MEET THE PRODUCER | Diego Bermudez needs no introduction in specialty coffee circles. Known for understanding processing in a way that few producers do, there was a time when Diego was accused of "cheating" because some of the flavors found in his coffees were so intense and nuanced, people thought they must be artificial or added. In reality, those flavors are a direct result of Diego's innovative and science-laden processing methods. His use of primary and secondary fermentation has produced some of the wildest flavor experiences we've ever enjoyed at the cupping table, and this release has much to teach us about what is possible in contemporary coffee processing. TRUST THE PROCESS | This coffee is a blend of two lots which are situated on opposite ends of the fermentation spectrum. To your left, you’ll meet Luna: a squeaky clean, washed Gesha lot that exemplifies variety characteristics through and through. Then, alllllll the way to your right, you’ll find a Caturra lot which underwent a process Diego calls “Anti-Maceration.” The latter is so intensely funky, so fermentation-forward, even we had to take a step back. When blended, these two coffees to create something altogether unique from both of them, and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to showcase Diego’s processing prowess in this way. It’s sort of like the juxtaposition of darkness and light – similar to the eclipse that’s coming our way on August 12. TAKE A SIP | To be clear: this coffee is still pretty funky. The Gesha lot certainly helped to clean things up a bit, but there’s no denying the blend’s intensity. Tropical fruits, like passion fruit, mingle with cooked stone fruit, like peach preserves. It sips like natural wine and finishes like craft chocolate, reminding us of some of our favorite red-label profiles. Fermentation still fuels the flavor, but the Luna lot gives those flavors more space (pun intended). If you normally like our funky friends but don’t love this one at first sip, we recommend putting it back in the cabinet and letting it rest for a few days – you might be surprised just how much the flavor moves around! Origin | Cauca, Colombia Producer | Diego Bermudez & Family Farm | Finca El Paraiso Process | Thermal Shock Washed | Anti-Maceration Variety | Gesha | Caturra Elevation | 1900-1930 MASL
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