The World's Leading Coffee Guide
The coffees and espressos that appear below demonstrate exceptional value relative to other coffees of similar quality and distinctiveness as reflected in their overall score. These best value coffees often sell out quickly and may no longer be available. Older reviews may no longer accurately reflect current versions of the same coffee.
Deep, sweet-toned aroma: dark chocolate, rich cedar, apricot-like fruit, lily-like flowers. Rich though slightly rough acidity; impressively full, syrupy mouthfeel. The complex aromatics simplify a bit in the cup, but retain depth and resonance. Long though rather dry and piney finish.
Crisp, bittersweet: lemon, bergamot, dark chocolate, a hint of flowers. Brisk, dry acidity; silky mouthfeel. Flavors linger in the long, dry finish.
oft notes of nut and baking spice with a suggestion of dusk flowers in the aroma, deepening and complicating in the cup. Quiet but rich acidity, lightly syrupy mouthfeel. In the finish flavor fades rather quickly toward a mild astringency.
Notes of pipe tobacco, cherry and pungent aromatic wood in the aroma. Simplifies slightly in the cup, with continued aromatic wood and hints of baker's chocolate and nut. Pungent, roast-toned, softly astringent finish.
Evaluated as espresso. In the small cup impressively deep and complex. Co-taster Andy Newbom (92) cited the range and balance of sensation ("intense yet nuanced"; "awesome"); Ken (92) was more specific in his praise of a pungent, slightly savory fruit: "black currant, blackberry, aromatic wood, licorice." Maintains complexity in four parts milk: "chocolaty... completely malty" (Andy), "crisp, butterscotch and caramel" (Ken).
In the aroma orangy citrus, molasses, nut, black currant. In the cup richly tart acidity, lightly syrupy body, and shifting, complex flavor: pungent aromatic wood, black currant, blackberry, ripe citrus, molasses. All saturate the long, resonant finish with an exquisite dematerialized essence of flavor.