How many years has it been, I wonder, since I first stepped foot into that hole in the wall along Highway 12,  bought that much needed cup of coffee, took a sip, and found that ever elusive brand. You know. The one you stick to for life. The coffee you think about whenever you are travelling and stuck with hotel coffee. A lot of traffic has passed down the road since then. The Barking Dog has moved from its cramped location with the dirt parking lot that

But the coffee........ oh that coffee is still every bit as good as that first cup I had so many years ago. Roasted on premise in small quantities, so when you buy whole or ground beans, you are not buying something that has been sitting on the shelf very long, something that has not grown stale over time.

Barking Dog features a number of beans from different regions of Central and South America, plus some more exotic crops from Africa and Southeast Asia. I prefer the Mexican, myself. Apparently so does every other customer, because it is hard to get. So I settle for Guatemalan or El Salvadoran beans. Plus a free cup of the famous Barking Dog house blend when I buy a pound of beans.

Once in a while I will spend a relaxing morning at The Barking Dog, taking advantage of the free wireless internet to do some work away from the office. Mostly I brew up some of their coffee at home or at work, savoring the aroma and flavor as I start my day.

Barking Dog Coffee. Next time you're in Sonoma, stop in.

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