COLOMBIAN NARINO
Reserve
Del Patron ("Owner's Reserve")
is a blend of the finest coffees available from a number of small farms located
in the renowned Narino region of Southern Colombia.
Using traditional methods of milling coffee, this region has resisted replanting
farms with modern coffee tree strains that sacrifice quality for increased yields.
After three or four years, a tree reaches adult age and is then able to produce
flowers, which then produce the berries.
The flowers are white, bloom in groups
of 8 to 15 bunches, and emit a light fragrance, reminiscent to that of Jasmine.
The flower remains only long enough to be pollinated and begin gestation, which
lasts close to 7 months and produces a fruit called a cherry. Numerous varieties
exist within the species Arabica, due to mutations caused by ecological differences
in the regions where the trees are grown. Some of these varieties, all of which
are cultivated in Colombia, are Typical, Comun, Bourbon, Caturra, Colombia, and
Maragogipe.
Supremo classification indicates good bean size and appearance, but does not
directly address taste. Reserve Del Patron is not merely a supremo. It is far
more special and should be marketed as such. Reserve Del
Patron has a remarkable chocolaty flavor, powerful aroma and pleasantly
clean and rich flavor at all temperatures. A coffee so different from other
South American coffees--it's hard to believe it comes from the same region.
COLOMBIAN NARINO $9.95 / LB. 
