Organization: Ecco Caffe, Santa Rosa, California
Coffee: Sumatra Blue Batak
Reviewed: November 2002
Overall Rating: 85 points
Roast (Agtron): Medium-Dark (45/41)
Estimated Price:
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Origin: Lake Tawar basin, Aceh Province, northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

Notes: A traditionally processed Sumatra coffee. Although traditional Sumatras are technically washed or wet-processed coffees, a series of peculiarities in how they are processed and dried give them their characteristic low-key richness and idiosyncratic flavor notes. Ecco Caffe is a newer boutique roaster located in northern California's Sonoma Valley specializing in the moderate style of dark roasts identified with northern Italy. Call 707-525-9309 for more info.

Blind Assessment: Lindsey Bolger: "Understated grace describes this uncharacteristically delicate and refined Sumatra. Both dry fragrance and wet aroma display subtle fruit (I describe it as dried orange peel) and milk chocolate, which complement a clean and balanced cup laced with sweet herbs and licorice" (82). Ken: "Crisp, balanced, understated but rich. Grapefruit tones complicate a gently acidy but roasty cup" (88).

Who should drink it: Lovers of crisp elegance and sweetly tart citrus, whether orange peel (Lindsey) or grapefruit (Ken).

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