Colombia — Maria Rodriguez

Colombia — Maria Rodriguez

This SL28 is naturally processed, with a 48-hour anaerobic fermentation playing a key role in developing its depth of flavour.

Ripe cherries are harvested, floated and sorted before being placed in sealed tanks, where the controlled fermentation builds richer fruit character while retaining SL28’s signature clean profile. The cherries are then slowly sun-dried on raised beds for 20–30 days, turned regularly to ensure even dehydration and prevent over-fermentation.

The result is a distinctly tropical expression of SL28: ripe mango, butterscotch sweetness and a rounded, creamy mouthfeel.

Produced by Maria Rodriguez in Colombia, this lot showcases the distinct character of the SL28 varietal when subjected to a natural process. While Assembly Coffee highlights specific notes of ripe mango and butterscotch sweetness, it is helpful to remember that natural-processed coffees often exhibit a heavier body and intensified fruit-forward profiles compared to their washed counterparts. Similarly, the SL28 variety is frequently celebrated for its complex acidity and unique structural depth.

When evaluating the nuances of this cup, you may find it useful to reference the flavor wheel to better categorize the interplay between the tropical fruit tones and the underlying sugary sweetness. By understanding the intersection of regional terroir, specific processing techniques, and genetic heritage, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the intentionality behind this particular harvest from Maria Rodriguez.