Equal Exchange - Tanzanian Jubilee

[NCatron]

This is the house brand of a store called "Ten Thousand Villages". This store is actually a not-for-profit store that sells items from small villages around the world at a fair price with all of the profits going to the villagers. The store workers are actually volunteers.

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/home.php

They have a coffee brand that is fair trade, and I had to pick some up while my wife shopped for jewelry and bags, etc.

The Tanzanian Jubilee caught my eye, as I had never had a Tanzanian blend before.

The flavor is very impressive for a bagged coffee that was not freshly roasted. The bag described the blend as "syrupy" which I heartily agree with. The mouthfeel is very rich on this coffee, and the acidity is low (which I like). The taste reminds me of a smoother version of the other African blends I've had, like a less-sharp Kenyan without the acidity. This lack of acidity might make it less appropriate for the morning, less of that "kick" to it, but it's a great weekend/evening coffee for relaxing with.

At a reasonable $7.50 for 12 ounces, this is a coffee that tastes great and being fair trade certified, makes you feel a little better about drinking it.

[MrJerry]

Glad you found some new beans! It's always nice to find a new source or a new blend.

A word about "Fair Trade" beans, there are quite a few growers that have stepped away from the program because they only get 3-5¢ more per pound and can get more money on the open market for "speciality" beans.

Half of the extra cost of "Fair Trade" beans goes to administative fees and the rest is to go directly into the growers hands...it never does!

I've found that "Fair Trade" beans are a rip-off! I pay a premium (much higher price than "Fair Trade") for the beans I buy...and I deal directly with the grower. I bypass the broker and all the money goes to the growner.

Don't be fooled by the "Fair Trade" logo on the bag, those beans aren't special, they just cost you more!