Organization: Terroir Coffee, Acton, Massachusetts
Coffee: Gingerbread Blend
Reviewed: December 2009
Overall Rating: 93 points
Roast (Agtron): Medium (46/60)
Estimated Price:
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Origin: Not disclosed.

Notes: Terroir is a microroaster focusing on elite single-origin coffees. It is a pioneer in the revival of 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: Evaluated as espresso. Simple, sweet and rich in the aroma; caramel with a hint of flowers. In the small cup deep, balanced, complex: peach-toned fruit, dark chocolate, orangy citrus, continued floral top notes. The flowers and chocolate in particular persist into a long finish. Dense mouthfeel. In two parts milk, muted hints of the flowers and peach-toned fruit survive to complicate the predictable chocolate-caramel bloom.

Who should drink it: Subtle but quietly lavish straight shot espresso that maintains considerable distinctiveness in short milk.

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