A couple of years ago, I ordered a couple bags of Brazil pulped bourbon Single Origin Espresso from Cartel and really enjoyed it. Made a great capp/latte - tasted like pure molasses in milk. When visiting the Phoenix area this past week, I made sure to stop by Cartel for a couple double espressos and some beans.
The espresso (85% Guatemala Chicupac 15% El Salvador Los Andes) was sweet with notes of citrus and tobacco. Good, syrupy body. Espresso preparation was top notch. The people there were friendly and happy to talk about the coffee and engage patrons about what they were tasting. Really unique cafe - interesting artwork, and its located in an unassuming strip mall. Definitely would keep coming back (if I lived in Tempe....) They are roasting top notch coffees - and I really appreciate that they give all the informations on their beans (growing region/estate, elevation, composition of blends). They can do that because the source awesome beans and let them speak for themselves.