The Slovak roastery Concept Coffee Roasters has prepared an instant spring in a cup with their fresh limited edition Colombia EL MIRADOR. Cotton candy like from a fair, chocolate eggs like at Easter, and on top of it all, sweet fruit jam.
The El Mirador farm is located in the town of Pitalito in the Colombian state of Huila and spans 32 hectares, 30 of which are coffee plantations. Farmers here cultivate a wide range of varieties, such as Catiope, Mokka, Tabi, Gesha, and three different Bourbon varieties. Elkin Guzman, the owner of El Mirador, has been surrounded by coffee since birth. His family has always been involved in coffee cultivation and trade. Such a wealth of experience allows Elkin to process coffee depending on the specific lot. Harvesting and post-harvest processing methods are highly standardized to ensure consistency and quality. First, the sugar content of the coffee cherries is measured in Brix degrees, followed by density and volume separation. Finally, the most suitable processing method is chosen to fully utilize the potential of each lot. The processing methods Elkin uses embody his pioneering spirit and combine various approaches to fermentation and drying to complement the natural characteristics of each coffee.
In the case of this Caturra coffee lot, the El Mirador team opted for natural processing, which begins immediately after harvest. The coffee is first sorted by floating the cherries in water to remove defects, then manually sorted to remove dark and overripe fruits. The coffee is then moved to drying beds, where it is dried whole for 25-32 days. During this period of fermentation and drying, the coffee is kept in thin layers and consistently turned to ensure even drying throughout. After depulping (removing the skin), the coffee is packed in GrainPro bags to preserve its moisture and sensory qualities.
- Altitude: 1615 meters above sea level
- Harvest: April - November
- Producer: Elkin Ferney Guzman Vargas