EL MIRADOR • MASTERY OF FERMENTATION

New varieties are among some of the most exciting developments in coffee right now. For generations, coffee has suffered from a narrow and shallow gene pool. Big companies prioritized production over diversity, and today's coffees suffer as a result.

This month, we're thrilled to introduce a new coffee variety from El Mirador, located in Pitalito, Huila, Colombia. El Mirador is an exclusive farm that typically sells its coffee to Asian and Australian markets. Most of the coffee purchased from El Mirador is of Exotic or Reserve grade, so carrying a larger lot of a core coffee is an exciting opportunity.

The coffee we're featuring is a Washed Carbonic Maceration (CM) Orange Bourbon. The Orange Bourbon variety is renowned for its exceptional quality and distinct citric undertones, frequently exhibiting orange flavors. However, the scarcity of Orange Bourbon presents a challenge, as pickers are accustomed to searching for red cherries, which makes finding a perfectly ripe orange cherry difficult. The Carbonic Maceration process, originating from the wine industry, involves placing coffee cherries into an airtight container and adding carbon dioxide. This method helps control the fermentation process and gives punchier flavors.

Elkin Guzman, the producer behind this remarkable coffee, emerges from a rich lineage steeped in the tradition of coffee cultivation, processing, and trade—a legacy spanning over seven decades. Over the past twelve years, his family has predominantly focused on pioneering and refining post-harvest processing methods. Elkin, as a dedicated contributor to these endeavors, has taken a lead role in advancing these techniques. His innovative approach involves the strategic fusion of diverse fermentation and drying methods, thoughtfully tailored to accentuate the unique qualities inherent to each distinct lot originating from their farm nestled in the quaint village of El Portal, Colombia.

Elkin's unwavering commitment to excellence in both coffee farming and processing has been the bedrock of his consistently exceptional coffees. With an ever-forward gaze, he tirelessly strives to enhance crop quality and product refinement year after year. This relentless pursuit of improvement is not just a journey; it's a testament to Elkin's unyielding dedication, yielding consistently outstanding results that underscore his mastery of the craft.

This coffee offers a classic Colombian flavor profile with notes of Red Grape and Clementine. It represents a journey of exploration and experimentation through Elkin's dedication to his craft.

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