Aged Sumatra Espresso

Blind Assessment: Evaluated as espresso. Sweet, odd, earth-toned. Caramel, orange, pecan, a hint of dark chocolate and a lot of fruit-scented earth--think fallen oranges in a citrus grove--in aroma and small cup. Fluffy mouthfeel. Chocolate comes forward in a sweet though drying finish. Three parts milk further develops the chocolate, while the earth notes persist, particularly in the finish.

Notes: This coffee was processed by the washed method (fruit skin and pulp removed before drying), then aged for three years in its parchment skins before hulling and shipping. Telluride is an artisan roaster situated at high elevations in Colorado offering an attractive range of single-origins and blends. Visit www.telluridecoffeeroasters.net for more information.

The Bottom Line : The sweet, fruit-on-the-edge of decay character central to this curious aged espresso may please those espresso drinkers who value surprise, while probably offending coffee purists. If you’re not sure which camp you’re in, you might try it--the price is right.