Coffee Review: Archer Farms' Bolivian Carrasco La Reserva

Background: Historically, Bolivia has not been a very sought after origin. It wasn't until the late 1950s until serious coffee production began in Bolivia and it wasn't until 2005 that Bolivia entered the specialty coffee market with Cup of Excellence competitions. Located in South America between Peru and Brazil, Bolivia lives in the shadow of more prized regions. Nevertheless, it is an emerging market and deserves strong consideration from coffee lovers. Archer Farms' Bolivian roast is one of its seasonal coffees sold in classy tins for a somewhat steeper price (but still relatively cheap). The Carrasco la Reserva is located in the La Paz region of Western Bolivia, in the high mountains. Though not certified organic, coffee from this region is grown using predominantly organic methods.

Tasting: Aroma***; smoky with hints of chocolaty sweetness. Acidity*; no recognizable bite on the tongue, very smooth. Body****; very heavy, lingering on the back and caking across the palate. Flavor***; very charred/ashy with faint hints of buttery caramel and even fainter notes of dark berries.

I would recommend this coffee to anyone interested in heavy coffees. Though located nowhere near it, this coffee reminded me of a French Roast Sumatra--a very dirty and clingy coffee with an ashy aftertaste. Try it if this strikes your fancy.