"Falling Leaves" from the Slovak roastery Concept Coffee Roasters is a limited-edition fall blend that features a deeper, fruity-wine profile. The cup initially reveals a pronounced currant wine note, complemented by a tart rosehip undertone and the sweetness of ripe plums. The finish features subtly bitter cocoa nibs, which round out the profile and lend it a slightly darker, chocolatey character. The result is a complex, sweet, and pleasantly juicy coffee whose flavor profile is a perfect match for fall.
The coffee comes from the El Vergel farm in the Fresno region of Tolima, Colombia, where it is grown by Elías and Shady Bayter. The coffee trees grow at an altitude of approximately 1,350 meters above sea level, and this lot consists of red and yellow Caturra varieties. The El Vergel farm is known for its emphasis on precise processing and experimentation with fermentation, which is clearly evident in this coffee. It has a cupping score of 87 points, marking a return to the profile of their first limited-edition fall release, which debuted two years ago.
After harvest, carefully selected ripe cherries undergo 48–60 hours of anaerobic fermentation. This is followed by natural processing and multi-stage drying. First, the cherries are dried on raised beds in a so-called Marquesina until their moisture content drops to approximately 30%. They are then transferred to mechanical dryers at a temperature below 45 °C, where the moisture content is reduced to roughly 16–18%. After a brief stabilization period, the drying is completed to the optimal moisture level, and the coffee is then rested for 45 days in GrainPro bags. It is precisely this combination of anaerobic fermentation and the natural process that accounts for its intense sweetness, fruitiness, and long finish.
- Farm: El Vergel Estate
- Producers: Elías and Shady Bayter
- Elevation: 1,350 m above sea level