Anaerobic coffees are fermented coffees. They use sealed containers to control the fermentation. There are no rules for the farmer, one can produce low fermentation coffees similar to washed processed using this method, to complete ferment bombs way beyond most natural processed beans. Unlike last season, in which this offering was more of a ferment bomb, this season, it is much more refined, definitely the most fruity and citric out of the three offerings but not nearly as over the top, much cleaner and more balanced in its tastes.
Best at the light to medium roast levels. Comparatively to the other more traditional Zambia offerings, this cup has stronger acidity, a thicker body, stronger fruit notes ranging from citric/tropical to a bit of classic red fruit. One can still see the classic Zambia cup profile with its darker toned contrast, nice and chocolaty with a bit of spice. Easily the best depth of flavor out of the three: all sorts of delicate little flavors pop out at the lighter roast points especially as the cup cools. Light roasts are the most citric and fruit, produces a clean cup with a little chocolate/spice balance. The soft fruit tone is a bit covered up by the brightness at light roasts, will be easier to see as the cup cools or the beans setup for a longer period. Medium roasts will pull a lot of the citric out of the cup, more along the lines of a buzzy acidity versus citric, a chocolaty cup with pretty exotic fruity highlights. Will pick up a little woody barrel aged tone to go along with the slight fruitiness to let you know you have something exotic. Darker roasts are interesting and strong, but will be bittersweet, not creamy and smooth like the washed processed.