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97

Caribou Coffee

Roastmaster’s Reserve Esmeralda

Roaster Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Coffee Origin: Boquete growing region, western Panama
Roast Level: Medium
Agtron: 52/66
Est. Price: $19.99/8 ounces
Review Date: September 2012
Aroma: 10
Acidity: 9
Body: 9
Flavor: 10
Aftertaste: 9

Blind Assessment

Intense, exhilaratingly complex, resonant. A cascade of floral notes ranging in suggestion from bitter lavender to lush honeysuckle. Honey, tangerine, and a crisp, cocoaish chocolate. Round, richly stated acidity; syrupy, lively mouthfeel. Deep, flavor-saturated finish.

Notes

This is a non-auction lot of Esmeralda Gesha (also spelled Geisha) from Hacienda La Esmeralda, the producer that first introduced the celebrated Gesha variety of Arabica to the world. With its generally elongated beans and distinctive floral and crisp, often chocolaty cup, the Gesha variety continues to distinguish itself as one of the world's most unique coffees. This Gesha was processed by the orthodox wet or washed method, in which both skin and fruit flesh are removed from the beans or seeds before they are dried. This coffee is 100% Rainforest Alliance certified, meaning it was produced following sustainable ecological and socio-economic criteria developed by the Sustainable Agricultural Network, a coalition of independent, environment-focused non-governmental organizations. Caribou Coffee is a retail roasting chain based in the upper Middle West whose rather irreverent motto "Life is short. Stay awake for it" belies a serious approach to coffee. Visit www.cariboucoffee.com or call 888-227-4268 for more information.

Who Should Drink It

An opportunity to taste the spectacular Gesha profile at peak complexity and nuance. Reasonably priced for an Esmeralda Gesha.

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About the Author: Kenneth Davids

Kenneth Davids is editor, chief writer and co-founder of Coffee Review. His latest book, 21st Century Coffee: A Guide is an unprecedentedly thorough survey of specialty coffee in all of its aspects, authoritative yet engaging. He has been involved with coffee since the early 1970s and has published three earlier books on coffee, including the influential Home Roasting: Romance and Revival, now in its second edition, and Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing and Enjoying, which has sold nearly 250,000 copies in five editions.

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