Tawar Rouge

Blind Assessment: Superb fruity, caramelly aroma with distinct brandy and chocolate notes. In the small cup medium body, dominated by caramel and cedar notes with only a hint of cherryish brandy intrigue. The fruity brandy tones intensify in the finish, though with a very slight bitterish edge. They reach their apotheosis in milk, however, where they finally free themselves from their slight bitter shadow and bloom with lush, powerful expressiveness.

Notes: This complexly exotic blend combines traditionally processed Sumatra coffees with dry-processed Ethiopias. Founded by Herb, Joseph, and Jake Brodsky in 2002, Novo Coffee is a quality-oriented boutique roasting company with fine coffee, an elegant package, and the slogan "Get Closer" - to coffee, as it turns out. Visit www.novocoffee.com or call 303-295-7678 for more information.

Who Should Drink It : This deeply fruit-and-brandy-toned espresso should please both cigar and sweet dessert camps.