8. St. Nicolaus - Honduras Espresso

Before 1900, coffee in Honduras was essentially a garden plant, which was grown on small plots of land and sold within the country for its own use. Less than 10 percent of the coffee harvested was exported in 1894. By 1900, exports had more than doubled, but the banana was still king. A decline in banana production over the decades coincided with a slow but steady growth in coffee production. Today, Honduras is the largest coffee producer in Middle America and exported more than 5 million bags in the last year. In addition, the country is one of the largest exporters of specialty coffee.

Different varieties are grown at Hacienda Saint Nicolaus, but in our lot - a so-called single origin blend - these three varieties come together: The Lempira, which brings in gentle and mild notes of caramel and chocolate, while Ihcafe 90, a roast, the Immune to leaf rust and great for business in hilly Honduras, it is both supple and complex. The lot is rounded off by the Parainema variety, which is well balanced and has notes of honey, honeysuckle, Concord grapes, lemon peel and jasmine. Acidity is at the forefront, with notes of bergamot giving the cup a citrusy finish.