Blind Assessment: Berry-driven, delicately sweet, caramel-toned. Strawberry, dark caramel, tangerine zest, white tea, sandalwood in aroma and cup. Crisp, high-toned structure with juicy acidity; silky, vibrant mouthfeel. Round, sweet, fruit-toned finish.

Notes: This coffee tied for the second-highest rating in a cupping of coffees roasted by Black-owned coffee companies for Coffee Review’s August 2020 report. Southern Ethiopia coffees like this one are largely produced from distinctive indigenous Ethiopian varieties of Arabica long grown in the region. Processed by the natural method (dried in the whole fruit). Merge is a specialty coffee roaster in Harrisonburg, Virginia dedicated to ethical sourcing of high-quality coffees. Visit www.mergecoffeeco.com for more information.

The Bottom Line: Subtle aromatics build in intensity toward a juicy, elegant cup with an especially attractive berry-toned finish.