AUTUMN BLEND #2247

Tastes Like: Sweet Plum, Pear, Milk Chocolate

Curator’s Notes: So, I don’t know about you, but it’s been pretty warm in Boston, where I’ve been for the month. It was 73 degrees today! Where, oh where, is my classic New England fall weather? If you’re like me, and missing the chilly bluster of the season, you’re in luck: with Zoka’s limited-edition Autumn Blend, you can brew it up whenever you want. I’m sipping on it right now and, yes, this sweet medium blend is autumn in a mug. The beans are just beautiful, a mix of microlots from Costa Rica and El Salvador. The aroma of the ground coffee is divine – I smelled chocolate, yes, but also a little spice, a little fruit, a little champagne-like sparkle. In the cup, you’ll taste a smooth, melted chocolate flavor, with a nice soft fruitiness underneath that elevates the profile without ever tasting tart or sour. As it cools, I get some aromatic white peach, plum, pear nectar, and a little sprinkle of woodsy cinnamon in an easy, toasted finish. Pear crisp, anyone? It reminds me of crispy leaves, spice cookies, football on TV, and all the best parts of autumn. I’ve worked with Zoka for over a decade now, they’re one of Seattle's original specialty roasters, and this blend is the product of very close, direct-trade relationships with some of the finest producers in Central America. This is the first year they’ve done an Autumn Blend and I hope it’s not the last – it's the perfect way to enjoy an extra taste of fall before the holiday rush. Like the colorful leaves, Autumn Blend is only around for a short time – get it while it’s hot!

Bottom Line: You’ll love this coffee if you love spicy medium roasts, freshly baked pear crisp, or the Folklore album from Taylor Swift.