Rwanda Abakundakawa Cooperative, Cafe Femenino, Fair Trade SOLD OUT!

Origin: Rwanda 

Region: Musasa

Varietal: Bourbon

Altitude: 1600-1800m

Process Method: typically washed and sun dry

Tasting Notes: Sweet spices and flavors of dates and orange.  Light in body with tart, citric acid.

We have partnered with Organic Products Trading Company for several years now and have always enjoyed their Cafe Femenino offerings.  This particular one is new to us and comes from the Abakundakawa Co-op in Rwanda.  Here is an article on their work from Sprudge.  This is a link to the Rwandan exporting company's website and this following video is apparently from the Cooperative's processing station at Rusashi.

Colombia Planadas Tolima - Vereda La Argentina SOLD OUT!

This lot is composed of multiple farmer lots with similar characteristics from Montalvo and La Armena Hamlets.

excerpt from Cafe Imports' detail, complete article here

Origin	Colombia
Region	Planadas, Tolima
Varietal	Caturra, Colombia
Altitude	1600 masl
Proc. Method	Washed and Sun Dried

Tasting notes:

perfume/floral fragrance, dark chocolate and rich fruit with a lively acidity

Agtron:

57 - 59

Guatemala Antigua Entre Volcanes SOLD OUT!

The combination of microclimate, soil and the quality process makes this an exceptional and unique coffee.

excerpt from Cafe Imports' detail, complete article here

Region     Antigua Guatemala

Farm       Entre Volcanes

Varietal    Bourbon

Altitude   1450-1675 masl

Method    fully washed and sun dried

  

Tasting Notes

sweet fruit and milk chocolate, slight leather/tart, peppery spice

Agtron:

54-65 

Roaster Notes

This bean seemed to move a little faster than previous ones- lowered the charge weight and held it at a slightly cooler temp to try and stretch out the time between 1st crack and a visibly nice, even roast.

Sulawesi Tana Toraja SOLD OUT!

Sulawesi Tana Toraja 

We have always been fascinated by coffees from Sulawesi; their flavors are exotic and unique.  This latest from the Tana Toraja region is no exception and we are excited to bring it to you!

Origin                Sulawesi
Region               Tana Toraja
Farm                 Various small holders
Varietal              Typica hybrid
Altitude             1200 - 1800 masl
Proc. Method    Fully washed and sun dried at central mill

Tasting Notes

Nice sweet caramel/amaretto flavors with a citric zing.  Smooth and clean.

Additional Notes

Importing partner Cafe Imports' specific "Beanology" for this offering

Agtron:

 61-67

Costa Rica Tarrazu ASOPROAAA SOLD OUT!

Costa Rica Tarrazu ASOPROAAA

From InterAmerican Coffee, one of our importing partners, comes this new Tarrazu Costa Rican offering.  Here is some information on the ASOPROAAA organization:

ASOPROAAA is an association dedicated to agribusiness, especially coffee and cattle, its acronym stands for: “Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios de las Comunidades de Acosta y Aserrí”, which is translated to “Agricultural Producers Association of the Communities from Aserrí and Acosta”.  As of today, the Association involves the following:

- 1,142 families as active members/associates
- 200 families working in Agroforestry and
coffee
- 300 families involved in Cattle
- 807 families with housing benefit
- 30 families producing organic fertilizers

The Association has the ability to manage FCL and small lots of superior coffee from Tarrazú, Acosta and Aserrí. They function like a small “coop” supporting their associates and looking for new profiles every crop. They are constant and active participants for COE. Many past COE auction lots come from ASOPROAAA.

ASOPROAAA carries 10 diferent microlots from the highlands of Tarrazu, Aserri and Frailes. The microclimates of the region, allows each farm to bring a whole diferent experience among them.

Some of the names ASPROAAA uses, regarding their farms and regions are: Cerro Paldo, Los Manzanos, Los Higuitos, Altura, Valverde, Buena Vista, etc.

Six of their lots represented Costa Rica in the 2011 Cup Of Excellence.  We think their dedication to quality coffee is apparent in this particular bean.

Tasting Notes

A big, rich cup with flavors reminding us of hazelnuts and dark chocolate balanced with a ripe orange taste.

Agtron:

61-70

Roaster Notes:

We are pretty excited with the way this one has turned out.  One of our current experiments is with "charge weight" : the amount of green loaded into the roaster.  For this coffee, we charged a slightly lighter batch than normal.  All varietals behave differently in the roaster, but we find that the smaller batch size provides the best taste for this one.

  

Ethiopia Gemadro RFA SOLD OUT

Ethiopia Gemadro RFA:

Our newest offering from Ethiopia is from the Ethio Agri-CEFT conglomeration of agricultural production.  From their website:

Ethio Agri-CEFT's mission is to engage in a sustainable production, marketing and development of environmentally friendly farms of cereals, tea, coffee, legumes, cut flowers, horticultural products, herbs, spices and medicinal plants, and integrate agro-processed products.

Environmental and social responsible agriculture on a large scale, basically.  In addition to those company guidelines, this offering has also been certified by the Rainforest Alliance :

Since its founding in 1987, the Rainforest Alliance has pioneered a comprehensive transformation across the industries that most impact our environment -- farming, forestry and tourism -- and successfully engaged the support of consumers around the world to protect the forests and ecosystems that are essential to our future. This report incorporates numerous impact studies to demonstrate how the spread of sound land-use practices and the development of sustainable supply chains have begun to arrest the tide of destruction and lay the groundwork for a better future.

Gemadro itself is a highland Ethiopian coffee like Sidamo or Yirgacheffe.  Here is a link to Ethio Agri-CEFT's page with further details on this particular coffee. 

Tasting Notes:

This is a light, clean cup with sweet lemon and herb flavors reminding us of hops and basil in particular.

Agtron:

60-65

Roaster Notes:
  
Not a pretty bean, compared to some of more recent entries here, but still roasted evenly and provides a good cup.  Can't always judge a good coffee by how it looks green it seems.  Was happy with the taste outcome from the initial profile of standard heat/temp...  Agtron shows a slightly lighter roast and we're happy with how the roast suites the taste.  Currently experimenting with it as espresso.  Hope you enjoy!

Brazil Daterra Sweet Blue SOLD OUT!

Brazil Daterra Sweet Blue

This is a little different from our previous highlighted coffees for a few reasons.  Firstly, it is a blend.  Daterra offers blended green coffee formulated to taste.  Secondly, compared to our previous selections this one comes from a giant conglomerate.  Daterra has 100 years of experience with coffee in many regions of Brazil and is well established and respected world wide.  Lastly, we are roasting this one with espresso in mind.  Many recent World Barista Champions and challengers have used Daterra blends and we can see why.

Here is Daterra's Flash intensive and bird friendly website. 

Tasting Notes

Sweet citrus upon first sip.  Fuller body as is typical with most Brazils, yet it has a very delicate clean finish.  One of us mentioned tea biscuits which is pretty right on.  Could drink this coffee all day long!  Great shot! 

Agtron:

63-72

Roaster Notes

Daterra is a huge supplier of Brazilian coffee and grows Rainforest Alliance.  We hadn't tried a RFA in a while so this was a good pick.