FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Tastes Like: Blueberry, Nectarine, Toasted Coconut

Why I'm Obsessed: Maybe I just want what I can't have but... Forbidden Fruit won me over fast. It's smooth with a honeyed body, opening on juicy dark berries and nectarine, a hint of lime zest, and deep notes of milk chocolate and spice underneath. And yes, as it cools, the finish really does land on toasted coconut flakes! This coffee reminds me of a breakfast acai bowl, loaded up with fruit, chocolate, cinnamon, and coconut. YUM. Forbidden Fruit is Mad Priest's ever-evolving tribute to natural process African coffees, meaning the lot behind it changes as harvests come and go, and right now it's a natural Sidama Ethiopian at its flavor peak. It's full-bodied and expressive but kept at a light, balanced roast, so all that fruit stays vivid without roastiness or overwhelming tartness. Naturals like this one are such a treat, and this one wears the "forbidden" name well: one cup and you'll be tempted right back for another.

Mad Priest's name comes from The Count of Monte Cristo: the "mad priest" is the imprisoned priest who shares everything he has with Dantes, the main character, a fellow prisoner who has nothing-- and with his help, (spoiler alert) Dantes achieves freedom, victory and fortune. Founders Michael and Cherita Rice built their Chattanooga roastery to explicitly champion the displaced and anyone who needs a hand up, hiring and training refugees resettled in the area in everything from roasting to customer service. And the coffee itself earns its own headlines: Food & Wine named them among the best in Tennessee, they're Good Food Award winners, a runner-up for Roaster of the Year, and, my personal favorite, they support the Cup of Excellence program that uplifts small producers around the world (if you're familiar with my work with Cup of Excellence, you know how much that one means to me). Welcome Mad Priest, we are so happy to have you!

Bottom Line: You'll love Forbidden Fruit if you love berry-bomb naturals, acai bowls, or coffee that truly makes a difference in the world.

P.S. Last call on summer blends! My warm-weather picks head out with the season, most by the end of August. Grab your favorites before the sweaters come out!