Describe a good Nicaraguan coffee you've had recently

Discuss flavors, brew temperatures, blending, and cupping notes.
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TomC
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#1: Post by TomC »

I feel like I completely missed the boat on this, this year. I read a lot and hear a lot of chatter about Nicaragua putting out some stellar coffees this year, but I haven't personally found much to get too excited about (although I don't intend to make a blanket statement about the whole country). So, even though it's a not like describing a micro-lot, I'd be interested in reading others' descriptions of what they've liked recently. What's all the recent excitement about? Is it fad-ish? Trendy? Some say processing has improved, others just say they're finally getting recognition for smaller, higher quality coffees.

I won't name the roaster, but a very good, very well known bay area roaster had many Nicaraguan options on the cupping table that I attended this year, and listening to one of their personnel rave about these exciting new coffees seemed a bit of a stretch to me. I couldn't find much in the way of brightness or positive distinguishing character, even at a lighter roast. What gives? So many roasters are offering them recently, they can't all be wrong. What's an amazing Nicaraguan coffee that you've tried?
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Boldjava
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#2: Post by Boldjava »

Zip.

I cupped the Best of Mienisch's farms at the broker's this summer. http://fincasmierisch.com/index/
One pacamara was good. The rest, I wouldn't have spent any money on importing . Most of it when to Asia.

I haven't been that impressed with Nicas in the past. The COEs from there are some of the weakest tables I have cupped. I don't know if it is the infrastructure, lack of quality control, or what. I just haven't seen those screaming micros that your associates have.

When I look at my broker's list of Nicas, it is always sparse. I am not sure if that is lack of quality or lack of contacts. The COE tables might suggest the former but like you, can't say. That may just be farm-dependent. Stumptown, Blue Bottle, Intelli seem to be able to deliver them.
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damonbowe
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#3: Post by damonbowe »

Compass in DC has a pretty good one. It's sorta reminiscent of Colombian to me. I can't articulate more, but it's worth a try.

erik82
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#4: Post by erik82 »

I tried the Nicaragua Madriz- Monte Cristo natural a couple of weeks ago and it was delicious (http://www.baristawinkel.nl/a-38305432/ ... o-natural/). Really sweet. I don't known if they're available in the US. I've never been a fan of Nicaraguan coffees but this one was a real treat.

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Boldjava
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#5: Post by Boldjava »

TomC wrote:I feel like I completely missed the boat on this, this year. I read a lot and hear a lot of chatter about Nicaragua putting out some stellar coffees this year...
Tom must have heard you. He posted a new one today. Note, he only gave it an 86.1.

http://www.sweetmarias.com/store/coffee ... s-640.html
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