MEET THE PRODUCER | Sebastián Ramírez is a fourth-generation coffee producer who started growing coffee more than 13 years ago. Early in his career, he started exploring the nuances of fermentation, and today, Sebastián is regarded as a master of advanced processing techniques such as co-fermentation and carbonic maceration. His mission is to make coffee accessible and exciting, and Sebastián champions those efforts in his processing endeavors and as a mentor for the Unblended Young Producer Program. Sebastián and his coffees can be accurately described as "anything but ordinary," and this watermelon co-ferment adaptation is one of our favorite iterations of that endearing moniker. TRUST THE PROCESS | Unlike other co-fermented coffees we've featured in the past, this one uses not just fruit, but also wine yeast and fruit glucose, during the fermentation process. The wine yeast is the first to arrive at the party, mingling with the freshly picked and sorted coffee cherries during 120 hours of anaerobic fermentation. Next, the coffee cherries are de-pulped before being subjected to an additional 72 hours of anaerobic fermentation, this time alongside dehydrated watermelon, fruit glucose, and a little CO2 injection (because Sebastián just can't help himself). Finally, the coffee is removed to special structures called marquesinas for drying. These special drying vessels are held at a constant temperature (40 degrees Celsius) and humidity (25%) with round-the-clock monitoring until the lot reaches optimal and even moisture content, typically around 20 days. TAKE A SIP | Somehow both confectionary and tea-like, this coffee toes the line between playful and sophisticated in a way that highlights Sebastián’s meticulous methodology and execution in these co-fermentation experiments. It reminds us of summer treats like watermelon candy and peach rings, but it also beckons us back to sharing a plate of lemon cookies and a pitcher of iced tea with our grandmothers over summer break. With each memory, sipping this coffee tempts us to willingly ignore the fact that school just started back and Labor Day is behind us, choosing instead to raise our mugs to a simple toast: Long live summer. Origin | Quindío, Colombia Producer | Sebastián Ramirez Farm | Finca El Placer Process | Co-ferment Variety | Castillo Elevation | 1700-1800 MASL
