MINTY CHESS is a Colombian coffee from the Amsterdam-based roastery DAK Coffee Roasters that captivates with its unusual freshness from the very first sip. The flavor profile revolves around a minty note that is present but not overpowering. It serves more as a cooling backdrop against which elderflower and citrusy vibrancy stand out. The coffee has a medium body, a clean structure, and a pleasant acidity that gives it lightness without unnecessary sharpness. The result is a surprisingly elegant and original cup, suitable for pour-over brewing, where all three flavor layers can fully develop and shine with complete clarity.
Behind this coffee is Jhoan Vergara, whose Finca Las Flores farm is one of those with which DAK enjoys working repeatedly. Colombia itself is already synonymous with reliable coffee quality, but Vergara goes further. His coffee is the result of meticulous work both on the plantations and during processing. The Chiroso variety, related to the Bourbon family, is characterized by natural fruitiness and a delicate floral aroma in the Colombian highlands. DAK brought a small quantity of this lot from Finca Las Flores, so this is a limited edition. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
The Advanced Anaerobic Washed processing method has been gaining significant attention among roasters in recent years, and with MINTY CHESS, it’s clear why. The coffee cherries first ferment in sealed containers without oxygen, where more complex flavors develop. It is precisely this phase that is responsible for the distinct minty note and the depth of the floral character. After anaerobic fermentation, the cherries are pulped and the beans are washed with water, giving the coffee the typical clarity and transparency of the washed method. The result is a cup that combines the best of both worlds: the distinct layered profile of anaerobic fermentation with the precise clarity of classic washed processing.
- Producer: Jhoan Vergara
- Farm: Finca Las Flores
- Variety: Chiroso