Organization: Starbucks Coffee, Seattle, Washington
Coffee: Decaf Mocca Java
Reviewed: July 2002
Overall Rating: 88 points
Roast (Agtron): NA (0/0)
Estimated Price:
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Origin: Harrar region of Ethiopia, East Java.

Notes: Offered in the "Smooth" line of the Starbucks specialty menu, which implies, among other things, a moderate but not aggressive dark-roast style. However you spell Mocca, Moka, Mocha, or Moca, Mocca Java is the world's earliest blend, originally combining acidy, fruity coffee from southern Arabia shipped through the port of Mocha with full-bodied, lower-toned coffee from Java. This version, which replaces the inconsistent Yemen with the very similar cupping Ethiopia Harrar, was decaffeinated by the "Swiss Water" solvent-free method. Visit www.starbucks.com or call 800-782-7282 for more info.

Blind Assessment: Dryly acidy but sweet, expansively fruity, distinctly floral. A crisp roastiness turns the fruit toward chocolate. Only a very slight bitter astringency mars this otherwise luxuriously exotic cup.

Who should drink it: The quintessential romantic's coffee, glamorous both in history and cup.

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