Organization: Ancora Coffee Roasters, Madison, Wisconsin
Coffee: Rwanda A, Gikongoro Bufcafe
Reviewed: March 2004
Overall Rating: 90 points
Roast (Agtron): Medium (51/58)
Estimated Price:
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Origin: Gikongoro Province, southwestern Rwanda.

Notes: This is a pre-production sample roast of a coffee that should be available from Ancora beginning in April, 2004. Gikongoro is the name of the "washing station" or wet mill where the coffee fruit is removed from the bean; "Bufcafe" is the name of the exporter. Produced from coffee grown by small holders entirely from trees of the heritage Bourbon variety at impressive elevations of 5,500 to 6,200 feet. Ancora Coffee is a wholesale and retail roaster and local caf&##232; chain that emphasizes its commitment to "small-batch artisan roasting." Visit www.ancora-coffee.com or call 800-260-0217 for more info.

Blind Assessment: Superb aroma: sweet, balanced, intense, with deep dimension and a grand range of nuance, ranging from floral top notes to mid-tones of papaya and perhaps pear. In the cup an explosive entry, with intense, almost contradictory impressions of sweetness, bitterness, acidity and distinct floral and cherry-toned fruit. This amazing cup hardens a bit toward the finish, although the finish itself is smoothly rich and floral.

Who should drink it: Those who can tolerate some sensory confusion for the sake of grandeur.

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