Review #91: Dollop Coffee Co.

Name of Roaster: Dollop Coffee Co.

Location of Roaster (City, State, Country): Chicago, Illinois

Name of Roast: Rwanda Kinnini Type of Roast (Light, Medium, Dark): Medium Origin of Beans: Rulindo District, Rwanda Price: $16.50 (12 oz.) Brewing Method (Drip, Chemex, AeroPress, etc.): Chemex Time Between Purchase and Brewing (Ballpark is fine): Seven Days Aroma: Tearing open the bag, we noted rich chocolate brownie, chocolate ganache, devil's food cake, and cocoa. The scent brightened on the grind, with cocoa nibs, crisp brownie edges, slight nutmeg, and chocolate cake showing. Dark brown sugar, caramelizing white cane sugar, toffee, and nougat were noted on the pour.

Flavor Profile: The coffee arrived mid-to-low on the palate with medium weight. It remained low on the palate until he finish, when it washed back to the front of the tongue. Tons of flavor shows on the tip of the tongue: bright orange, lime, blood orange, papaya, and a touch of kiwi were noted. A second wave of flavor is then sensed, with warm, velvety chocolate cake arriving with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, followed by dark chocolate, then candied pecan and hazelnut. The sides of the tongue catch additional citrus and a rounded melon. The finish is balanced, clean, and warming, with lingering chocolate-forward aromatics.

Overall Impression (What did you think of it? Anything else we should know?): This was a vibrant, multi-layered, and satisfying cup that we found to be perfect for a summer morning. The power of the coffee on the front of the tongue was shocking in a good way, as we had not experienced that level of intensity with any of our prior reviews, but overall the flavor melded well and provided a rousing sip. The coffee paired well with sweet and savory items, and it held up when paired with milk, so we give this coffee a big co-sign. Also, for what it's worth, we picked up this bag at the Dewitt location, which is a stone's throw from the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Final Score (1-10, with 10 being the best cup of coffee in your life): 8.5. Where to Buy: Dollop Coffee Co. Looking to do a review of your own? Hop over to the Community and get to it!