Half Pound Haitian Singing Rooster – Blue Pine Forest

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. Although we love Joey and he has good values for his business, one cannot argue with more money and assistance getting to the farmers and communities. Sure, it’s 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.

This coffee is from the K-Lendi group of coops, located in the Sud Est department of Haiti (southern) – this specific coffee is coming from a micro-region nicknamed Blue Pine Forest.

The Pine Forest coffee is produced about 1000 feet lower than the rest of the offerings, it is much milder beans, still holds true to the profile but sweeter and thinner, a little less acidity and body than the CAB or KOLEN.

Coffee trees thrive in Haiti. Mountains aren’t good for most agriculture, but they’re IDEAL for coffee; coffee trees thrive in moist but well-drained soil at high altitudes. The higher the altitude, the bigger/harder the bean, the better the coffee!

Tasting Notes:
A very clean and rich cup of coffee. A little hint of acidity at the lighter roast points which bring a little soft fruit tone upfront. A bit thinner bodied than the other Haitian offerings with a smooth and dry nutty/chocolaty tone; a little herbal hint in the aftertaste. Good from light to dark but most Haitian fans will most likely go for bolder and darker tones found at the darker roast points. Will get pretty smoky and edgy into the 2nd crack – bold as they would say.

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.