Blind Assessment: Crisp, tangy, richly sweet-tart-savory. Vanilla yogurt, guava, dark chocolate, sassafras, sandalwood in aroma and cup. Sweetly tart with savory undertones and tangy acidity; very full, syrupy-smooth mouthfeel. The resonant flavor-saturated finish carries forward all of the notes from the cup.

Notes: This exceptional coffee was selected as the No. 19 coffee on Coffee Review’s list of the Top 30 Coffees of 2020.  Produced by Rigoberto Herrera at Granja La Esperanza in Colombia, a producer that specializes in innovation, in this case applying an anaerobic (limited oxygen ferment) processing method to the rare Java variety of Arabica. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is a retailer and wholesaler focused on organic and socially responsible coffees; it was awarded the “2012 Micro-Roaster of the Year” title by Roast Magazine. Visit www.birdrockcoffee.com or call 858-551-1707 for more information.

The Bottom Line: A startlingly unusual yet inviting anaerobically processed Colombia Java, ideal for the coffee adventurer with its original aromatics conveyed in layers of sweetness, savory depth, and lactic tang.