Cupping Notes Archives
FTO Ethiopian Yirgacheffe - OROMIA – 8/30/10
After waiting through some shipping delays, our patience has been rewarded – the Oromia Coop has delivered another great Yirgacheffe. The cup starts with nice lemon and orange tones followed by sweet, citrus-peach hints and a very pleasant floral finish. All these characteristics lend themselves to the delicate balance we expect from a great Yirgacheffe.
Organic Guatemalan SHB Ceylan SMBC – 8/30/10
This certified Bird-Friendly coffee starts out with sharp, clean, lemon flavors followed by a creamy, milk chocolate body. The citrus overtones are accompanied by a balanced, lasting aftertaste of nuttiness and chocolate to round out the cup for a complete coffee experience.
The Organic Bali Blue Moon - 8/23/10
Has arrived delivering the superior complexity we expected in addition to being Rainforest Alliance certified! This is our first delivery of Balinese Coffee for the year and it’s been worth the wait. The cup starts off with low acidity and smooth, syrupy body. An accompaniment of dark chocolate, vanilla bean, maple syrup and a variety of spice flavors leads to an unforgettable aftertaste. This Indonesian is a definite ‘must have’!
Tanzanian AAA Ruvuma Estate – 8/23/10
Another great lot from Tanzania and unfortunately our final shipment for this year. This cup starts off with sharp citrus notes and subtle hints of black cherry. The body is full – complementing the acidity by offering a smooth, balanced finish. Call today to cover your needs until the next crop.
Sumatra Mandheling GR1 DP – Rainforest Alliance -8/16/10
With mild acidity and smooth, syrupy body, this RFA certified Sumatra is exceptionally rich in character. A smattering of nutty chocolate and foresty earth tones highlights the bold presence that Indonesia is known for.
Rwanda Coopac Fair Trade – 8/16/10
The wait is over, our New Crop Rwanda FT has arrived! What most impressed us at our initial cupping was the great balance; sweet acidity with notes of honey, tangerine and peach complemented by a medium body that was both creamy and delicate. Enjoy!
Salvador SHG Las Luchadores Pacamara – 55 bag Micro Lot – 8/9/10
In the western part of El Salvador in the Ataco and Apaneca mountains, the Salaverria family has been producing coffee since 1890. Our most recent delivery from their farms consisted of several lots of coffees and although all of them were great, this Pacamara stood out from the rest. Some of our cupping descriptors were sweet peach, bright, lively, watermelon notes and great balance! Reserve your bags today before this big bean coffee is all gone!
Organic Papua New Guinea A Fair Trade – 8/9/10
This origin always has a way of exciting us by showing the diversity of cupping characteristics that Indonesia has to offer. The cup started with a brighter acidity than we see from any other Indo origins but also had the same full body we expect from that region. The texture was buttery and offered sweet chocolate, plum raisin, and mild cherry-spice notes. We highly recommend this coffee as a single-origin ‘coffee of the month’ feature.
Nicaraguan SHG Dipilto – 8/2/10
This coffee received high marks in both body and character and is balanced by a medium acidity and sweetness. The smooth body is highlighted by strong chocolate and nutty flavors topped off with pleasing buttery notes.
Organic Peru La Florida Fair Trade – 8/2/10
This year’s first shipment from the La Florida Coop features a well-rounded coffee with medium acidity and balanced body. This cup is smooth and satisfying – offering a milk chocolate start with creamy lemon tones and a lasting walnut finish.
Ethiopian Natural Sidamo Grade 3 Guji Special –7/26/10
Hands down our best natural Ethiopian this year. The Grade 3 distinction means the coffee was triple hand sorted and more defects were removed resulting in a better cup than the traditional Grade 4. At a light roast the Guji delivered the fruitiness we were looking for, sweet and syrupy strawberry flavors with blueberry tones and chocolate-citrus notes at the finish. Great Ethiopians are hard to come by these days – be sure to get a bag before they disappear.
Guatemalan SHB Huehuetenango Limonar – 7/26/10
Possibly the best “Huehue” we have received this year. A bright but sweet acidity features lemon, tangerine, and cherry notes at the start. The smooth, full body with chocolate notes on the finish leaves you wanting more….and more….
Organic Guatemalan SHB Ceylan - 7/19/10
The cup starts with sharp, clean, lemon flavors followed by a creamy, milk chocolate body. The citrus overtones accompanied by a balanced, lasting aftertaste of nuttiness and chocolate round out the cup for a complete coffee experience.
Organic Nicaraguan Segovia-FAIR TRADE – 7/19/10
This coffee received high marks in both body and character and is balanced by a medium acidity and sweetness. The smooth flavor is highlighted by strong chocolate and walnut notes finishing with a creaminess that lingers on the palate.
Guatemalan SHB Huehuetenango Limonar – 7/6/10
Possibly the best “Huehue” we have received this year. A bright but sweet acidity features lemon, tangerine, and cherry notes at the start. The smooth, full body with chocolate notes on the finish leaves you wanting more….and more….
El Salvador SHG Natural Process Santa Rita – 7/6/10
The natural process (also known as dry-processed) Santa Rita is most commonly referred to as “the fruit bomb” at the RNY cupping table. In our third year of carrying this coffee, we continue to be impressed with its deep, fruity character. Just a few quick descriptors: sweet strawberry, dried cherry and butterscotch stood out to some of us – grab a bag today and let us know which fruit notes you discover.
Sumatra Mandheling GR1 DP – Rainforest Alliance Cert. -6/21/10
With mild acidity and smooth, syrupy body, this RFA certified Sumatra is exceptionally rich in character. A smattering of nutty chocolate and foresty earth tones highlights the bold presence that Indonesia is known for.
Costa Rican SHB Tarrazu Dota – 6/21/10
Another great delivery from Coop Dota, they continue to produce excellent coffees from the Tarrazu region. At a medium roast we found a lively acidity offering sweet tangerine, lime, and cherry notes. The body is well-developed and the balance is just right – leaving your palate with lingering, creamy chocolate tones.
Organic Ethiopian Natural Sidamo Fair Trade -Oromia-6 /14/10
This is our first delivery of new crop Natural Sidamo from the OROMIA Coop, and once again they have produced a great quality coffee. Smooth and syrupy chocolate notes from the start to the finish are complemented by the berry undertones that the Sidamo region is so well known for….try some today!
Organic Sumatra Fair Trade Permata Gayo – 6/14/10
Attention all Sumatra lovers, you must try this lot! The taste is unique so if you are a traditional Sumatra fan who looks for earthy and musty flavors, here is a chance to broaden your experience with this origin. On the cupping table we found the familiar low acidity and rich, syrupy body but what intrigued us were the distinct notes of dark chocolate and burnt raspberry throughout the cup. We encourage you to give this “Permata Gayo” a try in your roaster!
El Salvador SHG Cerro Las Ranas Pulped Natural Rainforest Alliance Certified –6/7/10
Back by popular demand, the delivery of new crop Cerro has arrived! Our favorite pulped natural (honey processed) coffee has delivered the rich, flavorful, complex cup that we were expecting. A sweet start infused with cherry and tangerine notes is followed by creamy, milk chocolate flavors – with a well developed body and lemony-orange finish, you will surely be pleased with this delivery.
Nicaraguan SHG Dipilto – 6/7/10
This coffee received high marks in both body and character and is balanced by a medium acidity and sweetness. The smooth body is highlighted by strong chocolate and nutty flavors topped off with buttery walnut notes.
Brazil Rio Verde Estate 17/18 Rainforest Alliance – 6/4/10
Our initial expectation for this delivery was to have a good cupping, Rainforest Alliance certified Brazil but the cupping results showed us much more – smooth chocolate and walnut notes coated the palate from start to finish! We also tried this coffee as an espresso component and were very pleased with the results – syrupy body, thick crema…. try this coffee today as a substitute for your regular Brazil, you won’t be disappointed.
Costa Rican SHB Naranjo Cattleya Especial Rainforest Alliance – 6/4/10
This new crop Costa Rican is an exceptional coffee. The well-rounded cup starts off with sweet lemon notes accompanied by a smooth chocolate body and ending with a long-lasting but clean finish. This coffee is a Royal Family favorite and doesn’t last long….reserve some bags today to cover your needs until new crop.
Guatemalan SHB Huehuetenango Limonar –05/24/10
Possibly the best “Huehue” we have received this year. A bright but sweet acidity features lemon, tangerine, and cherry notes to start. The smooth, full body with chocolate notes on the finish leaves you wanting more….and more….
Ethiopian Washed Sidamo Special – 05/24/10
An exceptional delivery of new crop washed Sidamo. The sharp but sweet acidity was obvious from the break, leading to strong lemon and tea-like notes with a full body to complement the taste. The pronounced flavors and perfect balance have created a lot of excitement about this fine delivery.
Tanzanian AA Tudeley Estate - 05/17/10
This delivers a sweet citrusy, peach flavor from the beginning to end, coupled with a medium body & a hint of cherry. There is NO such thing as a “Kenya Replacement”, however this delivery carves its own niche in the East African landascape as one of our best cuppers in house. Pick up some on your next order!
Costa Rican SHB Tarrazu Dota - 05/17/10
Sweet, mild tangerine with a milk chocolate finish. This is the first of a few deliveries we ae getting from Coop Dota – don’t miss out!
Honduran SHG Marcala EP – 5/3/10
This coffee has all of the expected flavor notes we’ve come to know and love – a smooth chocolate start with a creamy nuttiness accompanied by sweet buttery and lemon tones that make this cup perfect for any Central American coffee fan.
Indian Monsoon Malabar AA – 5/3/10
Look no further for the perfect crema….This cup profile features low acidity and a heavy body along with nutty, dark chocolate flavors leading to a creamy finish. A perfect addition to your espresso blend!
Nicaraguan Selva Negra Estate – 4/26/10
Rain Forest Alliance and Organic Rain Forest Alliance ~ another year of great quality from Eddy and Mausi Kuhl of the Selva Negra Estate! We consider the Selva Negra Estate to be one of our finest Rain Forest Alliance coffees; at the cupping table it scored high marks in both body and character, balanced by a medium acidity and honey sweetness. The smooth body is highlighted by strong chocolate and sweet lemon notes topped off with a subtle citrus-orange flavor at the finish.
Organic Mexican HG Chiapas Fair Trade –4/26/10
A great cupping coffee from the UDEPOM Coop. This cup starts off smooth with rich and creamy chocolate tones, followed by hints of sweet walnut. It has wonderful balance, mellow acidity, and caramel notes in the finish.
Ethiopian Washed Sidamo Special – 4/19/10
An exceptional delivery of new crop washed Sidamo. The sharp but sweet acidity was obvious from the break, leading to strong lemon and tea-like notes with a full body to complement the taste. The strong flavors and perfect balance left us feeling very excited about this delivery. Now let’s see what Naturals can do this year!
Tanzanian A Hope Project – 4/19/10
This newly arrived Tanzanian really gets the ball rolling for this year’s crop. We have received great deliveries of peaberry already and now we have some great flat bean as well. Good marks across the board from our cuppers – sweet, citrus notes at the start with smooth, subtle peach tones leading to a clean finish with hints of orange and milk chocolate throughout. Book some today!
Organic Sumatra Fair Trade Permata Gayo – 4/12/10
Attention all Sumatra lovers, you must try this lot! The taste is unique so if you are a traditional Sumatra fan who looks for earthy and musty flavors, here is a chance to broaden your experience with this origin. On the cupping table we found the familiar low acidity and rich, syrupy body but what intrigued us were the pleasantly pronounced, distinct notes of dark chocolate and burnt raspberry throughout the cup. We encourage you to give this “Permata Gayo” a try in your roaster!
Nicaraguan SHG Dipilto – 4/12/10
This is our first delivery of new crop Nicaraguans this year and we are excited about the arrival of this coffee. The Dipilto has once again shown its reliability with clean, sweet citrus notes up front and the traditional mild chocolate and walnut notes throughout the finish.
El Salvador SHG Cerro Las Ranas Pulped Natural Rainforest Alliance Certified – 4/5/10
Back by popular demand, the new crop Cerro has arrived! Our favorite pulped natural (honey processed) coffee has delivered the rich, flavorful, complex cup that we were yearning for. With a sweet start followed by creamy, milk chocolate and cherry flavors, a fully-developed body and a lemony-orange finish, you will surely be pleased with this delivery.
Organic Colombian Sierra Nevada Fair Trade – 4/5/10
It’s been a while since the Sierra Nevada has appeared on our offering list but we’re happy it’s back. Meeting our expectations for a great Colombian from the Sierra Nevada region with its smooth start, milk chocolate and walnut notes and good balance…this coffee will be enjoyed by all.
Guatemalan SHB HHT El Injertal Rainforest Alliance – 3/29/10
This new arrival from the El Injertal estate is a burst of citrus-flavored acidity. The sweet cup starts off with lemony-orange notes accompanied by a buttery, caramel body and ending with a long-lasting chocolate finish. We are very pleased with this delivery and expect that you will enjoy it as much as we do!
Guatemalan Antigua Panchoy – 3/29/10
This new crop delivery of one of our most reliable coffees starts off with a combination of chocolate and caramel flavors followed by a smooth, creamy, sweet finish – a perfect cup for your morning brew!
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe – 3/22/10
From a region that is favored by many, our most recent delivery is a great representation of everything this coffee has to offer. The cup starts out with nice lemon and jasmine notes followed by sweet citrus tones that lead to a pleasant, well-rounded, floral finish!
El Salvador SHG Natural Process Santa Rita - 3/22/10
The natural process (also known as dry-processed) Santa Rita is most commonly referred to as “the fruit bomb” at the RNY cupping table. Just a few quick descriptors: sweet strawberry, black cherry, butterscotch, raspberry.
Organic Guatemalan SHB Chajul -3/15/10
Fair Trade: A well balanced new crop Guatemalan with high marks for acidity and body. Sweet and lemony tasting all the way through with a creamy, nutty chocolate ending.
Tanzanian Peaberry Hope Project – 3/15/10
This newly arrived Tanzanian Peaberry really gets the ball rolling for this year’s crop. Good marks across the board from our graders – sweet, citrus notes at the start with smooth, subtle peach tones leading to a clean finish with hints of orange and milk chocolate throughout.
Costa Rican SHB Naranjo Cattleya Especial – 3/8/10
This new crop Costa Rican is an exceptional coffee. The well-rounded cup starts off with sweet lemon notes accompanied by a smooth, chocolate body and ending with a long-lasting but clean finish. We brewed this new arrival at Coffee Fest NY/NJ this past weekend and received favorable feedback from many….hope you enjoy.
Organic Java Taman Dadar –3/8/10
With mild acidity and a heavy, syrupy body, this Organic Java is clean but complex; rich in character with a smattering of chocolate and walnut flavors. Its bold presence has a lingering aftertaste of smooth herbal notes.
New Crop Tanzanian Peaberry – 2/22/10
Has arrived and it’s another good year for the Burka and Selian Estates – we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Tanzanian PB Northern Burka Estate – 2/22/10
Sweet citrus notes at the start followed by hints of orange and milk chocolate throughout the cup.
Tanzanian PB Northern Selian Estate - 2/22/10
Pink grapefruit flavor kicks off this peaberry, it finishes with a smooth citrus underlay.
Organic Uganda Bugisu A – 2/22/10
It’s been several years since we found a Bugisu that piqued our interest, but the time has finally come for a reappearance of this great cupping organic African coffee. Upon arrival it delivered the cup quality we expected…keep an eye out for our espresso notes coming soon.
Costa Rican SHB Tarrazu Fruta de Oro – 2/16/10
This is our first delivery of new crop Fruta de Oro in 2010 and we are hoping that it is only the beginning! The cup fulfills our expectations for the Tarrazu region, with a bright break followed by lemon lime notes complemented by a smooth body, and creamy, chocolate finish.
Panama SHB Boquete Classico – 2/16/10
At the cupping table we were impressed by the Classico from the break through the aftertaste. The cup starts with a bright, sweet lemon taste followed by a smooth, nutty, milk chocolate body. A balanced and sustained aftertaste makes this coffee a complete experience from start to finish.
Organic Java Taman Dadar – 02/08/10
With mild acidity and a heavy, syrupy body, this Organic Java is clean but complex; rich in character with a smattering of chocolate and walnut flavors. Its bold presence has a lingering aftertaste and smooth, herbal notes.
Papua New Guinea Kimel Peaberry – 02/08/10
A great new crop delivery! This coffee received high marks in both body and character and is balanced by a medium acidity and brightness. This is our first time carrying a PNG Peaberry and we think it’s as great (or maybe a little better) than the flat bean that we have cherished for so many years.
