Blind Assessment: Soft, round aromas of toast, nut, milk chocolate and vanilla. A balanced cup: smooth mouthfeel and intense flavors of fruity cherry-toned chocolate with hints of citrus and berry that fade toward a more powerful bittersweet chocolate character. A complex m?lange of fruit and chocolate carry into the flavor saturated finish.

Notes: Although the logo "FairTradeProof.org" appears on the label of the attractive 12-ounce valve-topped can, judging by the absence of trademarked seal it may not be certified Fair Trade by TransFair USA, the sole American certifier for the Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). Conscious Coffee is, however, affiliated with the buyers' group Cooperative Coffees as well as the Fair Trade Federation, a membership (rather than certifying) organization devoted to "providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide." Fondo Paez is a cooperative of 550 farmers from the indigenous Paez people of central Colombia. Conscious Coffee is a wholesale roasting company focused on organic single origin coffees and direct trade relationships with growers. They are committed to low impact business practices and "supporting communities, not commodities." Visit www.consciouscoffees.com or call 800-365-8616 for more information.

Who Should Drink It: Round, balanced and resonant Colombia.