Colombia Pineapple Express from Unity Coffee Roasters is bold and immediately captures your attention with its playfulness. The flavor unfolds with notes of ripe strawberries and dark cherries, reminiscent of thick fruit jam or compote—slightly warmed and sweet. This is complemented by a subtle creaminess that evokes yogurt or a milk-based dessert, lending the entire cup a roundness and smoothness. This combination feels almost dessert-like, yet retains a lightness. A subtle fermented note gradually emerges as well. Nothing excessive, rather a pleasant, slightly “funky” nuance that gives the coffee character and depth. The acidity is juicy and lively, reminiscent of fully ripe red fruit, but it doesn’t come across as aggressive. Everything is interconnected and fluid; the flavor doesn’t fall apart but holds together and gradually evolves. Each subsequent sip tastes a little different—sometimes more fruity, other times creamier.
The coffee comes from the Tolima region of Colombia, one of the most interesting areas for growing specialty coffee. It lies in the mountainous terrain of the Andes, where sunny days alternate with cooler nights and ample rainfall. It is precisely this combination that slows the ripening of the coffee cherries and allows them to develop a more complex and sweeter flavor profile. An altitude of around 1,500 meters adds the necessary freshness and structure, ensuring the cup doesn’t feel heavy but remains lively and juicy. The coffee is tended by local farmers who work in smaller volumes and pay close attention to detail—from choosing the right moment for harvest to carefully sorting the cherries. The Red and Yellow Caturra varieties used are known for their balance and ability to reflect the environment in which they grow. Red Caturra brings more body and sweetness, while Yellow Caturra adds lightness and a more delicate fruity note. Together, they create a profile that is rich yet still elegant and well-defined.
The natural processing method with controlled lactic fermentation gives this coffee its characteristic depth and a more pronounced, slightly playful tone. The cherries are dried whole, so the sugars and fruity notes have time to penetrate deep into the bean and create a fuller, sweeter base. Lactic fermentation then adds a gentle creaminess and rounds out the flavor without overpowering it. During drying on raised beds, the beans are regularly checked and turned to ensure even drying and a consistent result. This keeps the flavor clean and distinct, even as it becomes more pronounced and complex. The result is a cup that is rich, juicy, and a little different from what one is used to.