J Martinez Estate Medium Roast Coffee Sampler

As you’re enjoying the last rays of summer, consider that in a few years you could be lathering on the coffee to prevent skin cancer. Findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science suggests that chemicals commonly found in coffee have the ability to absorb UV radiation when applied directly to the skin. Researchers at Rutgers University genetically engineered mice to suppress the same enzyme that caffeine does in humans and have found that they were slower to develop skin cancer. Because of its ability to suppress ATR, the enzyme responsible for turning damaged skin cells cancerous, scientists have suggested that caffeine could be added to sunscreens to boost protection levels.

In a strange twist, caffeine molecules may also help you develop a nice tan in addition to protecting your skin from tumors and cancer. Caffeine has actually been shown to stimulate pigment cells, urging them to produce more color. So, a safer tan may not be too far on the horizon.

If you're tired of the same old drinks, break out of the rut with a creative latte. This month's recipe is perfect for the adventurous latte lovers out there.

Ingredients
- 3 shots of espresso
- 6 oz of milk
- ½ oz of Monin Dark Chocolate Syrup
- ½ oz of Monin Caramel Syrup
- ¼ oz of Monin Hazelnut Syrup
- Ice

Preparation
In a tall 16oz glass, combine the espresso, syrup and milk. Stir the contents and add ice. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired, and enjoy!

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, may the luck...and drinks, of the Irish be with you. Given the upcoming festivities, now is as good a time as any to take a look at the history of one of the most (in)famous, drinks in the world—the Irish Coffee.

In true Celtic fashion, think Leprechauns and pots of gold, the origins of the Irish Coffee begins with a local folklore...Legend has it that the drink was invented in a cafe at the now-defunct Foynes Airport. In 1943, on a particularly nasty winter evening, a flight bound for Botwood, Newfoundland made the critical decision to return to Foynes after several hours in the air. Consider that 1943 was during WWII and commercial air travel was really in its infancy—think well-heeled men and women on a flying-boat voyage. The circumstances of the diverted flight were trying at best and left passengers a little bit more than peeved.

Upon making the decision to head back to Foynes, the captain reportedly sent a Morse-code message to the control tower, alerting ground operations personnel of the impending return. At the terminal, preparations were made to welcome back the crew and passengers. I know, you're skeptical already; but keep in mind, this was the 1940s...flying was a glitzy affair.

Back to the regularly scheduled story...Head chef Joe Sheridan of the airport restaurant was hastily asked to make something to warm the passengers and lift their spirits. He decided to...well...add a little spirit to their drinks. After all what could keep you warmer and happier than a hot coffee and some good old Irish whiskey? As the night progressed and everybody had been served, one of the passengers approached Sheridan to thank him for the hospitality. Making small talk, the passenger asked if Brazilian coffee had been used to prepare the drink...To which Sheridan responded "No, that was Irish Coffee." The rest is history.

From that night forward, Irish Coffee was served to all passengers going through Foynes Airport. The tradition continues to this day; dignitaries arriving at Shannon Airport are still welcomed with a warm cup of Irish Coffee. Want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style? Try this authentic Irish Coffee Recipe:

Joe Sheridan's Original Irish Coffee

• 30ml Irish Whiskey
• Freshly brewed coffee
• 2 teaspooons of  sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh whipping cream or double cream

Preparation
Preheat an Irish Coffee Mug using hot water. Try our Stout, Classic or Pedestal version of the mug. Pour freshly brewed coffee into the mug; add sugar and whiskey. Top with cream.

A few months ago, we got a very special shipment of J Martinez Jamaica Blue Mountain whole bean coffee. For a limited time only, the brand’s signature medium roast is available with rare peaberry beans for more a fragrant, concentrated flavor. In honor of this unique coffee, we’d like to give you a closer look at J.Martinez & Company as a whole and explore the unique taste profiles that have made this roaster famous.

Founded in 1988 by Jamaican native John Martinez, the company introduced the public to a whole new way of experiencing coffee. J. Martinez began offering estate coffees at its inception, allowing buyers to find out exactly where their coffee came from. Pinpointing the origin of whole bean coffee lets espresso connoisseurs better understand, appreciate and predict the flavor profile of their beverages. John Martinez’s passion and his company’s rich heritage continue to thrive today, as more and more people seek out the brand's elite coffees.

J.Martinez is your ticket to a diverse, adventurous coffee experience. Its collection of fine coffees spans the globe, representing exotic locales from Jamaica, Hawaii, and Yemen to India, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya. Pay tribute to the country that discovered coffee with the spicy, tangy and fruity flavors of J. Martinez Ethiopian Harrar Horse or stop in for a taste of the bright, medium-bodied of Kenya AA (available in medium and dark dark roasts). Also, if you love African beans, consider J. Martinez’s Tanzania Kilimanjaro Peaberry, harvested from the base of the continent’s highest mountain, this coffee features intricate flavors, reminiscent of fine wine.

Venture towards the Arabian Peninsula and you’ll discover luxurious chocolate overtones courtesy of the company’s prized dark-roast Yemen Mattari. Equally as intriguing is the J. Martinez India Monsooned Malabar, a mellow, smooth coffee that delivers vibrant espressos. For a nutty, clean coffee, go for the Hawaiian Kona Whole Bean, available in your choice of medium and dark roasts. Otherwise, swing back to John Martinez’s native Jamaica and indulge in the sweet, delicate flavors of Blue Mountain Coffee (also available in medium and dark roasts).