Review #132: Whink's Coffee Roasters

Name of Roaster: Whink's Coffee Roasters

Location of Roaster (City, State, Country): Alexandria, VA

Name of Roast: Honduras Guinope El Paraiso

Type of Roast (Light, Medium, Dark): Medium Origin of Beans: La Joya, Guinope, Honduras

Price: $15 (10 oz.) Brewing Method (Drip, Chemex, AeroPress, etc.): Chemex Time Between Purchase and Brewing (Ballpark is fine): Four Days Aroma: Opening the bag, we were met with chocolate cake and baked chocolate brownie, with a hint of crisped edges, mocha, and then a slight red berry compote that strengthens as the coffee breathes. After the grind, we noted a rich melange of red fruit and berries, followed by baking spices and an undercurrent of dark chocolate. On the pour, rich brown sugar, molasses, soft raw cane sugar, and a slight hint of baked rhubarb pie showed.

Flavor Profile: The sip arrived mid-to-high on the palate with light-to-medium body before slowly descending down to the back of the tongue. Initial notes of cocoa nib, sharp dark chocolate, and a hint of black cherry showed, while lush chocolate aromatics pervade the palate. As it cools, the flavors softly meld into a rich mouthfeel tasting almost like chocolate cake with luxurious dark berry coulis, mimicking the aromas of the beans. The sides and tip of the tongue receive a soft lime that you almost have to search for to find as it folds into the profile. The finish is clean and soft, with the aforementioned aromatics.

Overall Impression (What did you think of it? Anything else we should know?): This was an exceptional cup of coffee that we highly recommend, as it can be taken on its own, mixed with milk, or paired with a variety of breakfast items, while providing nuances with each pairing. The aromatics really set this one apart from many other coffees we have tried. A fantastic offering from what appears to be a relatively new roaster.

Final Score (1-10, with 10 being the best cup of coffee in your life): 8.5 Where to Buy: Whink's Coffee Roasters