SOT Coffee Roaster COLOMBIA El Mirador Pink Champagne Washed

Finca El Mirador, located in Huila in southern Colombia, is meticulously managed by producer Mr. Elkin Ferney Guzman Vargas. This farm is an indispensable presence when discussing experimental batches in Colombia in recent years. Mr. Elkin's family has been farming for generations, and he himself grew up beside coffee trees. The farm cultivates a diverse range of varieties, including Catiope, Moka, Tabi, Geisha, various Bourbon strains, and Caturra. Its greatest feature is the ability to tailor processing methods to suit the characteristics of different varieties. Mr. Elkin is not only known for producing high-quality coffee but is also a seasoned producer who has long delved into "what fermentation and drying methods best suit each variety."

The ingenious aspect of this batch lies in the innovative washed processing method called Pink Champagne Washed. First, fully ripe coffee cherries with a Brix sugar content of 20 or higher are carefully selected. Defects and overripe fruits are then removed through floatation and hand-picking, followed by depulping. Next, the coffee beans are placed into sealed stainless steel tanks along with a culture medium fermented with fruits and spices for approximately 140 hours. This process brings forth a dazzling complexity and depth of flavor not found in traditional washed processing. The drying process is also extremely time-consuming, carefully adjusted to maintain flavor cohesion and clarity while preventing the characteristics brought by fermentation from becoming overly dominant.

In terms of cupping notes, the initial impression is a sweet red fruit sensation reminiscent of strawberries, followed by a bright, extended tropical acidity like passion fruit. At this point, a layered fermentation sensation similar to white wine and a light aroma intermingle, creating an elegant and three-dimensional overall complexity. This batch, built upon the luxurious aromatic layers of pink champagne, has a slightly deeper roast, showcasing a smooth mouthfeel and a calm, lingering finish. Although an experimental processing batch, the flavor is exquisitely refined, deeply reflecting Mr. Elkin's masterful flavor design skills and perfect balance.