Archer Farms Colombia Rio Magdalena

Archer Farms Colombian Rio Magdalena

Another medium-roast Colombian coffee, this time from the Magdalena region in the Northern tip of the country.

Not that long ago, I was able to get bags of the "Direct Trade" in whole bean, but lately seem scarce. It's a shame, because these coffees in whole bean are really good.

Though this batch is pre-ground, there are still some nice aromas of tangy fruit and sweet wood from the bag. Once brewed it still has glimmers of the flavors found in the aromas, but really becomes nondescript fairly fast.

 I wish this was whole bean, and much fresher, but when it's on sale for less than $6 for the 11 oz bag, I'm not complaining too loudly. It beats the more expensive Charbucks product just down the aisle, and is lightyears better than what's usually in the office coffee pot.

Archer Farms Nicaragua El Paraiso

Archer Farms Nicaragua El Parasio

You can get some great coffee at Target. Really, you can. Their house brand, Archer Farms, has some excellent fair trade and direct trade coffees available in both ground and whole bean. One of my recent favorites is the Nicaragua El Paraiso.

Finca El Paraiso is near Matagalpa, in central Nicaragua, a fair 3,000+ feet above sea level.The rich, volcanic soils and abundant rainfall there are excellent conditions for coffee.

A lovely, oily dark roast, flavors are dark earth, bitter cocoa with a subtle sweet fruit note. A cup of this dovetails perfectly, not surprisingly, with my favorite Nicaraguan cigars. Mates well with Oliva, Pepin, or even Padron.

Regular price is close to $8 for the 11 oz bag, but the sale price usually gets below $6.50. Keep your eyes open if you're a regular Target shopper.