Haitian – Singing Rooster – Thiotte High Altitude – Three Mountains

Description

We found a new source for some very cool Haitian coffees. The folks working on the ground in Haiti live right here in Madison, Wi (at least some of them), they are called Singing Rooster. Singing Rooster is a non-profit that brings Haitian products (art, coffee, cocoa and more) direct to consumers and stores with 100% of the proceeds funneling back to the farmers and communities in Haiti. Sure, its good to feel good about the beans you buy but something just as important or even more important is the product itself; the coffee is beautiful, the quality of prep and consistency of the beans is up easily a couple of notches over the last couple of Haitians we had. Way cleaner cup that we have seen before and for the same price, with more money getting to the farmers and communities. A win-win in anyone’s book.

Three Mountains is a mix of three growing associations located above Thiotte. Mare Blanche, Tete  and Colin. Each growing in a separate high altitude area of the same region. Molly, who runs Singing Rooster with her husband Chris put this blend together to really bring forth the terroir of the area, a wonderful mix.

Tasting Notes:
A great medium to dark roast coffee. Robust and strong with an exotic more island premium sweet edge.  Lighter roasts get a bit nutty with a little grassy caramel and slight hint of herbal spice, tasty but does not bring forth those awesome stronger chocolate notes that Haitian coffee is known for. As one progresses towards the medium roasts it develops a lot of sweet chocolaty, malty and smoky tones with just a little hint of floral acidity, a wonderful everyday drinker. Darker roasts touching 2nd crack have a surprisingly sweet edge to it and greatly accentuates the smoky/malty tones. Reminiscent of a nice Nicaragua coffee with the exception of the almost sugary sweetness upfront and jazzed up aromatics.

Roasting Notes:
We recommend a strong medium roast – just before the 2nd crack – keeps it fuller bodied and smooth. A cool cup at a city plus roast as well but will be nuttier with that island acidity. Dark roast is very tasty as well and pretty close to the Haitian Blue Mountain.