Posted by: Shannon Smith

Taking the time to sip slowly and extract specific characteristics in a coffee is something we try to do at the Stone Creek Coffee Factory on a regular basis. Today I took the time to focus all my senses on a single origin-our Factory Reserve-The Burundi .

My first encounter with the Burundi was a few months back at the cupping table with all four cups in front of me a mystery. Every other Friday we do blind cuppings at the Factory and challenge each other to guess what is on the table. I was convinced that the Burundi was a blend of coffees because of the complexity. When told otherwise, I was baffled and began rattling my brain for origins that matched the characteristics I found in the coffee. My two guesses were Kenya and Tanzania. Nope. The Burundi. Until this cupping, I hadn't even known of Burundi's existence. Not only did my geographical knowledge bank expand at this Friday cupping, but so did my love for African coffees!

Today's French Press of the Burundi exhibited the following characteristics:
• Aroma: Sweet; amaretto fragrance.
• Initial Taste: Smooth; left a honey-like coating; offered a delayed taste of coffee that suddenly burst into a full flavor.
• Flavors: Dark roast; bold; very complex-like a blend; left a heavy, pleasant, clean flavor on the back of my tongue.
• Afterthoughts: Very clean cup, smooth; balanced; subtle at first; rich aftertaste; complex; Excellent morning cup for the days I don't have to rush to work - several cups could be enjoyed sitting outside!
• Body: 7
• Brightness: 4

I highly recommend the Burundi. Get it while supplies last, though, because our Factory Reserve Burundi is scheduled to be off shelves in June or July. Oh, my! What intriguing coffee will we get in next?