize that my eyes hurt a little. I use my phone as a mirror and realize that my eyeballs are about the size of quarters. Another sip. I’m nearly out of coffee now. I must’ve missed a few sips somewhere.
One last sip and the ‘Coffee Flight’ finally lands. After five minutes or so, I stand up but my head hurts from dehydration. I would totally recommend this near finals week, but remember to bring some water with.