Fonte Coffee Roaster Marks 20 Years With Limited Edition "anniversary Blend"

Founder Paul Odom and Master Roaster Steve Smith mark two decades of roasting coffee on August 10th with the release of Fonte Coffee Roaster's limited addition "Anniversary Blend." Smith created this coffee to reflect their 20-year history and to celebrate four of the great, classic coffee producing regions.

In designing the blend, Fonte looked first to Ethiopia, the legendary cradle of coffee, creating a wild but clean profile. Next was Brasil, the world's largest producer, with a sweet semi-pulped bean from Sul de Minas, representative of the "Santos" of years past. Added to this foundation are some thick, chocolaty Government Estate Javas from some of the oldest continuously-producing farms of Indonesia. And finally a return to Guatemala, paying tribute to the Antigua region, whose bright caramel finish coffees were among the first Fonte offered as appellation coffees.

"Steve and I have been fortunate to see a variety of coffee samples pass through our tasting room in the past 20 years. In the early days, cupping was an adventure as most producers had little notion of evaluating coffee quality. Samples could run from the sublime to the ridiculous without warning. We've also had the satisfaction of seeing farmers we supported go from obscurity to international prominence, and the pleasure of witnessing a whole new generation of coffee professionals enter the business. All in all, it's been a very dynamic period in the maturation of specialty coffee and we've been honored to be a contributor and participant," states Odom. "For a moment, please join us in savoring the accomplishments of the past 20 years, then it's off to begin the next 20."

The limited addition "Anniversary Blend" retails for $18 a pound and can be purchased online at www.fontecoffee.com, or Fonte Cafe and Wine Bar (1321 First Ave.) located in downtown Seattle, across from the Seattle Art Museum.

About Anniversary Blend
A celebration in the cup of the best of the traditional and innovative. Notice how sweet berry aromas dominate the cup initially, dissolving into crisp notes of citrus and spice, suspended over a thick and creamy body. Then sink into the long finish of this blend, complex in the interplay of chocolate and caramel notes, ending with a bit of tart fruit as the curtain closes.

About Fonte Coffee Roaster
Fonte Coffee Roaster, one of Seattle's premium independent roasters provides single origin and specialty coffees and tea for cafes, retailers, restaurants and hotels. The company was founded in 1992 by Seattle native Paul Odom to create coffees that would please the most discriminating enthusiast. Fonte's Master Roaster Steve Smith (during his 12 year tenure at Starbucks, he was the first and only roaster to earn the title of Master Roaster) is committed to exceptional cup quality. He sources the best handpicked beans, blends compatible aromas and flavors with artisan quality, and roasts by hand with masterful expertise. Smith manages a rigorous roast to order production process that involves shipping on the same day of roasting, ensuring to-the-minute freshness. For more information about Fonte's finely crafted coffees, please visit www.fontecoffee.com