Ethiopian Natural & A Washed Mexican

Ethiopian Nigusse Lemma Natural

As many of you know, I adore African coffee varietals. The fluctuating flavor profiles of these coffees keep me on my toes and remind me that they are cultivated with great care, sun-dried, and hand-sorted. These exuberant coffees always make up in character what they lack in consistency. The Ethiopian Nigusse Lemma is a perfect example of what meticulous farmers can accomplish. Expect a smooth, sweet cup with luscious fruit and a snappy finish, complete with the slightest hint of earthen spice.

The well-structured profile begins with an elegant dry fragrance hinting at stone fruits and refined honey. In the cup, I can almost catch the scent of of apricot preserves with floral elements that translate into a wonderful tasting experience. On the tongue, this coffee subtly carries forward the flavors of almond extract and black cherry. This is a restrained and articulate coffee with a sweet and delicate personality. I count this among my personal favorites.

Roast Color: Varigated
Prep: Pulped Natural, Sun-Dried
Body: Medium
Flavor Profile: Bright, earthy, citrus, cinnamon, and fennel
Cupping Notes: Dry fragrance of subtle plum alongside heady, dark-wine and brown-sugar flavors. This smooth, sweet cup is nutty with notes of singed caramel and cinnamon shavings over a smooth, velvety body. Concludes in a snappy finish with just the slightest hint of earthen spice.

Mexican Oaxaca Finca Quiavicuzas
Grower Certified Organic

Finca Quiavicuzas (kee-uh-vee-koo-zuss) is located in a valley of lush vegetation with a diverse array of fruit trees used as protective shade for this organic, high-altitude varietal. I wasn't sure what to expect, having roasted coffee mostly from the state of Chiapas, but I am well satisfied by this darkly complex coffee from Oaxaca. Your Mexican Quiavicuzas exemplifies all of the qualities I've come to love in good Mexican coffee.

Field labor and harvesting is all done by hand and executed by specialized workers. Each foreign worker is assisted, if necessary, to acquire his personal work ID for legal status in Oaxaca. Whole families arrive for the harvest. The farm established a special schooling program for the children of migrant workers which is supervised by the Mexican Education Board. This is an excellent coffee produced by dedicated farmers and well-cared-for workers. Happy farmers and educated children make for good coffee.

Roast Color: Medium
Prep: Washed Mild
Body: Tea-like
Flavor Profile: Balanced, bright, sweet, and snappy
Cupping Notes: A fresh hot cup of this brew has a stunning medium-body, distinctly sweet & sharp caramel flavors, and a touch of almond & bittersweet chocolate.