Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tanzania NgoroNgoro Convent

As I have said before, I am a huge fan of Tanzanian coffees. Unfortunately there is so much generic "Tanzania Peaberry" out there which is pure dreck, people aren't aware of the really unique microlots of quality coffee from Tanzania. This coffee is from last year, and was one of my favorites. Unfortunately this was my last half pound of it, though I have some other interesting beans from this origin hanging around.

Interestingly, this coffee farm is managed by nuns. It is also from an incredible high alitude - better than 1800m - which leads to some serious density in the coffee seeds. Coffee trees at these altitudes mature extremely slowly, which is one of the reasons the coffee is so complex. Compare a high altitude coffee like this to a low-grown Brazil or Island variety and there is no comparison.

This was roasted quite lightly to emphasize the varietal notes. The aroma is intense pear and caramel. The fruity notes continue in the cup, with a nice brightness and chewy mouthfeel. Lurking in the back of all this is a hidey note, what cuppers generously call "rustic", which lets you know this is an African coffee. All in all, this coffee has everything going for it. I hope the nuns produce more this year

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