Kaffebox Advent Calendar 2021 Box Set 1
Dec 1 Finca Los Cenizos
Producer: Estela Pitti
Origin: Cerro Punta, Tierras Altas, Panama
Roaster: Jacu
Cultivar: Geisha
Process: Fully Washed
Altitude: 1900-2150 masl
Roast Date: 15.11.2021
Review
What a coffee this is with flavor notes of pineapple, butterscotch, vanilla and black tea. Nice floral notes of honeysuckle and lavender infuse this brew with beauty and complexity. As it cools there’s a distinct note on the palate of cocoa puffs and fresh apricots. The mouthfeel is satiny and the aftertaste is perfect - lingering and sweet. A second brew of this one on the Origami dripper was more tropical - guava, macadamia, mandarin and violets with the juiciness of fresh apricot and the same chocolate finish reminiscent of cocoa puffs. Stellar.
Dec 2 Gelgelu Edemi
Producer: Gelgelu Edemi / Konga Coffee
Origin: Gedeb, Ethiopia
Roaster: Langøra Kaffebrenneri
Cultivar: Heirloom
Process: Natural
Altitude: 1700-2200 masl
Roast Date: 15.11.2021
Review
This is a syrupy and sweet coffee with lush tropical aromas and flavor notes of strawberry jam, orange slice candies, blackberry juice and black tea. The mouthfeel is rich and nectar-like with sweetness holding to the last sip.
Dec 4 Kiangoi
Producer: Rungeto Cooperative
Origin: Kiangoi, Kirinyaga, Kenya
Roaster: Coffee Collective
Cultivar: SL28, SL34, Batian
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1600-1800 masl
Roast Date: 11.11.2021
Review
A bright, juicy washed Kenyan, oh my! This one is full of candied-berry flavor notes like red jujubes and grape jolly ranchers. It’s a deeply sweet brew with purple and red berry notes and pink lemonade acidity, silky mouthfeel, and a mouth-watering aftertaste. I brewed this one a second time with an Origami dripper and a lower coffee:water ratio. The berry intensity remained but some interesting notes of orange and cinnamon emerged. The lighter bodied brew gave the impression of crystalline brightness and had a satiny mouthfeel at the finish. This one is stellar quality so kudos to Coffee Collective and the Rungeto Cooperative growers.
Dec 5 Finca la Fuente
Producer: Yobani Ramos & Yaved Guarnizo
Origin: Tarqui, Huila, Colombia
Roaster: Koppi
Cultivar: Variedad Colombia
Process: Fully washed, dried on raised beds
Altitude: 1825-2000 masl
Roast Date: 11.11.2021
Review
This lovely cup from Colombia is super sweet with deep caramel notes and vanilla infused with fruit juicy red berries. Aromas of apple pie mix with orange emerge as it cools and a creamy concentrated effect lingers on the palate. The mouthfeel is silky but full-bodied without heaviness giving it a luxurious impression. In a word - gorgeous.
Dec 6 Chinga
Producer: Othaya FCS
Origin: Nyeri, Kenya
Roaster: La Cabra
Cultivar: SL28
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1800 masl
Roast Date: 11.11.2021
Review
Deeply sweet, rich in texture and fruity with a perfect balance of acidity, bitterness and sweetness characterize this cup. Flavor notes of mulled purple fruits, blueberry compote and cranberry without the astringency with hints of vanilla. The brew is medium-bodied with a silky mouthfeel and sweet finish.
Dec 7 Vista Hermosa
Producer: Edwin Martinez
Origin: Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Roaster: Coffee Collective
Cultivar: Red and Yellow Bourbon, Caturra, Pache
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1600-1900 masl
Roast Date: 11.11.2021
Review
This is a classic well-made Guatemalan cup from the region of Huehuetenango - flavors of pecans, nougat, milk chocolate and malt are highlighted by the clean orange acidity. The mouthfeel is smooth with a light-medium body, pleasant aftertaste and sweetness that holds on as it cools making this a very quaffable coffee.
Dec 9 Dhilgee Chelbesa Organic
Producer: 303 Smallholder famers, Dhilgee Chelbesa Washing Station
Origin: Worka, Gedeb, Ethiopia
Roaster: Koppi
Cultivar: Heirloom
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1925-2110 masl
Roast Date: 11.11.2021
Review
Wow, this cup kicks off with aromas of lavender and lime and flavor notes of cherry with hints of vanilla and cardomom. There’s a beautiful soft acidity imparted by notes of pink grapefruit giving sparkle to the brew. It’s a lovely interesting coffee.
Dec 11 Emmanuel Solis
Producer: Emmanuel Solis / Las Margaritas 26
Origin: Tarrazu, Costa Rica
Roaster: Slöinge Kafferosteri
Cultivar: Geisha
Process: Natural
Altitude: 1550-2100 masl
Roast Date: 12.11.2021
Review
This Gesha Natural from Costa Rica is luscious with a creamy, rich satiny-smooth mouthfeel that underlies notes of pineapple, purple fruits and tropical aromatics. There is perfect balance here and deep sweetness with a clean presentation. As it cools, more flavors emerge - praline, peach, strawberry puree, watermelon - making a mouthwatering experience that is complex and lovely.
Dec 12 Jairo Arcila
Producer: Jairo Arcila
Origin: Quindio, Colombia
Roaster: Langøra Kaffebrenneri
Cultivar: Tabi
Process: Natural
Altitude: 1400-1450 maslk
Roast Date: 15.11.2021
Review
Tropical, spice and nectar aromas prepare the palate for fruity flavor notes of grilled pineapple, hibiscus, blueberry, coconut, almond and malt chocolate, even cinnamon. It’s silky, sweet and satisfying. A second brew with the Origami dripper revealed apricot jam, red, apple and pineapple flavor notes in a syrupy brew that finished clean and sweet.