Disclosure: Pull & Pour received coffee samples for this post, however, as always, all opinions are 100% my own.
This is a companion review to the other La Esmeralda Gesha offered by Theodores Coffee. I had the opportunity to try them each and compare two of what turned out to be some of the most special coffees I have ever had. Below is a review of the naturally processed Especial Noria, but you can read the companion review of the washed Private Selection here.
Especial Noria began with an incredibly sweet fragrance of tropical fruit, mango and berries. The intensity and sweetness each time I opened the bag or ground the coffee reminded me of opening a bag of fruit snacks. As good as the fragrance and aroma were though, they were merely a foreshadowing of the amazing flavor to come—a flavor that was simply incredible. I tasted notes of tropical fruit, banana, honey, grapefruit—all supported by an undertow of floral notes. If that seems like a wide array of complex and different flavors, it truly was. Every sip I tasted something new and discovered a new element of the coffee. As it cooled, the strong tropical fruit sweetness became more pronounced than almost any coffee I’ve had before. The acidity was strong throughout and the silky mouthfeel and medium body lingered into a sweet, floral finish. I found the coffee brewed best at a slightly stronger ratio (1:15) and to be patient and wait at least a few minutes after brewing to take your first sip. It is worth the wait and while it is great regardless, it’s true potential is not reached until the coffee cools quite a bit off brew.
The Bottom Line
This coffee was definitely one of the most complex, delicious and unique coffees I have ever had and one of only a very few coffees I have scored this high. The price tag is steep, but if you enjoy complex, fruit-forward and sweet coffees and want to treat yourself to something really special, this is the coffee to try.
