Blind Assessment:

Ripe lemon dominates, with rounding complications of apricot and nut-toned chocolate and a crisp hint of fresh-cut fir. Rich, dry acidity; lightly syrupy mouthfeel; deeply lemony finish.

Notes:

Certified organically grown by members of the Shilcho Cooperative Union. Southern Ethiopia produces often distinctively floral- and fruit-toned coffees from traditional varieties of Arabica long grown in the region. When processed by the wet or washed method (fruit skin and pulp is removed before drying) these coffee typically express great aromatic complexity and intensity with a particular emphasis on citrus and floral notes. Although the words “Fair Trade” appear on the label of the attractive 12-ounce valve-topped can, judging by the absence of trademarked seal this coffee may not be certified Fair Trade by TransFair USA, the sole American certifier for the Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). However, Kickapoo is affiliated with 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.” Kickapoo Coffee is a Wisconsin micro-roaster devoted to organic and fair-trade principles and coffees. Visit kickapoocoffee.com or call (608) 637-2022 for more information.

Who Should Drink It: Fine, lemon-toned Ethiopia with complex nuance and richly bracing acidity.