Mexico Finca Santolifrom the Czech roaster Oh my bean is a distinctive yet elegant specialty coffee from the Teocelo region, confirming that Mexico is now definitely one of the countries capable of offering a complex and modern flavor profile. This particular lot from the Finca Santoli farm also made it to the national round of the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition, where it scored 87 points. This quality is evident in the cup from the first sip – the coffee is clean, juicy, and very well thought out. The flavor profile is based on a distinctive fruitiness, which is still beautifully balanced. In the foreground, you will find notes of ripe cherries and red apples, which give the coffee sweetness and roundness. These sweet fruity notes are complemented by a slightly spicy, refreshing acidity reminiscent of kiwi. It is this combination that gives the cup energy and liveliness without making it seem excessive or restless.
The coffee trees at Finca Santoli grow at an altitude of 1,200–1,250 meters above sea level, in the shade of banana, guava, and citrus trees. The natural shade slows down the ripening of the cherries and allows them to develop a deeper and more complex flavor potential. Part of the farm remains forested, which promotes biodiversity and creates a stable microclimate. Production is handled by the Lara Hernández family, who have been farming here for three generations and have long focused on quality and careful selection. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, and the cherries are picked repeatedly so that only those that are truly perfectly ripe are processed.
Subsequent processing is done using a natural method – the whole fruits are dried in the sun and turned regularly to ensure even drying and controlled fermentation. It is this process that is responsible for the distinctive fruitiness, fuller body, and sweet tones that are typical of this lot. The Anacafe 14 variety contributes to a balanced acidity that holds the entire flavor profile firmly together.