Blind Assessment: Evaluated as espresso. Deeply sweet, richly tart. Lilac, cocoa powder, watermelon candy, grapefruit zest, cedar in aroma and small cup. Crisp, velvety mouthfeel; resonant, long finish that opens with watermelon and concludes with pink grapefruit zest, with cocoa and lilac ranged between. In three parts milk, nicely balanced cocoa and floral tones.

Notes: An espresso blend comprised of a washed-process Ethiopia Kayon Mountain; a natural-processed Ethiopia Banko; and a washed-process Colombia Bella Vista. Established in 2010, Red Rooster is an organic-certified micro-roaster focusing on socially conscious coffee and high-quality coffee. Visit redroostercoffee.com or call 540-745-7338 for more information.

The Bottom Line: A compelling espresso blend with engaging sweet-tartness, rich aromatic wood notes, and delicately sweet floral tones redolent of lilac.