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Coffee Review: Cafe Borique Arabica

Company: Caribbean Grain Coffee, Corp.

Bean Origin or Blend: Arabica, Gold Class

Body: Medium

Roast: Medium

Brew Method: Drip and French Press

Price: $20.50/lb.

Background:
Café Borique is a product of the Caribbean Grain Company and is located in Puerto Rico; they distribute 100% Arabica beans. I was sent this coffee by Luis Falto, of La Garita Cigar Company, who brews this as his house blend for visitors to his cigar studio. According to Luis, Café Borique offers three different levels of coffee – a bronze, silver, and gold class, the latter of which is most prized, and each is roasted in a low, medium, and dark.

Today we are reviewing the Gold Class in the Medium Roast. You can learn a bit more information online, though not much.

Bean:
The Arabica bean is commonly believed to be the first species of coffee to be cultivated, being grown for over 1,000 years. Arabica beans also have less caffeine that most other beans. Arabica coffee plants take on average around seven years to cultivate and begin to grow in what appears as bushes by year two full of lush, sweet smelling white flowers. The white flowers remain for a short period of time and are replaced by thick green leaves which soon after begin to support the growth of the coffee berries.

Profile:
The Arabica bean is medium in color, size, and oil and on a medium grind is lush, beautifully colored, almost fluffy, and only a slight bit lighter than potting soil – but nearly resembles it completely in texture. The aroma on the bean is of earth, bitter cocoa, and a slight citrus, with a sweet undertone that is very clean with little to no acidity.

On consumption, the dominating profile is cocoa with a medium to long finish that is both sweet and a bit dry. There is a tingle of spice that never gets strong enough to pop to the surface.

Synopsis:
I was sent a pound of this coffee and enjoyed it over several weeks, never tiring of the flavor profile. Though not overly complex, the bean is very smooth and pleasant. In a cigar, this coffee reminds me of a Padron with the chocolatey sweetness and smooth finish, but for pairings the first cigar that comes to mind is the new La Aurora 107 for its sweetness and spiciness; the spice would be just enough to wake up some of the borderline flavors of this Arabica bean. The price is a bit strong in my opinion, but it is very good and worth a shot.