The Cigar Journal is brought to you today live from the Dominion of Canada, a familiar yet mysterious land where donuts and coffee are as big a part of the culture as are ice hockey and anti-Americanism. And nowhere can this be better evidenced than at one of the ubiquitous establishments known as Tim Horton's. "Timmies," as these places are affectionately called, seem to be everywhere on this side of Customs. In one Ontario town of about 30,000 people which I frequent, there are at least two places where Tim Horton's exist across the street from each other; those four, plus countless others, thrive in that sleepy city. It seems that hardly a person in Canada can claim to be separated from a Tim's by more than a kilometer or two. Besides the donuts they offer, the firm which was founded by legendary Toronto Maple Leaf icon Tim Horton, is known for their coffee -- a beverage which provides the morning boost for the lion's share of Canadians.
What is it about Tim Horton's coffee? How do even Yanks like me become addicted to this brown elixir? And how is it that I, a self-described promoter of the finer things in life, when in Canada, must stop at a donut place several times daily for coffee in a paper cup?
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Theories are often proposed to explain this curious addictive quality of a Hot Tim's. Some say that certain additives are included in the blend. Others claim that it's not coffee at all, but some rare tropical concoction. Yet others blame it on the Americans (who now own the chain, which is affiliated with Wendy's -- a shock to the Canadian psyche roughly equivalent to a French conglomerate buying the Alamo).
But I say, the answer must be far more simple. Careful blends of economical but high-quality beans, roasted masterfully by experts in the field, and provided fresh to an eager public -- that's my theory. Care is taken to provide a reasonably economic, but totally consistent and flavorful cup. That, and an unusually-high caffeine content, are their secrets. Or so I believe.
So, the next time you find yourself north of the border -- or, in one of the many American border towns like Detroit where an Americanized Tim Horton's franchise has been established -- stop in for a large double-double and some Tim Bits. And you, too, will be hooked. You may even find yourself bursting into song, "With glowing hearts we see thee rise / The True North strong and free!"
