Blind Assessment: Richly sweet, delicately tart, very complex. Bergamot, star jasmine, pluot, cocoa nib, marjoram in aroma and cup. Brightly sweet structure with juicy acidity; crisp, syrupy mouthfeel. Resonant, long, lingering finish.

Notes: Produced by smallholding farmers around the Demeka Becha washing station from trees of heirloom varieties of Arabica, and processed by the washed method (fruit skin and flesh are removed from the beans before they are dried). Established in 2010, Red Rooster is an organic-certified micro-roaster focusing on socially conscious, high-quality coffee. Visit redroostercoffee.com or call 540-745-7338 for more information.

The Bottom Line: An elegant, balanced, classic washed Ethiopia cup that encourages meditation on its paradoxes: both juicy and deep, spicy and sweet, complex and inviting.