Organization: Terroir Coffee, Acton, Massachusetts
Coffee: La Esmeralda Panama
Reviewed: September 2008
Overall Rating: 95 points
Roast (Agtron): Medium-Light (54/71)
Estimated Price:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Origin: Boquete growing region, western Panama

Notes: This coffee is Rainforest Alliance certified, meaning it was produced following sustainable ecological and socio-economic criteria developed by the Sustainable Agricultural Network, a coalition of independent, environment-focused non-governmental organizations. Coffee from trees of the botanical variety "Gesha" or "Geisha" grown on farmer Price Peterson's Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama has for the last several years consistently broken records paid for a green coffee. With its bold, boat-shaped beans and distinctive floral and chocolate cup, the Esmeralda Panama Gesha continues one of the world's most unique coffees. Terroir is a microroaster selling only elite single-origin coffees, no blends. It specializes in medium roast styles designed to foreground the character of the green coffee. Terroir is the creation of George Howell, one of the world's leading coffee visionaries. Visit www.terroircoffee.com or call 866-444-5282 for more information.

Blind Assessment: Richly and sweetly bright aroma with aromatic wood, peach-toned fruit and cocoa notes. In the cup quietly acidy, elegantly crisply sweet, deeply floral, with distinct peach-toned fruit and hints of cocoaish chocolate that carry into a long, flavor-glistening finish.

Who should drink it: Balanced, complete; authoritative yet aromatically lavish.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------