Cup of Excellence

If you're a regular to my stall in Green Park Station Market (if not why not?!) then chances are you'll have had me bang on to you about how great this program is. Focused on quality and producing a product that people want to buy as a basis for economic sustainability rather than just guaranteeing a minimum wage for a product that can ultimately lead to the killing the market if the quality is not there, this program has brought to a wider audience some outstanding coffees.

Santa Terezinha was one, and Cachoeira another, both of which have caused me to fall in love with Brazilian coffees all over again. It's had a knock on effect too- try the Lambari Estate; super light in body but so good as an afternoon springtime coffee that is a thirst quencher too, I'd serve this during a meal of something along the lines of a fresh pasta with roast butternut squash, bacon and parmesan for a perfect light lunch.

This weekend though has seen something new come through my door in the shape of Bolivian Flor de Mayo. It would appear that the Spanish first introduced coffee to Bolivia in the 1800's (though I'm still trying to research that), and I've not had the opportunity to taste speciality grade coffee from there before, so to get my hands on some Cup of Excellence Bolivian at that was truly something to look forward to!

But what of the profile? Well, needless to say I was very pleasantly surprised. There was an initial spike of acidity that, that, softened, and pleasantly so, and dropped away to reveal a good depth to it too. Not as soft as the Mexican Chiapas, but brighter than the Brazilian nuttiness yet not as dominant as a bright Colombian. Rewardingly complex yet not so complex as to appeal only to the super aficionado, I really, really liked this, and am going to be checking back on this to see how it develops through the year.

All that's left to say is that it looks like I have another regular in the line up!