New Coffee Release: Elkin Guzman Hydro-Honey Natural
Region - Huila
Altitude – 1,550 - 1700 masl
Varietal – Orange Bourbon
Process – Hydro Honey Natural
FINELY AGED BURGANDY WINE, 78% DARK CHOCOLATE, STARFRUIT
Colombia is a perfectly situated coffee-growing country with its high mountain peaks and its proximity to the equator. These create ideal growing conditions and allow the country to produce only Arabica coffee. However, this lack of diversity leaves many of the coffee varieties that grow there at risk for disease, such as coffee leaf rust. Previous outbreaks have had a significant impact on coffee production in Colombia. Historically known to use the washed processing method, in recent years the country has built a reputation for producing quality coffee using new and innovative processing methods. Colombia’s coffee-growing regions are full of many microclimates due to its different mountain ranges and wet climate. This allows for several Arabica coffee varieties to thrive and produce different cup profiles from region to region. Many of Colombia’s coffees grown at these high elevations are sought after worldwide and often appear in global coffee competitions.
The Region of Huila sits between two Andes Mountain Ranges and in the Magdelena River Valley. This has provided the area with a bountiful water source, varying microclimates, and nutrient-rich soil. The coffees that come from this region are often complex with fruity, sweet, and floral characteristics and intense aromas.
El Mirador Farm, located in El Portal, Palestina, Huila, Colombia, spans 30 hectares and has over 18 years of experience in the coffee industry. The farm focuses on experimenting with and evaluating variables to improve coffee quality, offering detailed and controlled processes to ensure an excellent beverage. Known for its versatile and uniform varieties, El Mirador contributes to innovation in the coffee industry by meticulously recording data to replicate protocols and ensure consistency in its processes and resulting coffees.
This Orange Bourbon has undergone an innovative process for coffee harvesting and processing, focusing on morning cherry picking to maximize sugar concentration due to the plant’s reduced stress. The milling and drying processes were standardized to optimize management while maintaining mucilage quality. The natural hydro-honey process combines hydration and drying, using water to facilitate pulping and enhance aromas and flavors in the cup. This method, shown to be most effective with the Orange Bourbon variety, aims to be sustainable by reducing water usage and improving coffee quality, enabling producers to access differentiated markets. This unique process creates a similarly unique flavor profile of exotic ripe aged Burgundy wine, deeply rich high percentage dark chocolate, and bright acidity of fruits such as Starfruit and lime. It is an absolute treat to share this vibrant, fun coffee with you.