Impact
Supposedly Ivory Coast produces low-grade bulk-beans, but this somehow has a horse's pride from pig’s ear. Unflinching with blinders on & digs in with just the slightest deviation, paying no heed to rest of the field... it blows most away. Think Secretariat at the Belmont Stakes or Foo Fighters in the LiveEarth parade.
Appearance 5 / 5
| Color: | dark enough to consume bats; light enough to see out the cave |
| Surface: | spotless |
| Temper: | silken gloss |
| Snap: | sonar crunch, sandy edge |
Aroma 7.3 / 10
straight up, neat: cocoa, coconut, & coffee
Mouthfeel 12.1 / 15
| Texture: | dry track |
| Melt: | trots along |
Flavor 43.7 / 50
mimes aroma so closely it never escapes its own shadow; very brief passing bitter -> a sweet honeyed moment -> late spice pinch (nutmeg) provides offset; otherwise rich, thick, loud & absorbing naked chocolate
Quality 17.9 / 20
Simple & straight-ahead; lacks supple elements (on account of genetics & longer/hotter roast) of, say, El Rosario (which could stand more muscle – in fact the 2 need each other in varying degrees, & together could make the greatest bar on earth). Proof-positive West African beans are best suited as foundations in blends. Nonetheless, gives Amazon strains, & Ivory Coast, a good name.