This will be a combined review, both of us having received samples. For a description of Bob and Jim's evaluation procedure, see our reference page.

Dota is the highest, most remote subregion of the Tarrazu growing region; it has the reputation of producing the finest coffees in the region. The Dota coop has been in operation for 40 years.

Jim: For those used to light, lemony Tarrazus this bean may come as a shock or delight. While this bean is listed as a Caturra, the coffee has the taste of a bourbon, both darker toned and heavier bodied than Terrazu's signature coffee, La Minita. The acidity is apple crisp, there are spice midtones, and roasted hazelnuts at the bottom. The cup is sweet enough to earn a point cuppers correction, and balanced, with the acidity presenting itself as fairly mild. As brewed coffee, the spice tones predominate, as an espresso shot one gets a classic cup balance, and as a cappuccino, the sweet hazelnut comes out. All in all, a delightful and versatile coffee.

Bob: I reviewed this coffee for the Green Coffee Coop earlier this year and this sample was consistent with the earlier one. I found it to be a medium-bodied, highly aromatic coffee with a good deal of fruity complexity for a Central. It is a very "coffee" coffee. The only way I can explain that is to say that if Juan Valdez had tried this coffee, he might have switched from Colombia to Costa Rica for his promotions. The cup has considerable brightness but is very well balanced with a medium-long finish.

As an SO espresso I found it to be bright but not sour and it made an excellent cappa with plenty of nuts and chocolate to complement the profile. Both the French press and vac pot were classic Central cups. I prefer this cup to the highly regarded (and expensive) La Minita that I drank recently.

Jim's Score
Dry Fragrance: 3.5
Wet Aroma: 4.0
Flavor: 8.0
Finish: 7.5
Acidity: 7.0
Body: 7.5
Correction: +1.0
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TOTAL (subtotal + 50): 88.5

Bob's Score
Dry Fragrance: 4.3
Wet Aroma: 4.3
Flavor: 7.8
Finish:7.6
Acidity:7.5
Body:7.5
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TOTAL (subtotal + 50): 89.0

• Lighter Roasts: sweet cinnamon/clove apple for a City Roast
• Darker Roasts: spice tones will be dominate at full city, not recommended for darker roasts
• As Espresso: balanced as an SO, roasted hazelnut taste in cappas.