Blind Assessment: Evaluated as espresso. Deeply sweet-savory, chocolaty and fruit-forward. Lychee, chocolate fudge, pistachio brittle, plumeria, scorched cedar in aroma and small cup. Creamy-smooth mouthfeel; resonantly chocolaty finish with pleasing, slightly smoky aromatic wood undertones. In three parts milk, chocolate is further elevated, as are florals.

Notes: A blend of coffees from a variety of origins using a variety of processing methods, including an Ethiopia natural, a washed Kenya and Colombia, and a Costa Rica yellow honey, roasted for espresso applications. In addition to his retail roasting operation, Aroma Roast Coffees, Simon Hsieh also operates Soaring Phoenix Trading, a business focused on purpose-built commercial espresso blends and high-quality single-origin coffees. Customers can also visit the new showroom, Chateau Andy, in Taipei City. Visit www.facebook.com/4ArtsZeroDefectCoffees or call 886-0983-749876 for more information.

The Bottom Line: A richly chocolaty, deeply aromatic, spice-toned espresso blend that’s equally exciting in straight shot and in milk.