I’ve never been bowled over by Colombians, but the La Linda I had recently was stupendous. The Yirgacheffe I had later that week seemed too tame and nearly lacking in distinct character – almost like a mild tea – until it cooled down for awhile. Then the flavors suddenly bloomed in the cup and it was quite remarkable.

The Tenga Aceh was a very good but, to me, not a brilliant cup. I can tell I am not a true coffee connoisseur every time I come up with a list of reactions to a coffee and then read the bag… and nothing of what I experienced is on the bag. It’s so subjective. The first thought I had was “winey” and then “I wish it had more aroma.” It was tasty, earthy and complex but more notable for bad things it lacked, such as any charred taste, than for what it offered. It did not make me run for the cream, so I’d have to agree with the bag’s adjective of “sweet.”

I truly believe that if I’d had it four days off the roast, fresh, it would have delivered more. I’ll just have to go to London to find out. I do wish that I knew exactly what it was that has made me blurt out “oh-my-God” upon first sipping those four-times-a-year coffees. For all I know, it’s the phase of the moon.