Time for another coffee review and this time it’s a Cup of Excellence #2 coffee from Guatemala. (ed.note 2021: we’re pulling a bunch of these coffee reviews from the website and posting them as archived blog posts for posterity).
Guatemala CoE #2 – San Jose Ocana Paradise Roasters, $24.95 / 14oz.
Chillin’ with the cigars, enjoying some Havana Reserve.
Another one from Paradise Roasters, and roasted lighter than the offerings I’ve had from two other roasters (multiple roasters got in on this particular CoE coffee this past year) – I think I like Paradise’ roasting profile the best.
Simply put, this could be the poster child for “Guatemalan Coffee”. It offers everything you come to expect from a top grade Guat, and more. It’s got the acidic kick, but there’s enough deep body to balance it out. There was a very subtle tamarind flavouring (I have some tamarind juice every few weeks at my favourite El Salvadoran restaurant, so the flavour memory stays with me) with pear flavours, very juicy, and not in a subtle way.
I’d put the acidity more in the “just juicy, non citrus” category, and it’s not blue fruits either, more tropical fruits. There seemed to be some subtle vanilla overtones on it too, probably more from the aroma than the taste in the liquid. Nice medium body and a great offering. It won’t last long, so definitely give it a try.
Mark has certified as a Canadian, USA, and World Barista Championship Judge in both sensory and technical fields, as well as working as an instructor in coffee and espresso training. He started CoffeeGeek in 2001.
