Blind Assessment:

Deeply and pungently sweet-tart. Lavender, grapefruit zest, sandalwood, blackberry, a hint of baker’s chocolate in aroma and cup. Simultaneously brightly tart and deeply savory in structure. Lightly syrupy, plush mouthfeel. Grapefruit zest and blackberry carry into a crisply resonant finish.

Notes:

Produced by the smallholders of the New Ngariama Farmers Cooperative Society from trees of the SL-28, SL-34 and Ruiru 11 varieties of Arabica. Processed at Kamwangi Washing Station by the particularly meticulous Kenya variation on the traditional wet or “washed” method, in which skin and fruit flesh are removed from the beans or seeds before they are dried. Founded in 1990, Lexington Coffee is an award-winning artisan roasting company based in Virginia. Lexington’s focus on fresh, flavorful and sustainable coffee is reflected in its motto, “Fresh, Flavorful & Fair.” Visit www.lexingtoncoffee.com or call 800-322-6505 for more information.

The Bottom Line: Resonantly pungent Kenya, particularly attractive for its structure: sweet, tart and savory all at once, zesty yet seductive. Holds its character superbly as it cools.