In 1997, the Coffee Review began conducting blind, expert cuppings of coffees and publishing reviews in a ground-breaking 100-point format, similar to those in the wine industry. Our goal, then and now, is to entertain and educate coffee lovers, the coffee trade, and food service professionals with a credible and easy-to-use coffee guide based on objective reviews from some of the most experienced individuals in the specialty coffee industry.

Overall Rating: 89 points

Aroma: 8 Acidity: 7 Body: 8 Flavor: 8 Aftertaste: 7 Roast (Agtron): Medium-Dark (43/58)

Origin: Segovia growing region, Nicaragua.
Notes: The name Selva Negra (Black Forest) reflects the nostalgia of this pioneering coffee farm's 19th century German founders. In the 21st century its fourth-generation owners have reinvented Selva Negra as a celebrated agri-tourism destination, a completely self-sufficient, sustainable farm community with extensive forest reserves and a very characteristic Nicaragua coffee. Greyfriar's is a small-batch, artisan coffee roaster with a cafe in Chattanooga, Tennessee and an Internet presence under the name Rare Coffee. Visit www.rarecoffee.com or call 423-267-0376 for more information.
Blind Assessment: Rich, deep, sweetly low-toned coffee. Nut, cedar, hints of orange and chocolate in the aroma. In the cup syrupy in mouthfeel with continued hints of nut, cedar, molasses, and a cocoa-buttery chocolate. Simple but sweet finish.
Who should drink it: A moderately dark roast rounds an already agreeably full-bodied, low-toned coffee.

Overall Rating: 8 points

Aroma: 8 Acidity: 7 Body: 7 Flavor: 8 Aftertaste: 8 Roast (Agtron): Medium-Dark (54/72)

Origin: Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Notes: This coffee is certified organically grown and Rainforest Alliance certified, meaning it was produced following sustainable ecological and socio-economic criteria developed by the Sustainable Agricultural Network, a coalition of independent, environment-focused non-governmental organizations. It was produced on the Selva Negra (Black Forest) farm, a name that reflects the nostalgia of this pioneering coffee farm's 19th century German founders. In the 21st century its fourth-generation owners have reinvented Selva Negra as a celebrated agri-tourism destination, a completely self-sufficient, sustainable farm community with extensive forest reserves and a very characteristic Nicaragua coffee. Allegro Coffee, a subsidiary of Whole Foods Market, offers one of the country's largest selections of single-origin coffees. Visit www.allegrocoffee.com or call 800-227-1107 for more information.
Blind Assessment: A balanced aroma combining mild tanginess with a mild, toasty sweetness. The acidity is balanced as well, softly sweet yet brisk. Medium to full bodied, with flavors of bright summer fruit and sweet chocolate. The sweet chocolate carries into a delicate finish.
Who should drink it:: A nicely balanced morning cup with impeccable environmental credentials.