MEET THE PRODUCER | Los Nogales is a farm located just outside the town of Bruselas, a Colombian hub for advanced processing techniques. Established in 1952, this family business strives to combine tradition with innovation to produce some of the best specialty coffee in Huila. Today, the farm is stewarded by Oscar Hernandez, a third generation producer who is following in his grandfather's footsteps and championing his father's efforts. Oscar's dad, Ricaurte, won the Colombia Cup of Excellence back in 2006, and since then it has been said that "Ricaurte put Bruselas on the [specialty coffee] map, and his son, Oscar, is continuing his tradition." TRUST THE PROCESS | After being handpicked at peak ripeness, the coffee cherries are floated for defects. Next, the lot undergoes Oscar's own thermal shock protocol: after being subjected to water at 80 degrees Celsius for one minute, the beans are rapidly cooled by being washed with cold water for three minutes. After this, the coffee cherries are de-pulped and then fermented for 120 hours, before finally being spread out to dry in the sun for 15 days. TAKE A SIP | This coffee experiences some big movement from hot to cold, transitioning from floral and herbal (like lemongrass) to fruity and sweet (like orange marmalade, and peaches). By the time it's cool, the coffee is almost creamy in texture, reminding us of a strawberry smoothie. ___________________________________________________________________________ Origin | Bruselas, Huila, Colombia Producer | Oscar Hernandez Farm | Los Nogales Process | Thermal Shock Variety | Orange Bourbon Elevation | 1750 masl
