Sweet Maria's Ethiopiques Version 2.0

Version 2.0 was blended with espresso in mind, and what a lovely espresso it makes. (After all, it is a blend of Ethiopian coffees!) I try not to judge espresso by how it looks, but I felt fairly certain this year's version was bound to be a knockout before taking my first sip. Watching the velvety textured liquor fold into itself when pulling a shot, I found myself transfixed by the visual parallels to pouring chocolate syrup! For espresso, I'm sticking with Full City to Full City+ roast levels as the recommended range for this blend, the outer edge allowing for just a few 2nd snaps. Anything lighter than this and you wind up with shockingly bright acidity. This might suit some, but I found it to be far too puckering given the wet process component that's been added in (currently 1/3 washed, 2/3 natural). Right around Full City (around 30F post 1st C) is where I find a nice mixture of bittersweetness and fruit paired in the shot, berry and softer stone fruit notes, and some tangy fruit flavors as well. There's even a hint of florals at this roast level that is mostly lost when taken to 2nd Crack. This makes an incredibly creamy-textured shot, with a thick layer of brown-speckled, golden crema crowning the liquid. But flavor's what's important, and 2.0 is so different than any other blend we have. Fruit flavors are experienced through a bittersweet lens, dark fruit notes are jammy and sweet, rolled into robust bittersweet flavors that have a lasting impact on the finish Stepping out a little farther on the flavor branch, I pick up on notes of dried blueberry covered in dark chocolate, cherry liqueur, raspberry laced chocolate truffles, and creamy bittersweet ganache. Full City+ (FC+) flattens out the acidity, but berry notes still manage to leave an impression amidst bittering roast tones that bring out more of a roasted cacao nib bittering quality. I recommend letting your roast rest for at least 24 hours to off-gas, but this blend might find it's peak closer to 48-72 hours post-roast.