Organization: Paradise Roasters, Anoka, Minnesota
Coffee: Best of Panama Cafe Kotowa
Reviewed: August 2005
Overall Rating: 91 points
Roast (Agtron): Medium-Dark (45/53)
Estimated Price:
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Origin: Boquete growing district, western Panama

Notes: Cafe Kotowa is produced by a third-generation farming family. This lot, a seventh-place prize winner in the 2005 Best of Panama competition, was grown at 5,500 feet on a farm overlooking the Pacific that was just awarded organic certification. Paradise Roasters prides itself on roasting and shipping coffee only after orders are placed. Its metaphoric mission is to bring some paradisiacal warmth from the coffee-growing south to the cool environs of Minnesota. Visit www.paradiseroasters.com or call 763-433-0626 for more information.

Blind Assessment: A simple, lyrically appealing coffee, alive with floral notes and a vivid little twist that Ken associated with spice and co-cupper Rodger Owen with cedar. Ken also cited cherry-toned fruit in the aroma that leaned toward a delicate chocolate in the cup. Fresh, cleanly sweet finish.

Who should drink it: Those who can accept pleasure without complication.

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