Friday, August 31, 2012

Rwanda Nyamasheke Karengera

First batch at caffe d'bolla: Rwanda Nyamasheke Karengera.



Karengera is a coffee washing station in southwestern Rwanda. The town and mill of Karengera is in the Nyamasheke district that lies near Lake Kivu, and the borders of Burundi and Congo. There have been many top lots from the washing stations in this area, and this was a favorite of our buyer when he was there for this harvest.

In the cup it's honey, caramel, and macadamia with tart and sweet highlights throughout. A wonderful Rwanda offering!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Guatemala Finca La Florencia

Just roasted and bagged a batch of Guatemala Finca La Florencia!

La Florencia is a 6th generation family farm located on the fringe of the Santa Elena Barrias zone. Much of Florencia is planted with Bourbon, the cultivar that originated from the island of the same name, and Caturra. While Bourbon lots are typical, this one contains both cultivars, simply for the reason that this is what the owner offered.

In the cup it's apricot and raisin with caramelized sugar notes, and hints of bittersweet chocolate and almond skins. A balanced carnival of flavors.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Ethiopia - Saris Abaya DP

Fresh out of the roaster, and available Whole Bean at caffe d'bolla: Ethiopia - Saris Abaya DP.

Saris Abaya is a coffee from one processing station in the Guji zone of the Sidama region. Coffees from these southern areas of Sidama have a unique flavor profile and the slightly drier climate lends itself to natural coffees like this. This coffee had extra sorting performed on the raised beds to remove unripes. We paid a large premium over conventional dry-processed coffees from the Guji area for the extra hand labor to prepare this lot.

The flavors are amazing - peach, apricot, raspberry, strawberry, with hints of nut and cocoa. A treasure with every sip!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Nicaragua Dipilito Cielo Azul

Just roasted and bagged: Nicaragua Dipilito Cielo Azul.



Cielo Azul, which means "blue sky", is a 15 hectare farm in the El Volcan region of Dipilito, Nicaragua. This is from a farm run by Hector Martin Castellanos, and is planted in Caturra and Bourbon varietals. It is from the growing region that produces more top coffees in Nicaragua than any other.

In the cup it's honey, and butterscotch, with hints of toasted almond and a touch of milk chocolate.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Rwanda Nkanka Kinyaga

New on the siphon, and also available Whole Bean at caffe d'bolla right now: Rwanda Nkanka Kinyaga.

Kinyaga is a cooperative coffee washing station located in the Nkanka area of Rusizi, Western Rwanda. With this lot, the farmer received 64% of the price paid, which, when you consider the dry-milling, transport, and export costs, is a higher stake than we have been in many places. That's sustainable agriculture in a broader sense of the term.

In the cup it's peach and a dry hoppy-ale-like presence with a light brown sugar sweetness and berry aromatics. Clean. Snappy. Pure pleasure in a cup.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Costa Rica San Martin de Leon Cortes

Just in, and fresh out of the roaster - Costa Rica San Martin de Leon Cortes.

San Martin de Leon Cortes is a small village on a high ridge, and not located on any official map. It is situated on along a part-paved and part-dirt road in the famed Tarrazu coffee-groing region of Costa Rica. This coffee is sourced from small producers in the area and processed at a nearby mill that has prepared some of our nicest lots in years past. So it's the best of both worlds for coffee quality; a great source for coffee cherries, and great processing and patio-drying.

In the cup it's winey fruits from cherry to berry, hints of apple and floral notes with a clean and sweet caramel essence. Silky. Sweet. Super.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Sumatra Toba Batak Peaberry

Just in! Fresh roasted and ready -- Sumatra Toba Batak Peaberry.

This is a peaberry preparation of a specific Lintong area coffee. Lintong coffes are farmed by the Batak peoples that are the indigenous tribe that works the coffee in the area. The family of collectors our buyer sources this lot from works direct with the small growers, bypassing the local markets, which results in a higher quality cup.

In the cup it's plum, dark malt, and cinnamon with a caramelized sugar sweetness and hints of black tea in the finish. A spectacularly complex cup.

Guatemala Antigua - Retana Red Bourbon

NEW at caffe d'bolla -- Guatemala Antigua -Retana Red Bourbon.

Finca Retana is a very traditional farm in central Antigua situated at 1550 meters on the valley floor. They have a small portion planted in Yellow Bourbon cultivar, but this year we're offering their Red Bourbon coffee. Bourbon coffees are named after an island in the India Ocean, now called Reunion. Bourbon coffees tend to ripen earlier than other cultivars, and have a balanced flavor profile with moderate acidity when cupped with other types planted in the same spot.

Fuji apple, Asian pear, apricot, and plum, with a malty sweet body and toffee as it cools. Sweet and snappy!