Nicaragua - SHG EP - 25 lb Box

This lot represents a Strictly High Grown (SHG) Nicaraguan coffee prepared to European Preparation (EP) standards—an old but enduring quality system that has shaped green‑coffee trade for more than a century. SHG designates coffee grown at higher elevations, where slower cherry maturation contributes to denser seeds and cleaner, more structured cups. EP, meanwhile, refers to the defect tolerance and screen size permitted in exportable green coffee. European Preparation is notably more rigorous than American Preparation, allowing 0–8 full defects per 300 grams and requiring screen 15+. By contrast, American Preparation may include screen 13 and up to 23 full defects. If you’re paying attention, you’ll understand why this lot carries the designation EP12—a nod to its grading lineage and the precision behind its selection. These long‑standing classifications reflect the industry’s historical commitment to defining and protecting quality, even as interpretations have evolved across producing countries. In the cup, this washed SHG EP12 offers brown‑sugar and pastry‑crust aromatics, leading into flavors of nut skins and dark chocolate. The structure is straightforward and dependable, with a clean finish and enough sweetness to make it a versatile component in blends or a comforting single‑origin option.

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