Organization: Hula Daddy, Holualoa, Hawaii
Coffee: Mele 100% Kona Coffee
Reviewed: June 2009
Overall Rating: 92 points
Roast (Agtron): Medium-Light (51/73)
Estimated Price:
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Origin: Holualoa, North Kona growing district, Hawaii.

Notes: A blend of coffees processed by a variety of methods from a range of cultivars grown on the Hula Daddy farm at the 1,400 foot level of the Mount Hualalai volcano near the northern end of the Kona growing district. "Mele" is a Hawaiian word meaning song or poetic chant. This coffee was selected and processed under the supervision of Miguel Meza, one of specialty coffee's younger visionaries. Visit www.huladaddy.com or call 888-553-2339 for more information.

Blind Assessment: An exciting, rather unusual complex of sweet but pungent citrus, nut and flowers animates the profile from aroma through finish. The citrus in particular is complex and engaging, one moment suggesting Meyer lemon, another especially sweet grapefruit. One cup of five we sampled displayed a very slight hint of bitterness; otherwise the rating for this exotic coffee would go higher.

Who should drink it: An exhilarating sensory riff on the Kona theme. For me enough excitement to compensate that one off-key bean.

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