Pilhuatepec - Washed

MEET THE PRODUCER | This unique collection of coffee beans from Veracruz, Mexico, was sourced by Cafe Imports’s Regional Select program, which seeks to showcase unique flavor profiles found throughout various microclimates. It has created opportunities for us (and you!) to sample coffee from countries or regions which may have been previously unfamiliar, or about which we may have had some preconceived notions. These lots often come with microregional traceability, but are not farm- or producer-specific. Ours is a blend of three varieties of beans grown by various producers in and around the mountainside town of Pilhuatepec – and if you’ve never given Mexico-grown coffee much thought, this one is an excellent introduction.

TRUST THE PROCESS | After being harvested at peak ripeness, the coffee cherries are collected at the wet mill and de-pulped the same day. Depending on the lot, they then undergo 12-18 hours of fermentation in tanks or buckets before being thoroughly washed clean of mucilage. The coffee is dried either on patios or in mechanical dryers until optimal moisture content (10-12%) is achieved.  

TAKE A SIP | This coffee is a perfect addition to our green-label lineup! Fresh fruit, like red cherry and apricot, come through with a surprisingly vibrant acidity. This coffee has a big, round flavor that reminds us of eating a milk chocolate Hershey’s bar with almonds. It’s approachable, familiar, and well-suited for cream and sugar.

Origin | Veracruz, Mexico

Producer | various smallholders

Process | Washed

Variety | Bourbon, Typica, Mundo Novo

Elevation | 1100-1400 MASL

Sourced from various smallholders in the Veracruz region of Mexico, this Pilhuatepec lot highlights the classic profile of the Bourbon varietal. Grown at elevations between 1100 and 1400 meters above sea level, the coffee undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to emphasize a clean cup profile and balanced acidity. Roasted by Black & White Coffee Roasters, the resulting cup features distinct notes of red cherry, apricot, milk chocolate, and almonds.

While washed coffees are often celebrated for their clarity and brightness, the specific terroir of Veracruz can contribute unique nuances to the final brew. Enthusiasts looking to better understand the interplay between these flavor descriptors and the coffee’s inherent characteristics may find it helpful to reference a flavor wheel when evaluating the cup. This selection serves as a refined example of Mexican coffee production, showcasing the consistent quality achievable through traditional processing techniques.