Impact
‘Black Lightning’ (solid, straight-bashing chocolate chocolate). Like the famed motorcycle of that name which set speed records in its day – powerful acceleration just rips the tongue & knocks eyeballs out. A beautiful botch / a fabulous mistake in processing make it possible... whether intentional or not, wouldn’t change a stroke (to paraphrase Prince) cuz, baby, you’re the most.
Appearance 4.6 / 5
| Color: | black-on-brown; |
| Surface: | stunner |
| Temper: | semi-flat |
| Snap: | sickly soft |
Aroma 8.7 / 10
red fruit -> plantain -> flower / leather background of muted intensity; strawberry along snapped edges; more flowers (orange blossom) on the rub down
Mouthfeel 12 / 15
| Texture: | slightly dry & sandy |
| Melt: | laboriously good |
Flavor 45.4 / 50
chocolate all day brings the thunder-> brief minor flashes of Nacional’s natural traits (berries & flowers); passing bitterness / practically zero acidity
Quality 16.8 / 20
Overshot, paradoxically, under-expressed. Genetics of Nacional’s, which do require high heat, are stripped by a reckless over-bearing roast, burning thru the structure. Shows how enduring this strain is to take that scorching & still yield a good result.