Cigar Weekly

Mad Dawg · 01-04-2006, 07:10 AM

I promised a review of this for the home roasters when I got it in, so here goes:

By way of background, the Organic Coban SHB that CBC had early last year was utterly magnificent, one of the 3 best coffees I've ever roasted. Sadly, I was only able to snag 10lbs of it before Russ ran out.

So I've been looking for a replacement, as it were, ever since.

The Organic Coban SHB Fair Trade that Russ has now isn't in the same league, IMO. Good, but lacking the depth of body and incredible complexity of last year's lot.

The current offering (El Tirol) from SM's is much closer, and produces an excellent cup. Like most Guatemalans, the brewed coffee is very clean in flavors, with good body and rich complexity. To me, the cup has fruit essences (black cherry?) that are almost sweet at times, and underlying chocolate and spicy tones that I really like. The finish is clean, with a faint smokiness that no doubt comes from the roast.

I roasted this one just to the brink of second crack, and have rested it 12 and 36 hours. Brewed in a press, it's a bit less oily than some Guats I've had, but really very nice.

Bottom line: those of you who like Guatemalan coffees should definitely give this one a whirl!

01-04-2006, 07:10 AM	#1
Mad Dawg Administrator Herf Dog Herf God Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 34,199	Guatemala Organic Coban (SHB) - El Tirol from SM's I promised a review of this for the home roasters when I got it in, so here goes: By way of background, the Organic Coban SHB that CBC had early last year was utterly magnificent, one of the 3 best coffees I've ever roasted. Sadly, I was only able to snag 10lbs of it before Russ ran out. So I've been looking for a replacement, as it were, ever since. The Organic Coban SHB Fair Trade that Russ has now isn't in the same league, IMO. Good, but lacking the depth of body and incredible complexity of last year's lot. The current offering (El Tirol) from SM's is much closer, and produces an excellent cup. Like most Guatemalans, the brewed coffee is very clean in flavors, with good body and rich complexity. To me, the cup has fruit essences (black cherry?) that are almost sweet at times, and underlying chocolate and spicy tones that I really like. The finish is clean, with a faint smokiness that no doubt comes from the roast. I roasted this one just to the brink of second crack, and have rested it 12 and 36 hours. Brewed in a press, it's a bit less oily than some Guats I've had, but really very nice. Bottom line: those of you who like Guatemalan coffees should definitely give this one a whirl! __________________ Gone, But Never Forgotten. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ That which does not kill me....has made a grave tactical error.