Another set of samples arrived from Eximius Coffee today, which seems odd as there hasn't been a follow-up call about the last set. Also strange is that they sent another sample of the same Kenyan that was so underwhelming in the last one. Today's set also included a different lot of the same mark of Guatemalan coffee as the previous set and Colombian Excelso UGQ.
It seemed a shame to have samples and not try them, so I started out by roasting the Colombian and then the Guatemalan. I see little reason to try the Kenyan again. I did, however, measure out a 100 gram sample from the sample sent and from the Kenyan coffee we currently sell. These samples are presently on the large table in our shop on a black green grading mat. Those of you in the area are welcome to stop by and examine the differences between these very different Kenya AA coffees.
The Colombian did not taste bad, but it had little in the way of distinguishing characteristics, lacked body and intensity, and overall is just uninteresting. That said, it is better than the coffees from the previous set of samples and it is better than what is being served in most (though not all) of the local restaurants.
The new Guatemalan sample was more aromatic than the previous sample, a plus. As for the flavor, well, it really isn't very good. If any more samples arrive, I will have to ask them to stop sending them.
The samples of Papua New Guinea coffee I was expecting have not arrived. As they were coming from a company we are not currently doing business with, I cannot call to find out if those are still coming (sometimes coffees are held up in customs, so delays like this can occur) but I don't think I can put off ordering more coffee for long. I have been extremely satisfied with our existing source for Papua New Guinea, so the lack of a competing sample is probably no great loss.