Equal Exchange is proud to offer this Cup of Excellence winner for a limited time. Few coffees ever receive this award, which is considered the most prestigious in the industry. Chosen among hundreds of entries for its exemplary quality, this Arabica coffee represents the care and attention the farmers of the CIANA Cooperative put into their land and beans.
What is the Cup of Excellence?
The Cup of Excellence is a strict competition that selects the very best coffee produced in that country for that particular year. These winning coffees are chosen by a select group of national and international cuppers and are cupped at least five different times during the competition process. The final winners are awarded the prestigious Cup of Excellence® and sold to the highest bidder during an internet auction. To learn more go to http://www.cupofexcellence.org/
Who are the farmers?
 The CIANA Cooperative is comprised of 60 farming families in Caranavi region, close to the picturesque area of Bella Vista National Park.
The coffee presented by Señores Luque and Flores was chosen among hundreds of samples entered into this year's Bolivian competition. This coffee is certified organic and traditionally cultivated under a shaded canopy of trees in the Uchumachi community. We congratulate Señores Luque and Flores!
How does it taste?
 Our quality control manager took great care in selecting a roast profile that would highlight the amazing attributes of this highly prestigious coffee.
We chose a medium roast, roasted a bit darker than the rest of our mediums, to bring out the unique flavor characteristics while still protecting the integrity of the bean.
The end result is a fine dark chocolate flavor, sweet and mature coffee fruit, with a creamy, decadent texture, winey acidity and a delicate finish.
"The Cup of Excellence was like the Olympics of coffee. Cupping all the samples prior to the auction we got to know each one, and we read about the farmers that grew them. We walked in to the auction with our hometown favorites and all the adrenaline and frenetic excitement of the Opening Ceremonies. Throughout the bidding, the sales room was a cacophony of delighted hoots and angry curses. I had no idea the degree to which the Cup of Excellence would have me shivering in anticipation, on the edge of my seat. It's easy to forget the small-farmers, who are the real winners. The coffees they produced were all astonishing. They deserve all the credit."
-Nick Reid, Equal Exchange Natural Foods Sales Representative
"I'm super excited about this coffee. When the samples arrived in the lab, we couldn't wait to get them roasted up. After retreating home at the end of the day, and giving the roasted samples a night to rest, we were so anxious to get back into the lab the following day and get to cupping these amazing coffees. Of our three favorites, I nominated this coffee because of its rich chocolate and mature fruit flavors, it's pleasing acidity, and it's delicate, custard-y sweet finish."
-Michael Mowry, Equal Exchange Quality Control Technician
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